Introduction
I used to believe that success was all about hard work, strategy, and persistence. While those are definitely important, I’ve learned that mindset is equally crucial—if not more so. Over the past year, my mindset has shifted drastically, and it’s had a profound impact on my business and personal life.
Today, I’m sharing some of the personal lessons I’ve learned along the way, from using daily affirmations to reframing how I approach challenges, and how these changes have improved both my business and relationships.
“Mindset Shifts That Transformed My Life: A Personal Journey”
The Power of Self-Talk
A year ago, I didn’t realize how much negative self-talk was holding me back. Every day, I was unconsciously feeding myself thoughts like “This sucks,” or “I’m not good enough.” What I didn’t know at the time was that those thoughts were creating my reality. When you constantly tell yourself something negative, you end up manifesting those feelings and situations in your life.
Now, I’ve replaced those thoughts with affirmations and positive declarations. Every morning and night, I read through what I call my “document”—a list of things I want to become and the values I want to live by. For example, I tell myself, “I am the world’s best boyfriend,” or “I am a strong and powerful leader.”
What happens when I say these things? They come to mind in difficult situations, and they guide how I react. It sounds simple, and it is—but that’s the beauty of it. The simplicity is why it works.
How to Create Your Own “Document”
If you’re interested in trying this yourself, here’s an easy way to start. Write down all the things you don’t want in your life—whether it’s being lazy, feeling angry, or experiencing failure. Then, flip those around into positive affirmations. For example, if you don’t want to be lazy, write down, “I am disciplined and hardworking.”
Keep this list somewhere you can see it every day, and make it a habit to read it when you wake up and before you go to bed. Over time, you’ll notice how your mindset shifts and how you start responding differently to challenges.
Building a Positive Mindset in Relationships
Mindset isn’t just for business—it has a huge impact on relationships as well. One of the biggest changes in my life has been learning how to bring a positive mindset into my relationship with my girlfriend. In the past, if we had an argument, my first instinct would be negative self-talk. I’d think, “She just doesn’t get it,” or “This is so frustrating.”
Now, when I’m in a tough situation, I remind myself of the affirmations I’ve set. I’ll think, “I’m the world’s best boyfriend,” and suddenly, I react in a much calmer, more constructive way. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect, but about choosing how you want to respond to the situation.
Mindset and Leadership: The Role of Certainty
As a business leader, certainty is key. People look to you for guidance, and if you’re unsure of yourself, it will affect everyone around you. Over the past year, I’ve worked hard on becoming more certain in my decisions. That doesn’t mean I always know the answer—but it means I’m confident enough to lead, even in uncertainty.
This certainty has not only boosted my confidence but also improved the way I run my business and interact with my team. People are naturally drawn to leaders who are sure of themselves, and it creates a ripple effect throughout the entire organization.
Final Thoughts
Mindset is more than just positive thinking—it’s about creating a mental framework that allows you to succeed. Whether it’s through daily affirmations, leading with certainty, or changing your self-talk, shifting your mindset can have a profound impact on your life and business.
If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: What are you telling yourself every day? What thoughts are guiding your actions? Once you understand that, you can start creating the reality you want.
Tanner Chidester
CEO, Elite CEOs
