That little word "yet" might be the most powerful tool in your mental toolkit. When you catch yourself saying "I can't do this," adding "yet" transforms limitation into possibility—opening the door to growth where you once saw only roadblocks.

In this reflective conversation, we explore the science and practical application of developing a growth mindset based on Dr. Carol Dweck's groundbreaking research. Rather than viewing abilities as fixed traits written in permanent marker ("I'll never be a morning person," "I can't do math"), we discover how adopting the belief that we can develop through effort, learning, and persistence literally rewires the neural pathways in our brains.

We share personal stories of how this mindset shift made all the difference in our own journeys—from recovering from medical challenges to showing up consistently for difficult spin classes when we're dead last.

The magic happens when we embrace challenges as opportunities to stretch ourselves and view mistakes not as failures but as valuable data points guiding our next steps.

The beauty of a growth mindset lies in its universal application. Whether you're trying to learn a new skill, heal a relationship, or navigate life's inevitable setbacks, reframing your thoughts from frustration to curiosity creates space for genuine progress.

We explore practical strategies for cultivating this perspective: celebrating small wins regularly, surrounding yourself with growth-oriented people, and setting healthy boundaries that create room for personal development.

Ready to transform how you approach challenges? Join us to discover why progress—even in slow motion—is still progress, and how embracing the journey rather than fixating solely on destinations leads to deeper fulfillment and resilience in every area of life.

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Books referenced on the podcast.

Atomic Habits by James Clear (#ad)

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (#ad)

Other Resources mentioned on the Podcast

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Dr. Tony Kovatch, known as "Slow Tony" after being the last to cross the finish line at the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon, shares insights from his 40+ years as a pediatrician and his philosophy on living a meaningful life shaped by personal struggles and professional triumphs.

• Early exposure to his mother's battle with Huntington's disease influenced his decision to become a doctor
• Viktor Frankl's logotherapy provided a framework for finding meaning in suffering throughout his life
• The importance of treating doctors as humans, not expecting superhuman perfection
• How obsessive-compulsive personality traits can be channeled positively
• Pediatricians need to focus on the "little things" that patients remember—returning calls, showing kindness
• Parenting advice: use positive reinforcement abundantly and recognize your words become children's inner voices
• Running as both physical discipline and spiritual practice, even when finishing last
• The metaphor of marathon running: "Your times become slower and slower, but the experience of the race is unchanged"
• Finding meaning in retirement

Never stop doing good for goodness' sake alone, without expecting any return on your investment of kindness.

Dr. Kovatch writes on Medium-

https://medium.com/@kovatcha42/stopping-the-hemorrhage-a-warm-well-lighted-place-b8e8ce27cbd4

"Out of the Old Black Bag" by Dr. Anthony Kovatch

https://issuu.com/ssmsdept/docs/bulletin_22.sept_final/s/16962787

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/tony.kovatch.12

WPXI News Article Pittsburgh Marathon

https://www.facebook.com/wpxi/posts/anthony-kovatch-73-a-retired-pediatrician-from-the-north-hills-proudly-finished-/1083758973788232/

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl https://amzn.to/4lIiYbK (paid link)

Send us a one way text here! (We can’t see your phone number)

Support the show

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

Let TY Services help conquer overwhelm at thrivingyinzers.com.

Follow “This is It! The Podcast by Thriving Yinzers” on Facebook

Follow on Instagram @typghpod

Books referenced on the podcast.

Atomic Habits by James Clear (#ad)

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (#ad)

Other Resources mentioned on the Podcast

Stay Hydrated Bundle (#ad)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Email Feedback to typghpod@gmail.com

4. Shop our Amazon Associates listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired.

Living with intention means taking the wheel of your life instead of letting it happen to you. We explore practical strategies for making deliberate choices that align with your values and create the life you actually want.

• Moving from autopilot living to intentional decision-making
• Why setting boundaries might make others uncomfortable—and why that's okay
• How meditation and mindfulness can shift your nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-recover
• Understanding your "why" as a foundation for intentional choices
• Making small, consistent changes rather than attempting complete life overhauls
• Using intentional practices to navigate burnout, stagnation, and unexpected setbacks
• The importance of giving yourself grace during the transition to more intentional living

If something here spoke to you, please take a second to make sure you are following the show in your favorite podcast platform. Leave us a rating or a quick review and share it with some friends and family. Every follow and review helps us reach more people.

Send us a one way text here! (We can’t see your phone number)

Support the show

This podcast is a production of Thriving Yinzers LLC.

Let TY Services help conquer overwhelm at thrivingyinzers.com.

Follow “This is It! The Podcast by Thriving Yinzers” on Facebook

Follow on Instagram @typghpod

Books referenced on the podcast.

Atomic Habits by James Clear (#ad)

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck (#ad)

Other Resources mentioned on the Podcast

Stay Hydrated Bundle (#ad)

Help Us By:

1. Share the podcast with your friends and family

2. Rate and Review!

3. Email Feedback to typghpod@gmail.com

4. Shop our Amazon Associates listed above for books & resources mentioned on the podcast to keep you inspired.