18. Business Mindset: Lessons from the Fourth Wing

Let’s talk about mental shields.

If you’ve read Fourth Wing, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Violet, the main character, is constantly surrounded by danger, doubt, and literal dragons. But one of her biggest internal battles is keeping her mental shields up - protecting her thoughts from outside voices and staying steady in the chaos around her.

And honestly? That hit home for me.

Because running a business feels like that too sometimes. (Okay, minus the dragons.)

Whether it’s comparison on Instagram, the pressure to grow faster, or your own inner critic whispering that you’re not doing enough - it’s a lot. And if we’re not careful, those voices can start running the show.

That’s why in this episode of the Higher Purpose Marketing Strategy podcast, I’m diving into the connection between business mindset, mental health, and faith - and why we need to build mental shields just as intentionally as we build marketing strategies.

Why Business Mindset Isn’t Optional

Every business owner will face hard seasons. Discouragement. Uncertainty. Crickets on your content even when you’re trying your best.

But how we respond in those moments has everything to do with what’s happening in our minds.

Romans 8:6 reminds us: “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

The goal isn’t to force a positive attitude. It’s to train your mind to return to truth, even when your circumstances feel shaky.

What Violet Can Teach Us About Mental Shields

In Fourth Wing, Violet has to intentionally raise her mental shields to block out the chaos. And that’s exactly what we need to do as business owners.

Here are a few ways I’ve learned to do that:

1. Start Your Morning with Intention

   1. Read Scripture. Even a few verses.

   2. Pray or journal before checking your phone.

   3. Choose one truth to anchor your thoughts for the day.
      

2. Limit Comparison Triggers

   1. Mute accounts that send you spiraling.

   2. Step away from endless business advice when it’s more noise than help.

   3. Curate what comes into your mind—just like you would with food or fitness.
      

3. Set Boundaries and Actually Keep Them

   1. End your workday at a set time.

   2. Turn off notifications during family time.

   3. Give yourself permission to rest without guilt.
      

4. Surround Yourself with Encouragement

   1. Talk to someone who gets it (not just someone who’ll say “you’re doing great”).

   2. Join a mastermind or coaching community rooted in values.

   3. Don’t isolate. When your shields are slipping, someone else’s can help protect you.

How to Know When Your Shields Are Down

If you’re feeling reactive, scattered, or stuck in analysis paralysis, those are signs your mindset might need some attention.

When that happens:

• Step away from your screen.

• Pray. Journal. Take a walk.

• Reach out to someone who can speak truth back to you.

Mindset work isn’t fluff. It’s survival.

And as someone who’s had to rebuild her mental shields more than once (especially during health struggles and seasons of burnout), I want you to know this:

Your mental resilience is just as important as your marketing strategy.

So give it your attention. Build your shields. Get in the Word. Guard your mind like your business depends on it - because it does.

And if you need help building a marketing strategy that works for your business - and doesn’t add to the mental noise - I’d love to help.

I’ve got a few spots open for Power Hour coaching this month.