Do you tend to mull over your past failures or concentrate more on how you can succeed in the future? According to Daniel Pigg, director of business engagement and an instructor at Indiana State University, the big difference between a failure mentality and one that focuses on resilience manifests in your attitude and actions.

A resilient, success-driven mentality means casting aside thoughts of failure and allowing your mind to concentrate on the strategic actions necessary to be successful, says Pigg. We share Pigg's four steps to achieving a mentality of resilience in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.

1. Challenge yourself daily. Taking on a task where success isn't likely will definitely test your mettle, says Pigg. Doing it every day, on the other hand, can help you develop and strengthen that resilience mentality. After all, repetition begets learning. Pigg recommends starting off easy by creating your own 10-day resilience challenge. Include a good mix of mental and physical activities. To improve your chances of success, consider enlisting a challenge partner. The two of you don't necessarily need to take on the same tasks, but the reality of having a cohort can help motivate you and keep you accountable throughout the challenge.

2. Monitor your mentality. Pigg recommends tracking your mental attitude just like you'd track workouts. Pay attention to when you're at your highest and lowest and strive to repeat the actions that led to the highs—cast out any actions tied to the lows. Take 10 minutes every day to write down your daily activities, but don't bog yourself down with what you did. Dig deeper and detail how you felt as a result of your choices. Noting your attitude in relation to an activity allows for easier reflection on what choices spawned a positive mental state. You can then better arrange your day to maintain a more positive mentality.

3. Create a positive internal monologue. Positive affirmations work, according to Pigg. Going through the act of repeating what success looks like to you personally can provide encouragement to continue on your chosen path. Walk yourself through a situation before it occurs. Shift your inner monologue from thinking the worst to imagining the ideal outcome. Even if the outcome is questionable, you will increase your chances of success because your approach will be more confident.

4. Develop a short-term memory. Failure is inevitable, and it doesn't have to be shameful. When it happens, acknowledge the failure and take the time to reflect on the situation to extract learning and encourage growth. Then, move on, encourages Pigg. Dwelling on past failures isn't productive.

Many professionals embrace a fail-fast mindset. However, that doesn't mean it's effective. Instead, try Pigg's strategies for developing a success-driven mindset. By embracing positive thinking, problem-solving and determination, you boost your odds of success.

Source: Daniel Pigg is the director of business engagement and an instructor at Indiana State University (ISU). As an executive-level business consultant, Pigg has helped hundreds of founders and entrepreneurs grow their companies, including through the Sycamore Innovation Lab that he created on ISU's campus.