Those with a growth mindset are inclined to challenge themselves and learn from their mistakes, fostering motivation, innovation and productivity (Xiao et al., 2023). Delving into my nursing journey, I am guilty of once holding a fixed mindset in the past, convinced I was inferior and would never be the immaculate nurse, I often compared myself to the progress of others. I doubted my competency when I encountered challenges and was burdened by my negativity. Beginning the nursing program amid a worldwide pandemic did not help with my fear of failure due to my fixed mindset, I had yet to discover the spark to remind myself why I chose nursing. Upon intrinsic reflection during my critical care preceptorship, I have developed a passion for nursing, I now have a richer sense of my individuality and how I want to advance in my nursing career. I am developing a growth mindset by fostering self-care and being honest with myself even in vulnerability. I have begun regarding setbacks as ways to grow instead of viewing them as