Mindfully Bold
Well, good day. In the past, this blog was titled Unconventional Conversations, but after some deep reflection and valuable feedback from our tribe—those seeking a way to get unstuck and shift into a vibrant, meaningful life—I’ve decided to make a change. The new name, Mindfully Bold, better encapsulates my approach to living: with awareness, enthusiasm, and an unconventional spirit that defies age. I hope it’s memorable, compelling, and aligned with my mission to inspire others to embrace the present moment with energy and wisdom.
Embracing Mindful Boldness
Living with intention and vitality requires courage. It means stepping outside the familiar, embracing change, and daring to be unconventional. But I believe that takes mindful boldness—a conscious choice to engage life with resilience, vision, and enthusiasm.
I want to begin this first episode of the Mindfully Bold blog with a true story—one that carries a lesson about change, mindset, and the importance of being willing to shift when life demands it.
A Story of Conflict and Growth
In 2017, I was part of a church that faced a significant division—a story many who have been involved in faith communities might find familiar. The church, located in the heart of the Bible Belt, had long been a place of community and faith. However, when our long-serving pastor announced his retirement, a rift emerged.
The process of finding a new pastor revealed two deeply entrenched mindsets. One group clung to tradition, resisting any changes that might alter the familiar structure of the church. The other group embraced change, believing that evolution was necessary to stay relevant and attract a diverse congregation. Over time, the divide grew so deep that an amicable resolution became impossible. The church split, with one faction leaving to establish their own congregation elsewhere.
Caught in the crossfire, I found myself vilified for choosing to stay with those who sought growth and renewal. The pain of being misunderstood and judged was real, but it also taught me an invaluable lesson: change is inevitable, and those who resist it often suffer the most. The fixed mindset of the group that left was rooted in fear and a reluctance to step into the unknown. Instead of being mindfully bold, they chose to retreat into what was comfortable.
Facing Change with Mindful Boldness
This experience led me to reflect on my own relationship with change. Like many in my generation, I struggled with adapting to modern technology. Having worked for years as a telephone claims specialist in a major insurance company, I was accustomed to proprietary systems. But beyond that, my technological skills were limited. When I retired, I realized how much I had to learn just to navigate the digital world.
At first, it felt overwhelming. I could have told myself that I was too old to learn, that technology was for younger people. But instead, I chose to be mindfully bold. I sought help, listened to those who had the skills I lacked, and embraced the learning process. I discovered that age is never a barrier to growth—only mindset is.
This is the essence of Mindfully Bold living: choosing growth over stagnation, embracing discomfort as part of learning, and seeing change not as a threat, but as an opportunity.
The Power of RESOLVE
My coaching framework, RESOLVE: Your Blueprint for Intentional Success, embodies the principles of mindful boldness. Each letter represents a core behavior essential for personal growth:
Resilience – Bouncing back from setbacks with determination.
Engagement – Actively participating in life and seizing opportunities.
Selfless Service – Focusing on contributing rather than just receiving.
Organization – Structuring life for maximum impact.
Lifelong Learning – Always seeking knowledge and self-improvement.
Visionary Mindset – Seeing beyond the present and creating a compelling future.
Enthusiasm – Approaching life with energy and excitement.
To live a meaningful, vibrant life, you must embrace these behaviors daily. Fixed mindsets hold people back, while growth mindsets open doors to possibility. Dr. Carol Dweck, in her research on mindset, emphasizes that the ability to learn and adapt is not about inherent talent but about the willingness to persist, experiment, and grow.
A Call to Action
As we launch Mindfully Bold, I challenge you to evaluate your own mindset. Are you resisting change because it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable? Are you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? If so, it’s time to shift.
Living boldly and mindfully means refusing to settle for stagnation. It means being willing to ask for help, to learn from others, and to embrace new experiences with enthusiasm. You are never too far along in life to shift into something greater.
If you feel stuck and want to learn how to shift, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a life of intention, vitality, and mindful boldness.
I’m John Morrow, and this is Mindfully Bold. I look forward to your thoughts—let's start a conversation. You can find me at JohnMorrowCoaching.com.
Make today the best day of your life by focusing on today first.
Until next time, John Morrow