Growth mindset action stacking

4/1/25 - Move from a negative spiral of deadline anxiety to a positive stacking of actions with a growth mindset.

Author

Nick Venturella
April 01, 2025

Mindset

I think I’ve known this for some time, but journaling recently I was able to articulate for myself that I have lots of anxiety related to time. 

More specifically, deadlines: Being on time for an appointment; getting to the airport in enough time to get through security and make my flight; and certainly meeting work deadlines while in the thick of the learning curve of a new role.

It’s fear of missing the deadline, not knowing what to do to fulfill the tasks to meet the deadline, and/or just failing to meet a commitment.

When this anxiety kicks in, I become hyper-focused on the necessary details, which consumes most of my energy and makes it difficult to relax until the deadline is met. 

It's like a tight grip that only loosens with completion, leaving me exhausted, yet immediately facing the next deadline. This creates a perpetual cycle of feeling behind and lacking the energy to fully address new tasks.

I seem to manage without this anxiety when I've done similar tasks enough to develop a habit. The pressure of time, the need to concentrate on unfamiliar tasks, and figuring out how to do them fuel my anxiety, leading to insecurity and imposter syndrome–the doubt that I can actually accomplish what's needed. This self-doubt erodes my confidence, wastes time, and intensifies the pressure of the deadline, creating a negative spiral.

Does this resonate? Do you feel similarly? Hit reply and let me know.

I've tried to combat this by carving out time for physical activity and creative outlets–two things that do typically help–but I can only truly enjoy them when I feel on top of my deadlines. Otherwise, the anxiety overshadows any activities’ benefits. To reduce this anxiety and enjoy life and work more, I need confidence in my ability to handle the tasks.

While there's no way around putting in the work, which I don't mind because I appreciate the feeling of accomplishment, new tasks require focused energy. The good news is that successfully completing a task once makes it slightly easier in the future.

Building confidence when facing new tasks involves truly believing you are capable, and have the ability to figure things out, just as you have with so many other things in your life before. 

Beyond belief, breaking down tasks into smaller, time-bound milestones really seems to help. Being intentional to focus on one task at a time, free from distractions, is the most effective way to learn and accomplish new things. It's challenging to stay focused amidst distractions, so vigilance is key. 

Completing a task and acknowledging it as a "win" builds confidence and momentum. Seeing progress by completing these smaller milestones provides a sense of control, easing the time pressure and allowing for intentional scheduling of stress-relieving activities. These activities, enjoyed with less anxiety, can further boost confidence and create a positive cycle.

Over time, intentionally breaking down tasks and achieving them builds confidence. We start to recognize patterns, which helps form positive habits and makes similar tasks easier. This positive feedback loop of intentional productivity combats insecurity and deadline anxiety, allowing for more presence and a better overall sense of well-being. 

The idea is to move from a negative spiral of deadline anxiety to a positive stacking of actions with a growth mindset.

The GrowLoop Journal is a tool I created to help simple tool I created to improve ​mindset, mood, and goal achievement. It empowers you to combat disengagement, distraction, and depression to feel better and be more productive. Learn more about it here.

As we finish up March Madness, here is a book recommendation on leadership that I’m currently finishing reading: 

Marketing

LinkedIn posts to check out:

On the Market — marketing-related people, places, things to discover

  • Check out the short-form Customer Success podcast, The Daily Standup from Lifetime Value Media, hosted by Dillon Young, JP Frost and Rob Zambito. You can find it where you get your podcasts. Here’s the YouTube link.

Music/Creative

New music and concept album:

Music and songwriting is one form of art, among others I’m involved in, that helps me make sense of the world and my place in it.

Plus, it’s taught me so many transferable skills–personally and professionally. 

That said, I recently dropped a new music album - a 7-song EP called “Our Own Devices.”

There’s a whole concept and theme to the album that is certainly relevant to our modern human condition. Read about the album, listen for free, and read the song lyrics on Bandcamp.

If you have interest in financially supporting this album/message feel free to purchase the music at nickventurella.bandcamp.com.

The album is currently available on streaming platforms.

Outro

Stay positive, stay healthy, be kind.

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Be well,
-Nick

Nick Venturella Endeavors LLC
NickVenturella.com

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