If you’ve spent five minutes on the internet recently, you’ve likely heard the buzzword phrase “mindset work” floating around. Usually we hear it from the reiki-loving, “the universe has my back” manifestation ladies, and it does sound like a New Age thing. And it’s been popping up in our culture for decades now. Remember the teen psychic Raven Baxter from That’s So Raven? Or, if you had your television on TLC from 2011 to 2019, you might remember Theresa Caputo from Long Island Medium, with her big hair and bigger claims. Now, you can barely scroll two minutes without stumbling upon holistic workers, reiki practitioners, astrology coaches, or someone addressing you as a 'child of the universe.'

From Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love to your “spiritual” neighbor with a Buddha statue in their garden, the rise of New Age spiritualism has fueled a trend where personal growth is increasingly tied to mindset practices, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace over traditional religious frameworks. And for a lot of Catholic folks, the word that comes to mind when you hear all of this is...flee!

Truly, mindset work kinda sounds like a giant red flag, conjuring up images of tarot cards, Ouija boards, and manifestation rituals. While mindset seems like it could be part of that worldview, it's actually a practice deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture and Church tradition. Like so many things, mindset work is a church practice appropriated by modern movements that lack their own centuries-old traditions, philosophies, and theologies. And it’s time we reclaimed that crucial piece of our faith because it is foundational in creating a virtuous and holy life!

Cultivating virtue truly begins with our thoughts—when your mind is aligned with God’s will, your actions naturally follow that order. And for Catholic moms, this means that mindset work isn’t just about positive thinking or “choosing joy,” it’s about intentionally creating an interior life rooted in Christ, where every thought, reaction, and choice reflects His love, humility, peace, and truth. Which is much easier said than done in our age of dark mommy humor where women publicly tout their husband’s (seeming) incompetence to strangers on the internet and spell out cuss words to their kids with alphabet chicken nuggets. It is so easy to fall into the lies and traps that modern culture tells us about motherhood.

Because that is what our human nature, corrupted by original sin, tends toward—negative, unhelpful thoughts that pull us further from the truth of Christ’s love and the sacred vocation of motherhood. Jesus knew all too well the link between our interior life and our thoughts, as he notes in Matthew 15:19, “Out of the heart come evil thoughts.” But the Church has a long history of working through the mind to cultivate virtue and live a life oriented toward the world yet to come. In this blog post, we’re breaking down what scripture has to say about mindset work, how it showed up in the lives of the saints, and what it means for Catholic moms living in the age of overwhelm, stress, and anxiety.

But real quick…what is mindset work exactly?

Before we can get into the roots of mindset work, let’s talk about what it is exactly. It might sound like some overly complicated psychological terminology, but really, at its core, it’s about understanding how our thoughts impact our feelings and actions—and then choosing thoughts that align with the life we’re called to live.

Enter the CBT model (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), which breaks it down into three simple steps:
Thoughts: What we think directly impacts how we feel.
Feelings: Our emotions flow from those thoughts.
Actions: Those feelings lead to the way we respond or act.
Results: How we respond and act gives us our results.

For example, imagine you think, "I’m such a bad mom because the laundry is piling up." That thought makes you feel ashamed or frustrated, which can lead to snapping at your kids or avoiding the laundry altogether. See how that spiral works?

Now, mindset work steps in and says, "Hold up—does this thought reflect the truth of who God says you are?" If the answer is no, we replace that thought with one rooted in truth, like, "Laundry doesn’t define my worth as a mom. I’m showing up today, and that’s enough." That simple shift changes the way you feel (less shame, more peace) and helps you act in a way that aligns with your values (maybe tackling the laundry with a sense of grace—or not, and still being okay with it). It’s not about pretending everything is perfect or sugar-coating hard days. It’s about renewing your mind and aligning your thoughts with God’s truth—a practice that has its roots not in self-help books but in Sacred Scripture. Let’s dive into what Scripture says about this powerful work.

The Forgotten Catholic Roots of Mindset Work

What Scripture Says About Your Thoughts

As we mentioned earlier, Jesus directly connects the condition of our interior heart and mind to the fruit of our lives. In Matthew 15:19, he points this out, saying, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” And later in Matthew 5:27–28, Jesus describes that our minds are the battleground where sin often begins, emphasizing that our thoughts—when disordered or rooted in sinful desires—separate us from God. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Sinful actions are born from sinful thoughts. And Jesus makes it clear that we are accountable not only for our actions but also for the state of our hearts and minds. This is something that most of us didn’t grow up aware of—the idea that we have control over our thoughts and minds. So often we simply believed that whatever we thought or felt was the truth. For example, how would you finish this sentence: “I’m always...”?

…Twenty minutes late
…Losing my temper
…Getting behind on laundry
… A little scattered

Those thoughts, while they feel so true, are just thoughts. The key is: thoughts create feelings. When you think, “I’m always losing my temper,” it’s almost impossible to feel happy or empowered, right? You almost immediately feel ashamed or defeated, which leads to even more frustration. Similarly, if you think, “I’m always behind on laundry,” you’ll feel overwhelmed or like you’re failing, which makes tackling the laundry pile feel even harder.

Our thoughts are a lens through which we interpret the world and our circumstances, but they are not always factual. Honestly, most of the time they’re not factual. Which is really wild when you consider that they determine how we feel about ourselves, our vocation, and even our relationships. The good news is that when we become aware of our thoughts, we can begin to shift them. And not only is that something we can do, it’s something we’re commanded to do.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Not; we Google things until we’re convinced we have a terminal illness and freak out. Not; we stress over something and rework the details in our minds until we’re nauseous. Not; we rag on ourselves until we feel so terrible we hide in the pantry with a package of Twizzlers. Not; we obsessively scroll social media to see what influencers are saying and doing this week. No, for every single thought that comes through our minds, we’re to snatch it and hold it up to examine it against God’s truth. Does this thought align with His Word? Does it reflect His love, peace, and goodness? Or is it a lie and distortion designed to pull us away from Him and the life He’s calling us to live?

If our thoughts don’t hold up to the light of Christ, Paul tells us what to do next in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. There it is again: the call to focus on our minds as the key to cultivating a life aligned with God’s will, one that points us toward the beatific vision.
Our minds are not just passive receivers of thoughts; they are the battleground for our spiritual lives. By renewing our minds, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace, allowing Him to shape not only our actions but also our very hearts and desires. This renewal isn’t a one-time event—it’s a daily discipline, a constant turning back to the truth of who God is and who He says we are. It’s choosing to replace lies with Scripture, to let go of cultural noise, and to embrace the peace that comes from trusting in His plan.

And how do we renew our minds? Paul is back again with some thoughts on this in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” By actively directing our minds to dwell on what is good, holy, and praiseworthy, we guard against the sinful influences that seek to distort our thoughts. This isn’t just about avoiding negative thinking—it’s about deliberately choosing to focus on God’s goodness, beauty, and truth.

And while this is a tall order, especially when you’re sleep deprived and making it through the day on a steady stream of coffee cups, this isn’t a journey you have to walk alone. Thankfully, Church history is rich with guides—those who have walked this path before us and lived lives of extraordinary holiness by mastering their minds. The saints, our brothers and sisters in faith, stand as living proof of what’s possible when we embrace this discipline. Their lives offer us a treasure trove of wisdom, practical examples, and encouragement as we strive to transform our thoughts, actions, and hearts in Christ. Let’s take a closer look at how they modeled this practice and how we can learn from their example. Starting with the greatest of all the saints.

Mary’s Mindset: A Blueprint for Catholic Moms

Amid all the wisdom found in Scripture, there is one figure who stands as the ultimate example of mindset work lived to perfection: Mary, the Mother of God. Mary’s mindset was rooted in trust, humility, and faith—a mindset that made her extraordinary "yes" to God’s plan possible. Think about the enormity of her fiat: a young girl, faced with a divine calling that would change the course of history (not to mention every moment of her life from here on out), responded without hesitation. This wasn’t blind optimism or a lack of understanding; it was the fruit of a deeply cultivated interior life. Mary shows us that trust in God is not about knowing every detail but about surrendering to His will, even when the road ahead seems uncertain or overwhelming.

And can we just take a moment to appreciate how profoundly difficult that level of trust can be? Mary didn’t show up to Bethlehem with a birth plan, a carefully curated Gregorian chant playlist, and requests for a water birth (ZERO judgment if that’s you—because it's us too!). Instead, she gave every second of every moment of her life over to God, trusting that His will was not only best for the world but also best for her. This unwavering trust is a stark contrast to what we so often see in ourselves. How many times do we cling to control or spiral into self-doubt because we don’t fully believe that God is working for our good?

The Catechism captures this struggle perfectly: “Man, tempted by the devil, let his trust in his Creator die in his heart and, abusing his freedom, disobeyed God's command. This is what man's first sin consisted of. All subsequent sin would be disobedience toward God and lack of trust in His goodness." (CCC 397) This isn’t just a theoretical concept—it’s the root of so much of our daily frustration, fear, and failure to surrender.

But Mary shows us that we are not beholden to that distrust forever. By intentionally managing our minds, consistently reorienting them to God’s promises, and choosing trust over fear, we can break free from the cycle of doubt and control. Mary’s life proves that trust in God isn’t passive or naïve—it’s a courageous act of faith that transforms every decision, every moment, and every hardship into a pathway of grace.

And the best part? We don’t have to do it perfectly from day one. With practice and prayer, we can cultivate the mindset Mary exemplifies. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” When we trust in His ability and His goodness, we can begin to experience the peace and freedom that comes from surrendering our plans to the One who loves us more than we can imagine.

As we look to Mary as our ultimate model, it’s also encouraging to see how others—our brothers and sisters in faith—have followed in her footsteps. The saints, each with their own unique struggles and triumphs, show us how to embrace mindset work in our own lives. From trusting God in the small, ordinary tasks of the day to persevering through unimaginable challenges, they offer practical wisdom and inspiration for Catholic moms striving to align their minds and hearts with God’s will. Let’s explore how these holy men and women have modeled this discipline and how their lives can encourage us on our journey.

Walking in Their Footsteps: The Saints’ Approach to Mindset

While Scripture calls us to take every thought captive and transform our minds to align with God’s will, it’s sometimes hard to see what exactly that looks like in practice. Cue: the Saints. The saints—the Church’s greatest examples of human holiness—offer us a clear map to follow in their footsteps. Their wisdom is a wellspring of inspiration, especially for Catholic moms striving to balance faith, family, and the demands of daily life. Here’s how some of the most inspiring saints approached mindset + some simple ideas to think on for motherhood.

Jean-Pierre de Caussade
Jean-Pierre de Caussade was an 18th-century French Jesuit priest who ministered to a convent of nuns during a time of political and religious upheaval in France (the contentious decades leading up to the French Revolution). Amid the chaos, he encouraged them to surrender to God’s will, no matter how uncertain or difficult the future seemed. His work, Abandonment to Divine Providence, teaches that trust in God and living fully in the present moment is the antidote to fear and doubt. When we’re mindful of our present moment, it shoves out anxiety about the past or future and helps us fully surrender to God’s will.
Key Quote: “The present moment is the ambassador of God to declare His mandates.”

St. Teresa of Ávila
St. Teresa of Ávila lived in 16th-century Spain, a time of widespread reform and turmoil (hey, Martin Luther + the Protestant Reformation) in the Church. She faced personal hardships, including serious illnesses (likely from malaria or a neurological condition), opposition to her work as a reformer, and frequent spiritual dryness. Despite these challenges, she deepened her prayer life and wrote The Interior Castle, a profound spiritual roadmap through the many layers of the soul. Her work focused on using contemplative prayer as a path to mental fortitude and to deeper union with God.
Key Quote: “Let nothing disturb you; let nothing frighten you; all things are passing away; God never changes.”

St. John of the Cross
A contemporary of St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross endured imprisonment, physical abuse, and rejection by his own religious community for his efforts to reform the Carmelite order that had drifted away from its original spiritual rigor and focus. In the darkness of his imprisonment, he wrote The Dark Night of the Soul, reflecting on how suffering purifies the soul and transforms the mind. This is one of the most challenging concepts for us to grasp in the work of managing our minds, but it is crucial to refinement and sanctification. It also echoes the idea of “cognitive restructuring," reframing our suffering as opportunities for spiritual growth. For us moms, it can be a reminder that the challenges of motherhood can and do become pathways to greater holiness.
Key Quote: “In tribulation, immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.”

Brother Lawrence
Brother Lawrence was a 17th-century lay brother who worked in a monastery kitchen. Despite his humble position, he struggled with a sense of unworthiness and a desire for deeper intimacy with God. His response was to practice living constantly in God’s presence, even in the midst of mundane tasks, as described in his work The Practice of the Presence of God. He taught that every moment, no matter how mundane, can be an act of worship. As moms, we can deeply connect with this idea of finding God in the middle of the mess—whether it’s doing dishes, folding laundry, or managing sibling squabbles, Brother Lawrence’s mindset focus on prayer and humility shows us where our minds can be in the monotony of motherhood.
Key Quote: “The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen...I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.”

St. Ignatius of Loyola
St. Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight who suffered a severe leg injury in battle, ending his military career. During his long recovery, he experienced a profound conversion and developed The Spiritual Exercises, a method of prayer and reflection to discern God’s will. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises provide tools for discerning thoughts and emotions, helping believers identify what leads them closer to or further from God. This is one of the earliest forms of what cognitive behavioral specialists would one day learn—we are not beholden to our thoughts. We can evaluate and reshape them to focus on what truly matters.
Key Quote: "Discernment is about finding God’s will in our lives, recognizing the movements of the good spirit and the bad spirit in our thoughts and feelings."

St. Augustine of Hippo:
St. Augustine, one of the most famous early Church Fathers, lived a hedonistic lifestyle before his conversion. His struggles with sin, ambition, and a restless heart led him to God, as he recounts in Confessions. His heartfelt reflection on the human longing for peace and purpose resonates deeply with the restless hearts of mothers who feel overwhelmed by the demands of family life or aren’t sure if they’re on the right path at all. Augustine’s mindset reminds us that our restlessness is a compass that should orient us back to God; understanding our purpose comes ultimately from Him.
Key Quote: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

St. Gregory of Nyssa
St. Gregory of Nyssa, a 4th-century bishop, faced persecution and exile for defending orthodox Christian beliefs against heresies. His work, The Life of Moses, explores how purification of the mind and soul leads us closer to God. His work echoes much of what Paul meant by the constant renewing of our minds. For moms, it’s a call to guard our thoughts and seek God’s truth in all things.
Key Quote: “The mind must be purified before it can be lifted up to behold the divine light.”

Rooting Your Mind in God’s Truth

Mindset work isn’t just a trendy buzzword or something reserved for self-help junkies—it’s a discipline deeply rooted in our faith and one that every Catholic mom can benefit from practicing. From Scripture’s call to “take every thought captive” to Mary’s quiet yet radical trust in God to the wisdom of the saints who navigated their own struggles, mindset work is a way we align our hearts and minds with God’s truth so we can live the lives we were created for.

Because honestly? Motherhood is a sanctifying vocation (in the it hurts-but-it’s-good-for-us manner sometimes). The challenges can feel overwhelming, and there are days when the weight of it all makes peace and joy seem impossible. But God didn’t call us to this vocation to leave us floundering. Through small, intentional steps, we can begin to shift our mindset, reframe our struggles, and find the grace He’s already pouring out into our lives.

If you’re ready to trade overwhelm for peace, self-doubt for trust, and frustration for joy, check out our other blog posts and grab our free Daily Peace Checklist. It walks you through simple practical tools to help you start aligning your thoughts with God’s truth—because this motherhood thing? You’re not meant to do it alone. Click below to grab your free checklist, and let’s take the first step together. You’ve got this—and, even better, He’s got you. Praying for you, mama!

Rooting Your Mind in God’s Truth