Originally shared in our November 2025 Top of Mind Newsletter.
Most of us are taught a specific formula for success: “If I work hard, I’ll be successful, and then I’ll be happy.” But what if that formula is scientifically broken? In his rapid-fire TED Talk, positive psychologist Shawn Achor argues that our brains actually work in reverse. When we cultivate a positive mindset—fueled by gratitude—our brains flood with dopamine, making us 31% more productive and significantly more creative.
For the entrepreneurial thinker, this reframes gratitude from a “soft skill” into a competitive advantage. We don’t have to wait for a big exit or a finished project to feel fulfilled. By choosing a positive mindset in the present, we turn on the learning centers of our brains. This allows us to navigate uncertainty with greater agility, proving that happiness isn’t just a result of success—it is the fuel that drives it.