HOW TO SHIFT YOUR MINDSET TO OBTAIN GREATER SUCCESS IN BUSINESS AND HAPPINESS

ERICK KASNER, PhD

For those of you still working toward launching a business or startup, or already in business, shifting your mindset to achieve greater success and happiness involves adopting a well-rounded approach that nurtures both your internal attitude and external actions. Here are some effective key steps to guide you through this transformative process.

1. Adopt a Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. People with a growth mindset are more resilient, embrace challenges, and see failure as an opportunity to learn rather than as a setback. Henry Ford, Sam Walton, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates are among others.

Instead of emphasizing fixed traits, ask yourself, “How can I improve this?” when facing challenges. Also, celebrate learning, even if it involves failure; nonetheless, see mistakes as stepping stones toward growth.

2. Set Clear, Meaningful Goals

Knowing what you truly want to achieve and breaking it down into achievable steps.

Clear goals create direction, focus, and motivation. They need to be designed in a way that allows you to track progress.

Break your goals into short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives. Be specific about what you want (e.g., “Increase sales by 20% in the next quarter” vs. “Grow my business”), rather than keeping them in general terms.

3. Embrace the Power of Positive Thinking

The practice of focusing on positive outcomes, potential, and opportunities rather than on barriers and setbacks. Positive thinking can and will increase your confidence, reduce stress, and help you stay motivated, even in tough times.

Reframe negative thoughts — for example, instead of saying "I can’t do this," try saying "I’m learning how to do this." For even more effectiveness, use “It can be done.”

Practice gratitude every day. Focus on what’s going well in your business and life.

4. Take Consistent Action, No Matter How Small

Success doesn’t come from big, sporadic leaps but from consistent, daily effort toward your goals. Small actions accumulate over time, resulting in significant outcomes. Being consistent builds momentum and helps you stay focused.

Start each day by planning 1-3 key tasks that bring you closer to your meaningful goals.

Don’t wait for “perfect” conditions—start with what you have now and improve as you go.

5. Develop Emotional Intelligence

The ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. High emotional intelligence helps you navigate complex business decisions, improve relationships, and stay calm under pressure.

Practice mindfulness to stay aware of your emotions. Develop empathy by actively listening to others and trying to understand their perspectives.

6. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

The people you associate with greatly influence your mindset and actions. Being around supportive, ambitious, and positive people can help you stay motivated, learn new things, and develop meaningful connections.

Seek out mentors or peers who inspire you and can offer guidance. Join communities or groups that align with your personal and professional values.

7. Prioritize Self-Care and Mental Health

Prioritize your well-being so you can show up as the best version of yourself. Success and happiness cannot thrive in a burnt-out or stressed mind. Physical and mental health are essential for productivity and happiness.

Incorporate activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, meditation, reading, or hobbies you enjoy. Set boundaries to prevent burnout. Learn to say “no” when necessary.

8. Practice Resilience

The ability to recover from challenges, setbacks, and failures. Business and life will inevitably present obstacles. Resilience helps you keep going without losing momentum.

When facing adversity, ask yourself, “What’s the lesson here?” Focus on what you can control and release what you can’t. Equally important, don’t let “you can’t control” linger inside you.

9. Live with Purpose and Passion

Having a clear understanding of why you're doing what you're doing and letting that passion fuel your efforts. When you’re connected to your “why,” your work becomes more meaningful, and you're more likely to persevere through tough times.

Regularly consider what motivates you—both in business and life—and make sure it aligns with your actions. Find ways to infuse passion into your daily work, whether through creative projects, goals, or meaningful interactions with others.

10. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Recognize and celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Perfectionism can be paralyzing. Focusing on progress helps you stay motivated and reduce stress.

Track your small wins and take time to celebrate them. Reflect on how far you’ve come, even if the ultimate goal still lies ahead.

Conclusion

Shifting your mindset is an ongoing process of self-reflection, growth, and intentional action. It’s not just about changing how you think, but also about changing how you act. By developing a growth mindset, setting clear goals, and prioritizing well-being, you lay a foundation for both business success and personal happiness. The key is persistence and a willingness to learn and adapt along the way.

Have you ever tried any of these shifts in mindset or actions before? What’s something you feel most drawn to change or improve in your approach to success? Set this as a goal and begin working on it.

Please visit my website, erickkasner.com, and look for helpful books for free download and other goodies.