Hey everyone, Paul Peery here! Ever feel like you’re working really hard but not getting where you want to be? I’ve been there! It’s like pedaling a bike uphill in the wrong gear. Sometimes, it’s not about working harder, but about shifting your mindset. Think of your mindset as the control panel for your success. A few small tweaks can make a HUGE difference. In this post, I’m going to share some powerful mindset shifts that have helped me, and I know can help you, achieve more than you ever thought possible. My main point? Success isn’t just about what you do; it’s about how you think.
Embrace the “Growth Mindset” (vs. Fixed Mindset)
Ever heard someone say, “I’m just not good at math,” or “I’m not a creative person”? That’s a fixed mindset talking. It’s the belief that your abilities are set in stone. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is believing you can learn and improve anything with effort.

I used to think I wasn’t a “business person.” I was comfortable with the creative side of things, but numbers? Forget it! Then I realized I was limiting myself. I started learning about finance, marketing, and sales. It wasn’t easy, but with each small step, I got better. Adopting a growth mindset means seeing challenges as opportunities to learn, not as roadblocks. It’s about saying “I can’t do it yet” instead of “I can’t do it.”
Key Takeaway: Believe in your ability to grow, and you will!
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Perfectionism is a sneaky success killer. It’s that voice in your head that says, “If it’s not perfect, it’s not worth doing.” Trust me, I’ve battled this one for years! The problem is, perfection is an illusion. It’s a moving target that you’ll never actually hit.
Instead of aiming for perfect, aim for progress. Celebrate the small wins. Did you write one page of that book you’ve been putting off? Awesome! Did you make one sales call today? That’s progress! Each small step forward adds up. Think of it like building with LEGOs – one brick at a time.
Quote: “Strive for progress, not perfection.” – Unknown
Reframe Failure as Feedback
This one is HUGE. We’re all afraid of failing, right? It’s human nature. But what if I told you that failure is actually your friend? It’s a teacher in disguise. Every time you “fail,” you get valuable information about what doesn’t work.
I’ve launched online courses that flopped. I’ve written blog posts that nobody read. But each time, I learned something. I tweaked my approach, I experimented, and I got better. Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone to success. It is simply, feedback.

Develop a “Problem-Solver” Mentality
When faced with a challenge, do you tend to focus on the problem or the solution? Successful people are problem-solvers. They don’t dwell on what’s wrong; they actively look for ways to make it right.
This is a skill you can develop. When something goes wrong, don’t just complain. Ask yourself, “What can I do to fix this? What are my options? Who can I ask for help?” This proactive approach will make you incredibly valuable in any situation.
Think of yourself as a detective, always searching for clues and solutions.
Cultivate a “Yes, And…” Attitude
This comes from the world of improv comedy, but it’s incredibly powerful in life and business. “Yes, and…” means accepting what’s happening and building on it, rather than shutting it down.
For example, if a teammate suggests an idea that you’re not sure about, instead of saying “No, that won’t work,” try saying, “Yes, and what if we also considered…” This creates a collaborative, positive environment where ideas can flourish. It opens up possibilities you might never have considered.
Practice Gratitude (Seriously, It Works!)
It might sound a little “woo-woo,” but gratitude is a game-changer. Taking time each day to appreciate what you have, instead of focusing on what you lack, shifts your entire perspective.
I keep a gratitude journal. Every morning, I write down three things I’m grateful for. It can be anything from my health to a good cup of coffee to a supportive friend. This simple practice sets a positive tone for the day and helps me attract more good things into my life. It’s like a magnet for positivity!
Embrace the Power of “Yet”
This ties back to the growth mindset, but it deserves its own section. The word “yet” is incredibly powerful. When you find yourself saying, “I can’t do this,” add the word “yet” to the end.
“I can’t run a marathon… yet.” “I don’t understand SEO… yet.” “I haven’t made a million dollars… yet.”
This simple addition changes the entire meaning of the sentence. It acknowledges that you’re on a journey, and that with time and effort, you will achieve your goals.
Become a Lifelong Learner
The world is changing fast, especially in the digital space. What works today might be obsolete tomorrow. Successful people are constantly learning, adapting, and evolving.
I make it a priority to read books, listen to podcasts, take online courses, and attend workshops. I’m always looking for new information and insights that can help me grow. Never stop learning! Curiosity is your superpower.
List of learning resources: * Books * Podcasts * Online Courses * Workshops/Conferences * Mentors/Coaches
Visualize Your Success
Visualization is a powerful technique used by athletes, entrepreneurs, and high-achievers of all kinds. It involves creating a vivid mental picture of your desired outcome.
Take some time each day to close your eyes and see yourself achieving your goals. Imagine the feeling of accomplishment, the details of your success. The more real you can make it, the more powerful it will be. This helps program your subconscious mind to work towards your goals.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Who are those people for you? Are they supportive, ambitious, and positive? Or are they negative, draining, and holding you back?
Be intentional about who you surround yourself with. Seek out people who inspire you, challenge you, and lift you up. Limit your exposure to negativity and toxic relationships.

Understand the Importance of Delayed Gratification
In a world of instant everything, learning to delay gratification is a superpower. It’s the ability to resist the temptation of immediate pleasure for a greater reward in the future.
Think about saving money. It’s not fun to skip that fancy coffee or new gadget *now*, but the long-term benefits of financial security are far greater. This applies to all areas of life. Putting in the work *now*, even when it’s hard, pays off big time in the long run.
Develop a Bias Towards Action
Analysis paralysis is a real thing. It’s easy to get stuck in the planning and thinking phase, but at some point, you have to take action.
Successful people have a bias towards action. They’re not afraid to experiment, to try new things, and to learn by doing. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, because it will never come. Start now, even if it’s imperfect. The most important step, is the first step.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! These mindset shifts might seem small, but they can have a profound impact on your life and your success. Remember, it’s not about overnight transformation. It’s about making small, consistent changes over time. Start with one or two that resonate with you, and gradually incorporate the others. I’m confident that if you embrace these shifts, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. You’ve got this!
FAQ
How long does it take to change your mindset?
It’s a lifelong journey, not a quick fix. Start with small changes and be patient with yourself.
What if I slip back into old habits?
It’s normal! Just gently redirect yourself back to your new mindset. Don’t beat yourself up.
Can I really change my mindset if I’ve always been negative?
Absolutely! Your brain is incredibly adaptable. With conscious effort, you can rewire your thinking patterns.