High School Week 1 (March 25): Mindset #1
Study Overview:
There’s a difference between being told to “just be yourself” and actually knowing who you are.
Culture pressures you to define yourself quickly — what you believe, what you’re good at, where you’re headed, how you measure up… And the world tells you to build your identity from your feelings, your followers, your failures, or your future plans.
But what if the real question isn’t, “Who do I want to be?” What if it’s, “Who did God already create me to become?”
Throughout Do the True You, we’re going to stop chasing versions of ourselves that have nothing to do with our God-given purpose. But this transformation is going to take surrender — letting go of striving to be what the world wants and instead believing that Christ in you changes how you think, how you respond, and how you see yourself.
This study isn’t about hype. It’s about mindset. It’s about learning to think differently so you can live differently. Wrestling with the thoughts that keep you stuck, insecure, afraid, distracted, or discouraged, and replacing them with truth.
So let’s get started.
Ready to meet the true you?
Mindset #1: I’m not stuck unless I stop.
Action Step: Commit to progress.
Read Do the True You chapters 1-5 before your group meeting.
Watch the video: Encourage students to take notes on what stands out to them and what they want to remember.
What’s On Your Mind?
What’s something you almost quit — but didn’t — and now you’re grateful you kept going? What made you push through?
Shift Your Mindset
When you hear the phrase “I’m not stuck unless I stop,” what does it mean to you? What does that actually mean in real life — not just spiritually?
What’s the difference between being truly stuck and being afraid to take the next step?
"The true you—the real you, the God-created you—is aware of problems but committed to progress. That means taking small steps forward, even if you don't have everything figured out yet." (pg. 23) What’s a problem in your life that you’re very aware of — but haven’t taken action on yet? What’s holding you back?
Why do you think we sometimes focus more on our problems than on progress?
If you changed the sentence from “I’m stuck” to “I stopped because ________,” what would honestly fill in that blank?
Read Ephesians 4:22-24. What does it mean to “put off” your old self? How can doing what this verse tells us to help you commit to progress and get unstuck?
"It's important to realize that you can expect to put work into moving forward." (pg. 26) How does this encourage or challenge you? Why is it important to recognize the truth of this statement?
Pray: God, thank You that growth doesn’t depend on perfection. When we feel discouraged, distracted, or tempted to quit, remind us that You are still working in us. Give us courage to keep moving when progress feels slow. Help us become the people You’re calling us to be, one decision at a time. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Go Further
Read Joshua 1:6-9. How do you think Joshua might have felt stuck? Can you identify with him?
“If you argue for your limitations, you get to keep them.” What’s the difference between being honest about your weakness and using it as an excuse?
Read Galatians 6:9. What does it look like to “not grow weary” when results aren’t immediate? Where do you personally feel tempted to give up too early or disengage?
What fear most often causes you to stop? (e.g., failure, embarrassment, rejection, comparison, etc.) Why?
WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Go and DO the True You
“The point is constant progress, not instant perfection.” (pg. 15)
Progress is deliberate. This week, choose ONE area where you’ve felt stuck or you’ve quietly stopped trying. Ask yourself what forward movement would look like if you took ownership and decided to take one small step. Then do it!
Examples:
If your faith has been feeling like it’s stuck… Initiate time with God instead of waiting to “feel ready.”
If you’re overwhelmed about your future… Take one concrete planning step. (e.g., research schools, reach out to a family friend about job shadowing, ask a family member to pray with you about it, etc.)
If you’ve been avoiding a hard conversation… Choose courage over comfort. Have the conversation!
If insecurity has been loud… Replace one lie with truth daily. (Hint: Get in your Bible!)
If you’ve been spiritually passive… Step into serving or leadership. (There are lots of ways you can serve at church! Ask your Group Leader for help getting connected.)
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is progress! Write down the step you want to take, and give yourself a deadline this week to do it.