As tradies and business owners, focusing on what’s not working is easy—what needs fixing, improving, or overhauling. But how often do you stop to celebrate what’s going well? In this blog, we’ll explore why acknowledging your wins is just as important as tackling challenges and how shifting your mindset can lead to better outcomes for you and your team.
The Negativity Bias: Why We Focus on Problems
Our brains are wired to focus on negativity. This evolutionary trait served us well when avoiding sabre-tooth tigers, but in today’s world, this instinct often leads to overemphasising what’s going wrong. As Damien Churton explains, the oldest part of the brain, the reptilian brain, processes information 20 times faster than the rational mind and is constantly scanning for danger—even when none exists.
The result? You can list a dozen things that aren’t working in your business now but struggle to identify what’s going well.
Why Celebrating Wins Matters
Focusing on the positive isn’t about ignoring problems but balancing the scales. When you acknowledge what’s working, you:
- Build Momentum: Recognising progress motivates you and your team to keep improving.
- Boost Morale: Celebrations foster a positive workplace culture, making your team feel valued.
- Improve Problem-Solving: Acknowledging successes can highlight strategies worth replicating in other business areas.
The “What’s Working” Exercise
Damien encourages a simple yet powerful exercise to strengthen your positivity muscle:
- Write down everything that has gone well in your business over the last year.
- Aim for at least 20 items. (Pro tip: That’s only about 1.6 wins per month!)
- If you struggle, break it down further: What systems, processes, or team dynamics have improved?
Examples of Wins to Celebrate:
- Reducing ATO Debt: Financial progress is a huge win.
- Improved Communication: Whether through new systems or holding people accountable, this impacts productivity.
- Streamlined Processes: A smoother workflow saves time and money.
- Team Growth: Adding skilled members or boosting morale can drive your business forward.
Recognising Bias: The Hard Work of Celebrating
It’s fascinating how resistant we can be to recognising wins. Many tradies find it easier to create a never-ending list of problems rather than reflect on successes. Why? The negativity bias makes it more natural to focus on what’s wrong. But here’s the thing: Success breeds success. When you consciously shift your focus to what’s working, you build the habit of positivity.
Building a Culture of Celebration
To embed this practice into your business, consider:
- Regular Team Meetings: Dedicate time to discuss wins alongside challenges. Ask, “What’s working, and what are we doing about it?”
- Weekly Reflection: End each week by listing three things that went well.
- Reward Success: Recognising achievements keeps everyone motivated, whether it’s a shout-out during a meeting or a celebratory barbecue.
Why This Matters for Tradies
As a tradie, your day is filled with challenges—tight deadlines, tricky clients, and unexpected business hurdles. However, the true mark of a successful business owner is balance. By recognising both challenges and wins, you create a well-rounded perspective that fosters growth and resilience.
Your Challenge: Find 20 Wins
Here’s your Christmas workout: Write down 20 things that have gone well in your business over the last year. Yes, 20. It may feel like a stretch, but every small improvement counts. And if you’re stuck, consider how communication, efficiency, or finances have improved.
As Damien said, “You probably do something that works daily.” Start noticing, and watch your business—and mindset—transform.
Final Thought: Shift the Narrative
As you reflect on your wins, remember this: The goal isn’t to ignore challenges but to reframe your perspective. Balancing “what’s working” with “what’s not working” creates a foundation for sustainable success.
So, what’s working in your business? Take stock, celebrate, and keep building on your wins.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Let’s chat if you’re looking for tailored strategies to grow your business or need guidance on your next move. Book a free, no-obligation call with our team to explore how we can help you achieve your goals.