The Mindset Shift That Helped Me Heal From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

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Overview

 Hey it's Jeff...

If you're struggling with CFS, long COVID, or unexplained chronic fatigue...

If you're operating at 50% of where you used to be...

And you're wondering if you're ever going to be able to get your energy (and life) back...

Then this might be the most important piece of content you consume this year.

In this newsletter, I'm going to share with you the mindset shift that helped me heal from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and go from being stuck in bed to getting my energy, and my life back.

My hope is that this post will help you start YOUR comeback story.

Note: I suggest you watch the video version of this newsletter above, but if you're a reader, then that's what this written section is for :)

Quick disclaimer: No, I’m not a doctor, this is NOT medical advice, just my experience. But I DO know what it’s like to have your life put on hold by chronic fatigue, and more importantly, I know how to beat it, even when some doctors say it’s incurable. 

My story: from bedridden to thriving...

When Chronic Fatigue Syndrome knocked me down, I tried everything the medical world recommended...

I pushed myself like many high performers do, thinking I could outwork the illness...

But pushing harder only made things worse. Eventually, I was stuck in bed for months, unable to work, socialize, or even enjoy simple pleasures.

What changed everything was a shift in mindset...

Instead of fighting the illness with sheer force, I started focusing on how I thought about healing. That mindset shift was the catalyst that took me from feeling stuck and hopeless to walking, surfing, working out, and living fully again. I even got to watch sunsets on the beach with my wife, Jess, and reconnect with friends and family.

Now, my mission is to help high-performers (like you) overcome chronic fatigue, regain your health, and achieve total wellness, by sharing what I’ve learned.

The emotional roller coaster of healing...

Recovering from chronic fatigue is rarely a straight path...

It’s more like a roller coaster with ups and downs, progress and setbacks. Some days, you’ll feel amazing, and other days, it might feel like you’ve taken a step backward or are back at square one. This emotional fluctuation is completely normal, and it’s important to recognize it for what it is.

“Setbacks aren’t failure; they’re feedback.”

When you experience a setback, it’s not a sign that you’ve failed. Instead, it’s valuable info your body is giving you...

The key is not to push harder blindly but to listen to your body, adjust your approach, and stay consistent over time. Push when you’re ready, and pace yourself when you need to.

Mastering this balance—and maintaining a positive mindset—is what separates those who recover within months from those who remain stuck for years.

Why mindset is 90% of your success...

One of the biggest mistakes high-performers make when battling chronic fatigue is focusing solely on physical healing while neglecting their mindset...

But the truth is, your brain is your most powerful healing tool.

If you believe recovery is possible, you’ll take consistent action and see results. If you believe recovery is impossible, you’ll be inconsistent, discouraged, and unlikely to make progress.

Here’s a simple but powerful example I learned from Tony Robbins: He asked an audience to stretch their finger as far behind them as possible. Then he challenged them to go 10% further. Most people could do it just by shifting their mindset. This shows that belief literally changes what your body can do. It’s the same with healing.

“Whether you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right.”

Adopting a growth mindset is the first step toward recovery success.

The mindset shift for success...

Dr. Carol Dweck, author of the book Mindset, describes two fundamental mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Understanding these can transform how you approach healing.

Fixed mindset:

• Belief that abilities and intelligence are set in stone...
• Avoids challenges and gives up easily...
• Sees failure as proof of inability...
• Resists feedback and takes it personally...

This mindset keeps people stuck in illness because it frames setbacks as obstacles.

Growth mindset:

• Belief that abilities can improve with effort...
• Embraces challenges as opportunities to grow...
• Sees setbacks as part of the learning process...
• Uses feedback to improve...

When you adopt a growth mindset, setbacks become stepping stones rather than roadblocks. This shift is crucial in overcoming chronic fatigue.

Five keys to adopting a growth mindset for healing...

Adopting a growth mindset isn’t just about thinking positively—it’s about rewiring your approach to recovery.

Here are the five essential steps to start right now:

1. Take full ownership of your healing:
   No one else can do this for you. Taking responsibility isn’t about blame—it’s about empowerment. When you own your recovery, you move from “I hope this works” to “I will make this work.” This shift gives you control and motivation to take consistent action.
2. Be 100% committed—no plan B:
   The people who recover don’t dabble. They commit fully. You’ve probably succeeded in other areas of your life by going all-in. Treat your recovery the same way. Make it a top priority, not a side project.
3. Reframe recovery as a challenge to overcome:
   Instead of seeing your illness as something happening to you, view it as a challenge and an opportunity for personal growth. Imagine your life as a movie—will this chapter be a tragedy or one of the greatest comeback stories ever? With a growth mindset, you can create an inspiring comeback story.
4. Discipline over intensity—pace yourself:
   High performers often struggle with pacing because it feels like doing less. But pacing isn’t weakness; it’s strategy. Think of recovery as a marathon, not a sprint. The goal is sustainable progress, not speed.
5. Measure progress by the gain, not the gap:
   Constantly comparing yourself to your past peak performance sets you up for disappointment. Instead, focus on how far you’ve come since becoming ill. Every small success wires your brain for more success. Celebrate progress, not perfection.

Imagine your life with a growth mindset...

Imagine waking up a few months from now with more energy, better health, and a sense of control over your recovery...

You might be working full-time again, enjoying time with friends and family, exercising, and pursuing hobbies you love...

This isn’t just a dream—it’s possible with the right mindset.

Every day you engage with a growth mindset, you’re rewiring your brain to heal and thrive. You’re transforming chronic fatigue from a life sentence into a challenge you can overcome.

Recap and final thoughts...

Now you know the mindset shift that helped me heal from chronic fatigue: The Growth Mindset. 

And the 5 best ways to adopt a growth mindset are to:

1. Take full ownership of your healing
2. Be 100% committed—no plan B
3. Reframe recovery as a challenge to overcome
4. Discipline over intensity—pace yourself
5. Measure progress by the gain, not the gap

If this mindset shift resonates with you, start by committing to it today...

And the last thing I want to leave you with is this: remember—your healing begins with a mindset shift, of adopting the Growth Mindset. And if I can heal, so can you.

This is the start of your comeback story.

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in the next newsletter!

-Jeff Bangshow
Your CFS To Wellness™ Mentor

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:

1.Join The Jeff Bangshow Newsletter: Join and get free weekly insights to overcome chronic fatigue naturally, rebuild your health, and achieve total wellness.

2.Work With Me 1-1: Get 1-1 mentorship from me personally to overcome chronic fatigue naturally, regain your health and achieve total wellness.

3.Book Me To Speak: Want me on your podcast or at your next event? I speak about overcoming chronic fatigue naturally and achieving total wellness. Email me the details: [email protected].