9 small changes that can make you more successful in life, according to psychology

Imagine transforming your life with just a few small adjustments… Well, according to psychology, it’s possible.
Psychological insights show that minor shifts in your daily habits and mindset can have a significant impact on your overall success.
It’s easy to overlook these seemingly insignificant changes, but they often hold the key to unlocking your full potential.
In this article, we’ll explore nine small changes backed by psychological research that can pave the way for greater success in your life.
So if you want to become more successful with minimal effort, read on!
1) Embrace positivity
We’ve all heard the saying, “Attitude is everything.” Well, it turns out, psychology backs this up.
Research suggests that maintaining a positive attitude can drastically impact our success.
Positive people tend to be more resilient, motivated, and they even have better health outcomes.
But how do we achieve this positivity?
It’s not about ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect.
Rather, it’s about focusing on the good in every situation, expressing gratitude, and nurturing optimism.
Simple daily practices like journaling about what you’re grateful for or keeping a ‘positivity jar’ where you store happy memories or achievements can help cultivate positivity.
Positivity isn’t just a state of mind. It’s a habit. And like any habit, it takes practice to develop.
So start today and watch how this small change can lead to big success in your life.
2) Set small, achievable goals
I’ve learned from personal experience that setting smaller, more achievable goals can lead to greater success.
A few years ago, I decided to write a book. The sheer size of the task was daunting.
So rather than focusing on the end goal of a finished book, I broke it down into smaller bits:
- Writing a chapter outline
- Completing one section at a time
- Setting aside specific writing hours each day
By focusing on these smaller tasks, the larger goal didn’t seem so overwhelming.
It also created a sense of achievement as I completed each small goal, which kept me motivated.
This is supported by psychology studies that suggest breaking down big goals into smaller, more manageable ones makes it easier to achieve them.
So if there’s a big dream you’re chasing, start by setting small goals.
It’s a simple change that can make a big difference in your journey to success.
3) Practice mindfulness
In our fast-paced, always-connected world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with information and distractions.
But this constant state of busyness can hinder our productivity and success.
One solution? Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment.
It’s about tuning in to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations right here and now.
Studies have found that people who practice mindfulness have a better ability to regulate their emotions, which can lead to improved decision-making and overall success.
So try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.
It could be as simple as spending a few minutes each day focusing on your breath or taking a mindful walk where you focus on your surroundings rather than your thoughts.
4) Cultivate a growth mindset
Having a growth mindset, a term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is another small change that can lead to big success.
People with a growth mindset believe that their skills and abilities can be developed with effort and persistence.
They see challenges as opportunities to grow and learn, rather than as roadblocks.
On the contrary, those with a fixed mindset believe their abilities are set in stone.
They’re more likely to avoid challenges for fear of failure.
By cultivating a growth mindset, you open yourself up to new possibilities and are more likely to persevere in the face of adversity.
So the next time you’re faced with a challenge, remind yourself that it’s an opportunity for growth.
5) Prioritize self-care
Overworking and neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, which can stifle your productivity and success.
On the other hand, taking time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate can boost your energy and creativity.
But what exactly is self-care?
Self-care involves:
- Eating healthily
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercising regularly
- Taking breaks when you need them
Prioritizing these simple healthy habits is a surprisingly effective way to set yourself up for success.
6) Practice kindness
Kindness might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about success, but it’s an attribute that can profoundly impact our lives and the lives of others.
Being kind doesn’t just make others feel good.
It makes us feel good too.
Psychological research shows that acts of kindness release a hormone called oxytocin, which:
- Promotes social bonding
- Calms the heart rate
- Reduces anxiety
But more than that, being kind helps build positive relationships.
In life and in work, success often comes from the connection and collaboration with others.
By practicing kindness, you’re more likely to build strong, supportive relationships.
Kindness can be as simple as offering a smile, delivering a compliment or lending a hand. It doesn’t take much, but it can mean a lot.
7) Embrace failure
I remember one of my earliest business ventures. It was an online store selling handmade crafts.
I poured my heart and soul into that project, but it didn’t take off as I had hoped.
At first, it felt like a failure, and it was tempting to see myself as a failure too.
But that experience taught me more about business and perseverance than any success could have.
The truth is, we all face failures and setbacks. But failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s part of the journey to success.
Rather than fearing failure, embrace it. Learn from it. Each failure is an opportunity to grow and improve.
If you can make peace with failure, if you can learn to see it as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block, then you’re well on your way to success.
8) Keep learning
In our rapidly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is more valuable than ever.
No matter how much you know or how successful you are, there’s always something new to learn.
And often, it’s this constant learning that keeps successful people at the top of their game.
So make it a habit to keep learning.
- Read books
- Take courses
- Attend webinars
- Learn from the people around you
Learning doesn’t just expand your knowledge. It also keeps your mind sharp, boosts creativity, and can even improve your memory and focus.
9) Believe in yourself
At the end of the day, the most important factor in your success is you.
No matter what challenges you face, no matter what goals you set, it’s your belief in yourself that will carry you through.
Believing in yourself boosts your motivation to try, and try again, even when things get tough.
It gives you the courage to chase your dreams, no matter how big or small they may be.
It all begins with you
Achieving success can often hinge on the smallest yet most impactful changes in your daily routine
Whether it’s embracing positivity, practicing mindfulness, or cultivating a growth mindset, these are all choices we hold the power to make.
Therefore, the key takeaway here is that each of us has the capacity for success within us.
Embrace these small adjustments with an open mind and watch as they lead to substantial improvements in your life and success.