At 22-23, I was a preference — someone who loved rich chocolate milkshakes, thick shakes, and all things sweet. It felt right at the time — comforting, rewarding, and satisfying. But today, at 33, I’ve evolved. I now prefer an iced Americano or an iced latte with no sugar — simple, strong, and intentional.
This shift isn’t just about taste; it reflects something deeper — my mindset. The journey from indulgent milkshakes to strong coffee mirrors my growth as a person and as a professional.
The Mindset Shift: From Indulgence to Intention
Our preferences in food, habits, and lifestyle often reflect our inner state. Psychologists have identified that our preferences align with our mental framework at different stages of life:
- Early 20s: People are more driven by impulsive decisions, seeking comfort and pleasure. According to a Journal of Behavioral Decision Making study, individuals in their early 20s are more prone to instant gratification and riskier choices.
- Early 30s: As we age, our brain undergoes cognitive shifts that favour better judgment, emotional regulation, and future-focused thinking. Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that adults between 30-35 are more likely to prioritize purpose-driven actions, simplifying choices to achieve clarity and control.
My switch from sweet milkshakes to strong coffee wasn’t just a taste change — it was a result of choosing what fuels me better, both mentally and physically.
Key Mindset Lessons for Personal and Professional Growth
- Embrace Simplicity:
- Just like cutting out the excess sugar in my coffee, simplifying your goals, habits, or processes often leads to greater focus and efficiency.
- Studies show that people who declutter their environment experience up to a 40% improvement in focus and productivity.
- Prioritise Strength Over Sweetness:
- While comfort feels good, real progress demands resilience, hard decisions, and the courage to choose what’s challenging yet rewarding.
- Research from Stanford University highlights that developing resilience directly enhances career success and personal wellbeing.
- From Preference to Purpose:
- Early in our career, we may chase roles, projects, or opportunities that seem exciting. But true growth comes when we align our choices with what drives lasting impact.
- A report from McKinsey & Company found that purpose-driven employees are 3X more engaged and perform better in leadership roles.
- Let Go to Grow:
- Just like switching from sweet shakes to strong coffee, growth often requires giving up comfort in favour of what builds strength and sharpens focus.
- Psychologists note that releasing old patterns and adapting to new habits improves mental agility by 30% over time.
- Be Intentional:
- Whether in your career, relationships, or personal choices, ask yourself — Is this serving my long-term growth?
- Practising intentional living has been shown to increase overall happiness by 23%, according to research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology.
Conclusion: Choosing Growth Over Comfort
Switching from chocolate milkshakes to iced Americanos might seem trivial, but it speaks volumes about mindset and maturity. Growth isn’t always dramatic; sometimes, it’s found in the smallest choices we make every day.
Today, I choose strength over sweetness — in my coffee and my career. Because growth isn’t just about achieving more; it’s about becoming more.
What small choices are shaping your mindset today?
#GrowthMindset #IntentionalLiving #MindsetShift #WellbeingSutra
