Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life: 17 Mindsets of Successful People

Many Vietnamese people are feeling stuck in life, working every day but not seeing a clear future, with stagnant income and increasing mental fatigue. Many international surveys show that over 50% of adults are unhappy with their current lives, but don't know where to start making changes.

In reality, changing one's life doesn't start with money or circumstances, but with changing one's mindset. When you adjust your way of thinking, you will see problems differently, set clearer goals, and act more decisively. This article compiles 17 simple but practical ways to help you "reset" your life, regain motivation, and gradually build a better future, easily applicable for anyone who wants to change their mindset to change their life.

How to change your mindset to restart your life

1. Clearly see your current position and the direction you want to go

• Take time to ask yourself: Is your current life aligned with your core values?

• Clearly define who you want to be and how you want to live in the next 3–5 years.

• From there, set specific, measurable goals directly linked to your desire to change your mindset and life.

• Prioritize realistic, actionable goals, rather than vague desires.

2. Declutter your life, starting with the smallest things

• Rearrange your living space: get rid of items you no longer use or that don't bring positive feelings.

• Review daily habits: reduce activities that make you tired, procrastinate, or lose motivation.

• Re-evaluate relationships: limit contact with people who constantly complain, are negative, or drag you down.

• This "decluttering" helps clear your mind, improve focus, and build a foundation for positive mindset changes.

3. Step out of your comfort zone and adjust negative thoughts

• Identify familiar thoughts like "I can't do it," "I'm not good enough."

• Replace them with more practical questions: "What else do I need to learn?" or "What small step can I take today?"

• Proactively try new things even if you're anxious, as action is the fastest way to change your mindset.

• As your mindset changes, so will the way you perceive problems and make decisions in life.

Method 1: Envision the life you truly desire

1. Honestly look at your present

• Clearly define where you are in life, in terms of work, finances, relationships, and mental state.

• Acknowledge the difficulties, pressures, or impasses you are facing instead of avoiding them.

• This is an important step in the process of changing your mindset, as you cannot change your life if you do not clearly understand your starting point.

2. Paint a big picture for the future

• Imagine what your ideal life will look like in a few years.

• Think broadly first: how do you want to live, how do you want to feel every day, and what makes you feel meaningful.

• Then, delve into the details of each aspect such as career, health, relationships, and personal development.

3. The more specific, the clearer the mindset

• Describe your goals in as much detail as possible: what you want to change, what you want to achieve, by what timeline.

• Clear visualization helps your brain focus on the right goals and increases your ability to act.

• If you feel that the direction is no longer suitable during this process, allow yourself to adjust your vision.

4. Ask yourself questions to understand what you truly need

• Currently, which area of your life makes you feel most out of balance?

• Do you feel a lack of motivation or a loss of interest in something that was once important?

• Which relationship is making you tired or stagnant?

• What is preventing you from changing your mindset and moving into a new phase?

Method 2: Identify core values to change your life

1. Understand your core values

• Core values are deep beliefs that govern how you think, choose, and act every day.

• Ask yourself: what is truly important to you in life?

• Typically, each person has about 5–7 core values, such as family, freedom, self-development, financial stability, or contributing to society.

• Identifying your core values is a crucial foundation for changing your mindset to change your life.

2. Compare your current life with your values

• Look back at your current work, lifestyle, and relationships to see if they reflect what you truly believe.

• For example, if family is a top priority but your job often causes you to miss important occasions, ask yourself if you are truly satisfied with that choice.

• The misalignment between values and actual life is often why many people feel tired and unmotivated.

3. Accept that values can change over time

• Core values are not immutable throughout life; they can change as you mature or go through different stages.

• When you want to restart your life, this is a good time to reconsider what is most important to you right now.

• Updating your priorities helps you make decisions that are more aligned with the person you are becoming.

4. Take time to reflect to reset your life in the right direction

• Self-reflection helps you avoid making impulsive changes or chasing others' expectations.

• When you clearly understand your core values, you will be able to set correct goals, act consistently, and feel more satisfied with life.

• This is an important step to ensure that changing your mindset is not just temporary but brings lasting and meaningful change.

Method 3: Set clear goals to change your life

1. Apply the SMART principle when setting goals

• SMART is a way to set goals that makes them easier to act on and achieve.

• SMART includes: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

• When goals are clearly defined, you will avoid the vagueness and procrastination often encountered when trying to change your mindset and life.

2. Goals need to be specific and have a clear direction

• Clearly define what you want to achieve, instead of being vague.

• Ask yourself: what am I trying to change? What obstacles might arise?

• Being prepared to overcome difficulties helps you not give up halfway.

3. Goals must have measurable progress

• A good goal needs specific numbers or indicators to track.

• You need to know when you're making progress and when you need to adjust your approach.

• Seeing small progress every day helps maintain long-term motivation.

4. Set goals that are realistic and achievable

• Goals should be challenging enough to help you grow, but not so far-fetched that they discourage you.

• You can absolutely dream big, but break down your goals into smaller steps to achieve them gradually.

• This makes the mindset change process more sustainable and less stressful.

5. Goals must be aligned with your life's direction

• Before setting a goal, ask yourself: does this goal truly serve the life I desire?

• If a goal doesn't provide clear value, it's easy to forget after a while.

• Appropriate goals help you focus on what's most important.

6. Always have a specific deadline

• Every goal needs a clear deadline to motivate action.

• Determine the day, month, or timeframe you want to complete it.

• With a deadline, you will be more serious about your commitment to change your own life.

Method 4: Break down goals into actionable steps

1. Start with what you can do right away

• Instead of just looking at the final goal, create an action plan starting with the simplest steps.

• Identify the first thing you can do today or in the next few days.

• Focus on completing one step at a time, without worrying too much about the next steps until the current one is done.

2. Work backward from the goal to determine the roadmap

• Imagine the goal achieved, then work backward to see what you need to do before that.

• Each step should be clear, specific, and easy to execute to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• This approach helps you control progress and maintain focus throughout the mindset change process.

3. Break it down to maintain motivation and self-confidence

• Small goals help you see results sooner.

• Each time you complete a step, you will gain more motivation to continue.

• Continuously achieving small goals boosts self-confidence and a sense of control over your life.

4. Reward yourself

• Connect habit changes with positive rewards.

• For example, if you're quitting smoking, use the money you save to treat yourself to a nice meal, an outing, or something you like.

• Rewards help the brain associate change with positive feelings, thus sustaining the action in the long run.

Method 5: Let go of things that no longer bring joy

1. Simplify life to focus on what matters

• When life is filled with too many unnecessary things, you'll easily feel tired and overwhelmed.

• Look at every aspect of your life, from belongings, work, habits, to relationships.

• You can write everything down and ask yourself: does this still bring me joy or value?

2. Boldly eliminate things that are no longer suitable

• If the answer is no, think about how to reduce or remove it from your life.

• This could be an item, an activity you once loved, or a habit that no longer helps you grow.

• Letting go is not about loss, but about making space for better things.

3. Start with your living space

• Clean up areas prone to clutter like your wardrobe, storage room, or workspace.

• Review clothes and rarely used items, and give away things you no longer truly need.

• When your space is tidy, your mind also becomes lighter and clearer.

4. Re-evaluate with an objective perspective

• Some things that once made you happy may no longer be suitable now.

• Changing your mindset requires you to see things from who you are now, not who you were in the past.

• Allow yourself to change without feeling guilty.

5. Keep essential responsibilities, reduce things that exhaust you

• Life always has unavoidable obligations.

• However, if something constantly makes you tired, stressed, or drains your energy, re-evaluate the priority you give it.

• Reducing energy-draining factors is an important step to help you change your mindset and live more lightly each day.

Method 6: Spend quiet time to reorganize your thoughts

1. Actively create quiet moments every day

• Modern life is full of noise from emails, social media, messages, TV, and work.

• If you don't intentionally stop, your mind can easily become overloaded.

• When you want to change your mindset and restart your life, creating quiet moments every day is an indispensable step.

2. Use quiet time to reflect on yourself

• When undisturbed, reflect on the goals you are pursuing.

• Ask yourself: what is my biggest priority right now?

• Review whether what you are doing daily is truly bringing you closer to the life you desire.

3. Keep quiet time simple

• No complicated meditation or advanced techniques are needed.

• You can spend about 10-15 minutes at the beginning or end of the day, just sitting still and doing nothing else.

• A warm cup of tea or hot coffee is enough to create a sense of relaxation and connection with yourself.

4. Turn quiet time into a habit that supports life change

• When the mind is cleared, thoughts become clearer and easier to direct.

• You will realize if you are on the right track or veering off, allowing for timely adjustments.

• This is an important foundation that helps mindset change occur sustainably, rather than being just temporary inspiration.

Method 7: Prioritize physical health to change your mindset

1. Put yourself first

• When restarting your life, health should be seen as a foundation, not a secondary matter.

• Pay attention to basic factors such as personal hygiene, eating, and daily exercise.

• A well-cared-for body will help you have enough energy to change your mindset and act consistently.

2. Re-examine how you nourish your body

• Ask yourself: are you eating for convenience or because your body truly needs it?

• Prioritize foods that make you feel lighter, more alert, and healthier.

• Eating doesn't have to be complicated; the important thing is that it's suitable and sustainable long-term.

3. Choose physical activities you truly enjoy

• You'll find it easier to maintain physical activity if it's something you enjoy, not something you're forced to do.

• You can start very simply:

  • Walk around the house when the weather is pleasant

  • Stroll in the park with friends

  • Play a light sport, learn to dance, or cycle

• Just a few sessions a week are enough to make a difference.

4. A healthy body leads to a clearer mind

• When you feel healthy, you'll make wiser decisions for your life.

• Confidence also increases when you are in control of your health.

• This is an important factor that helps you change your mindset positively and be more proactive in building your future.

Method 8: Practice self-care daily

1. See self-care as essential

• When restarting your life, self-care is not a luxury but a basic necessity.

• Self-care helps protect mental health and improve quality of life, especially during a period when you are changing your mindset.

• In addition to physical health, self-care also involves emotional, mental, social, and inner life aspects.

2. Fully meet mental and emotional needs

• Dedicate time to activities that make you happy and feel like yourself.

• Maintain personal hobbies or try learning a new skill to stimulate your mind.

• When your mind is well-nourished, you'll have more energy to pursue long-term goals.

3. Pay attention to social health

• Ask yourself: are you spending enough time connecting with others?

• Positive relationships help you balance emotions and reduce stress.

• If you feel disconnected, this might be the time to expand your social circle or build new relationships.

4. Nurture your spiritual life in a suitable way

• You don't need to follow a specific religion to care for your spiritual life.

• You can start with simple activities like mindful breathing, light meditation, yoga, or spending a few quiet minutes each day.

• These habits help you listen to yourself more clearly and keep your mind stable.

Method 9: Declutter your living space to clarify your thinking

1. Eliminate clutter to reduce stress

• A messy living space can easily make your mind confused, stressed, and distracted.

• When you want to reset your life, tidying up your surroundings is a very practical and effective step.

• Start by getting rid of items you no longer use or that no longer hold value for you now.

2. Organize your space according to actual needs

• Reorganize your home, workspace, or bedroom to suit your daily life.

• Arrange items in a way that makes them easy to use, easy to find, and easy to keep tidy.

• A well-organized space will help you form good habits and think more positively.

3. A tidy space leads to a clear mind

• When your surroundings are neat, you'll find it easier to focus on other important changes in your life.

• A lighter mind helps you make wiser decisions.

• You will also feel more confident and satisfied living in a clean, orderly environment.

Method 10: Be with people who bring positive energy

1. Prioritize relationships that make you feel better

• When refreshing your life, take a look at the people you regularly interact with.

• Those who make you feel heard, energized, and comfortable are the people you should keep close.

• Even a short call or a timely check-in message can significantly lift your spirits.

2. Actively limit relationships that drain your energy

• You can't always avoid people who bring negative emotions.

• However, you can completely control the time and extent of your interaction with them.

• Setting clear boundaries helps you protect your mental state and maintain a positive mindset.

3. Seek support when you feel overwhelmed

• When anxiety or pressure mounts, don't try to bear it alone.

• Proactively share with people you trust to get more objective perspectives.

• The right companionship helps you see problems more lightly and make wiser decisions.

Method 11: Step out of your comfort zone to grow

1. Try new things to change familiar thinking

• If you always do things the old way, it's very difficult to restart your life.

• Small changes like trying a new restaurant, visiting a museum, or taking a different route are enough to create a new perspective.

• Stepping out of your comfort zone helps you become more flexible in your thinking and open to new opportunities.

2. Take calculated risks

• You don't need to be reckless, but allow yourself to try things you've been thinking about for a long time.

• It could be signing up for a new course, learning a side skill, or starting a small personal project.

• Each time you dare to try, you will increase your confidence and sense of control over your life.

3. Don't let fear of failure hold you back

• Fear of making mistakes is a common reason why many people are afraid to change.

• If you don't accept the possibility of failure, you will also miss out on great opportunities.

• Failure is not the end, but data that helps you adjust and move forward more intelligently.

4. Consistent action helps create momentum for growth

• A survey of 333 people showed that 53% chose to step out of their comfort zone by doing something they had never done each day.

• Small but consistent actions will create big changes over time.

• This is a practical way to change your mindset and expand your limits without being overwhelmed.

Method 12: Start eliminating bad habits sustainably

1. Clearly identify the habits that are holding you back

• Everyone has some bad habits, and you probably know what they are quite well.

• Review your daily routine to identify negative behaviors you want to change.

• Habits like smoking, excessive drinking, uncontrolled eating, or inactivity all slow down the process of changing your life.

2. Replace bad habits with positive behaviors

• Instead of just trying to "quit," actively choose a good habit to replace it with.

• Clearly define what you will do instead of the old behavior and repeat it regularly.

• When the new habit becomes part of your lifestyle, changing your mindset will happen more naturally.

3. Focus on positive change, don't blame yourself

• Changing habits should not be based on feelings of guilt, fear, or regret.

• The most effective way is to create positive and easy-to-maintain actions.

• For example, instead of blaming yourself for not exercising enough, decide to walk for 20 minutes, 4 days a week.

4. Be patient and adjust as needed

• Relapse is normal when you are trying to change.

• Don't give up just because of one slip-up.

• If necessary, gradually reduce the intensity of the bad habit before eliminating it completely.

Method 13: Keep a gratitude journal every day

1. Create a habit of writing down what you are grateful for

• Every day, write down at least one thing you are grateful for.

• It could be something small: good health, a pleasant conversation, or finishing a postponed task.

• This habit helps you change your mindset in a positive direction without too much effort.

2. Write it down to look back on when you feel discouraged

• When you write things down, you create a "positive data bank" for yourself.

• When you are tired or lacking motivation, rereading your gratitude journal helps you regain your mental balance.

• This is a simple but effective way to remind yourself that life still has many precious things.

3. Gratitude helps you see life from a new perspective

• When you actively look for positive things, your brain gradually gets used to identifying them.

• You will focus less on shortcomings and problems, and more on opportunities and possibilities for improvement.

• This helps you re-evaluate your current circumstances more objectively and gently.

4. Realign priorities through mindset change

• Gratitude helps you realize what is truly important to you.

• From there, you can easily reorder your goals and priorities in life.

• This is a very good step to support the process of changing your mindset and rebuilding your life sustainably.

Method 14: Challenge negative thoughts every day

1. Recognize negative thoughts as they appear

• Negative thoughts often come very quickly and habitually.

• When you realize you're thinking pessimistically, pause instead of immediately believing it.

• Recognition is the first important step in changing your mindset.

2. Actively shift to a more positive perspective

• Try to "spin" negative thoughts with a positive observation of the same issue.

• This takes practice, but the more you do it, the more accustomed you'll become.

• When your perspective becomes more positive, your emotions and behaviors will also change accordingly.

3. Apply to everyday situations

• For example, if you're about to visit relatives and only think about unpleasant things, find another pleasant aspect of that situation.

• It could be the atmosphere, a conversation, or simply a moment of rest.

• This helps prevent you from getting caught up in negative emotions from the start.

4. Change the way you talk to yourself

• When you make a mistake, avoid blaming yourself with entirely negative statements.

• Instead, view mistakes as lessons to improve next time.

• The way you communicate with yourself greatly influences your self-confidence and ability to change your life.

5. Positive perspectives spread to many other aspects

• When you practice positive thinking, the impact is not limited to one situation.

• You will notice a change in your decision-making, relationships, and self-perception.

• This is an important step to help mindset change become the foundation for bigger transformations in life.

Method 15: Look back at the past to learn from experience, not get stuck

1. Learn from mistakes instead of regretting them

• Everyone has made wrong decisions or gone through difficult periods in the past.

• The important thing is not to blame yourself, but to look back and learn from your mistakes.

• When you know where you went wrong, the likelihood of repeating that mistake in the future will significantly decrease.

2. Accept life in the present moment

• Whether you're regretting unpleasant experiences or nostalgic for "the good old days," living in the past will hinder your progress.

• Accept that your current life is the result of many previous choices.

• This acceptance helps you shift your mindset from resentment to actively improving.

3. Reflect to understand the root cause

• Instead of just recalling events, look deeper into how you thought and acted.

• For example, you might realize you're always overwhelmed because you find it hard to say "no" when others ask for help.

• This awareness is crucial for adjusting future behavior.

4. Turn lessons into concrete actions

• After recognizing the problem, make a clear commitment to yourself.

• In the example above, that could be starting to set clearer boundaries in relationships.

• Turning lessons into actions truly helps you change your life, not just think about it.

Method 16: Learn to forgive yourself and others

1. Identify resentment draining your energy

• Resentment, whether directed at others or yourself, silently drains mental energy.

• As you restart your life, this is the right time to squarely face the negative emotions you are holding onto.

• Acknowledge your feelings instead of denying or burying them.

2. Ask yourself the price you are paying

• What is this resentment costing you?

• Is it truly helping your present or future life?

• How much lighter would your life be if you chose to forgive yourself in that situation?

• These questions help you shift your mindset from being stuck to being liberated.

3. Understand the true meaning of forgiveness

• Forgiveness does not mean condoning or forgetting what happened.

• Forgiveness is choosing to let go of the past's power over your current emotions and happiness.

• This is primarily for yourself, not for others.

4. You don't need to say it out loud to forgive

• Forgiveness does not necessarily require informing the person who caused the harm.

• You can choose your own way to find closure, such as writing it down and discarding it, reflecting in silence, or marking a moment to let go.

• The important thing is that you truly allow yourself to move on.

5. Seek support when needed

• If feelings of resentment are too overwhelming, share them with someone you trust or a support group.

• Another person's perspective can help you see things you hadn't noticed before.

• Expressing yourself appropriately can make the forgiveness process smoother and more realistic.

Method 17: Review your schedule and social commitments

1. Re-evaluate commitments that no longer serve you

• When refreshing your life, take a serious look at your schedule.

• Ask yourself: which activities, appointments, or commitments no longer bring value or add stress?

• Recognizing what no longer serves you is an important step towards changing your mindset and using your time more effectively.

2. Remember that your time is precious

• Time is a limited resource and cannot be reclaimed.

• To make space for what you truly want to do, sometimes you need to let go of people or things that no longer align with your current path.

• This is not selfish, but a conscious choice for your life.

3. Allow yourself to embrace change

• Changing your schedule and relationships can be daunting, but it's also an opportunity.

• When you dare to make space, better experiences are very likely waiting for you.

• A lighter life often opens up more new possibilities.

4. Quality over quantity

• When you feel more content and balanced, you will be more fully present with the people and commitments you choose to keep.

• This helps relationships become deeper and more meaningful.

• Reviewing your schedule doesn't mean losing connections, but helping you connect in a better way.

References

1. https://your.yale.edu/hit-mark-when-you-set-smart-goals
2. https://psychcentral.com/stress/how-to-clear-your-mind
3. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
4. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/201705/5-reasons-why-clutter-is-bad-for-your-mental-health
5. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/cultivating-happiness.htm
6. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201403/5-steps-fresh-start
7. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-shift-of-mind/201108/breaking-free-from-your-comfort-zone
8. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-fitness/201212/10-tools-restarting-your-life
9. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
10. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/cultivating-happiness.htm
11. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201403/5-steps-fresh-start
12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692

Translated by: Rowan Hudson Le.