In the era of disruption, rapid changes across various dimensions of life such as health, education, organizations, and the environment have created uncontrollable situations that require a stronger focus on human internal resources. Developing proactive skills such as coping, resilience, and psychological growth is essential for preparing individuals to face critical and unexpected challenges. Self-determination theory (SDT) provides a comprehensive framework for understanding motivation types and fulfilling the three fundamental psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness across diverse contexts, particularly in education and organizational settings. Meeting these needs enhances psychological well-being and personal growth. Mindfulness has also demonstrated significant positive outcomes, including improved emotional regulation and reduced psychological distress. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), often applied within the SDT framework, have shown effectiveness in various contexts. In education, MBIs should be tailored to the developmental differences between children and adolescents, considering their evolving psychosocial identities and life skills. In workplace settings, creating supportive environments and strategies is crucial for strengthening employees’ internal competencies and fostering positive outcomes. The integration of mindfulness within the SDT framework holds substantial potential for guiding future research, offering valuable insights into psychological growth across different dimensions, contexts, and cultures.