Mindset Over Matter Blog

Mindfulness & Mindset

Mindfulness and Mindset

September 26, 20243 min read

“At the root of all success is a healthy mindset.”

The Power of Mindset and Mindfulness for Women Engineers: Achieving Success Without Limits

Hi, I’m Lyla, an electrical engineer turned mindset coach for women in engineering. I’m passionate about helping women navigate their unique challenges in the engineering world and reach success on their own terms. Today, I want to talk about two powerful tools that can help you achieve that success—mindset and mindfulness.

Why Mindset Matters

Success is more than external achievements like promotions or productivity. True success also includes internal well-being, meaning happiness. Unfortunately, many of us limit ourselves by holding onto beliefs that sabotage our potential. Mindset—our collection of beliefs and attitudes—shapes how we interpret situations and respond to challenges. It influences everything we do, from our decision-making to how we handle stress.

At the root of all success is a healthy mindset. The good news? Our mindset is modifiable! With intention and effort, we can reframe limiting beliefs and turn our mindset into a powerful tool that works for us, not against us.

Healthy Mindsets Create Success

For women in engineering, mindset is even more crucial. The engineering field is fast-paced and high-pressure, and being a woman in a male-dominated environment adds layers of complexity. A healthy mindset not only helps you survive but thrive in this space. It allows you to lead with confidence, drive innovation, and manage stress effectively.

A healthy mindset boosts:

  • Performance: Increasing productivity and managing stress better.

  • Leadership: Enhancing decision-making and relationships.

  • Personal growth: Building confidence and avoiding burnout.

Mindfulness: The Key to Unlocking a Healthy Mindset

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment without judgment. When combined with mindset work, mindfulness becomes a transformative tool, rewiring the brain for success through a process called neuroplasticity. By cultivating mindfulness, we improve our emotional regulation, focus, and problem-solving—key attributes for any engineer.

The Neuroscience Behind Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices have been proven to strengthen brain regions associated with attention and emotional regulation, like the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. This is critical for engineers, who often need to focus for long periods, handle stressful situations, and solve complex problems. Additionally, mindfulness enhances creativity and cognitive flexibility, allowing you to approach challenges from a new perspective.

How to Build a Healthy Mindset

Building a healthy mindset involves three main components:

  1. Mindfulness: Regular practice, such as Positive Intelligence (PQ) reps, helps sharpen your focus and resilience.

  2. Recognizing Saboteurs: Identifying negative thoughts, emotions, and limiting beliefs is key to understanding how your mind works against you.

  3. Strengthening Sage Powers: Developing skills like empathy, curiosity, and creativity allows you to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.

Why This Matters for Women in Engineering

The engineering profession is demanding, but by working on your mindset and practicing mindfulness, you can increase your productivity, manage stress better, and ultimately, create a fulfilling and successful career without limitations. These are skills that are essential not only for achieving professional success but also for personal happiness and balance.

Ready to Take Control of Your Mindset?

To make lasting change, I offer a 6-week Positive Intelligence Program designed to help you rewire your brain for success. Through mindfulness, PQ reps, and mindset training, this program provides the support and tools needed to transform your mindset, increase your mental fitness, and thrive both personally and professionally.


If you’re ready to start your journey toward a healthier mindset, here are a few free resources:

  • Saboteur Assessment: Learn which negative thoughts and emotions hold you back. Schedule yours today.

  • PQ Mindset Score: Discover how mentally fit you are by measuring how often your mind works for you versus against you. Get your PQ Mindset Score here.

  • More Information: Visit my website to learn more about the Positive Intelligence Program and how it can help you take control of your mindset.

By making mindset and mindfulness a priority, you empower yourself to create the life and career you’ve always dreamed of. Let’s take that first step together!

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Lyla Cookson

Lyla is an electrical engineer turned coach for women engineers with a deep-rooted passion for empowering women in engineering to reduce mindset limitations that keep them from achieving the pay, opportunity, impact, or happiness that they deserve!

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To find more information about me and my other offerings, please visit my website: lylacookson.com