8 Happiness Mindsets – The Escape from Managerial Pressure

Have you ever hit a big goal—a successful project, an impressive KPI—yet still felt empty inside? Leadership isn’t just about chasing achievements—it’s about living a life worth living. In Chapter 4 of Rising Above – Mastering Success & Complete Happiness, Coach Tường Huân poses a bold question: “Why choose between success and happiness when you can have both right now?” With the “8 Happiness Mindsets,” the book offers an escape for new leaders wrestling with stress, middle managers drained by pressure, and senior leaders losing touch with family or themselves.
Though the OCR excerpt doesn’t list the 8 mindsets explicitly, the book’s themes suggest they include gratitude, letting go, living in the present, self-acceptance, finding small joys, nurturing relationships, living with purpose, and maintaining balance. These aren’t lofty ideals—they’re practical “remedies” you can apply today. Coach Tường Huân emphasizes: “Complete happiness comes when every aspect of your life is in harmony.”

Consider Huyên’s story (page 255)—a nearly 40-year-old manager who faltered in work and investments. Serving meditation retreatants for 10 days, she learned to let go of expectations, focus on the moment, and find joy in giving. The result? She regained peace and strengthened ties with family and colleagues. For new leaders, gratitude helps you value small steps—a staff compliment fuels your drive. Middle managers use letting go to stop micromanaging, delegating wisely. Senior leaders learn to live in the present, unburdened by past failures or future worries.

Picture this: you’re a middle manager who just finished a major report, but your exhausted team skips the celebration. Instead of dismay, apply the “small joys” mindset—buy coffee for everyone and chat for 15 minutes. The outcome? Smiles and stronger bonds. Rising Above doesn’t just teach team leadership—it guides you to lead your own emotions.

The book suggests a simple practice: each morning, write three things you’re grateful for—your team’s support, your health, or a fresh day of possibilities. For new leaders, this counters early fears by focusing on positives. Middle managers ease stress caught between upper and lower ranks. Senior leaders rediscover joy lost in endless meetings.

What makes these 8 mindsets unique? They’re not just personal tools—they ripple to your team. Living with gratitude inspires staff to do the same. Letting go of unnecessary pressure teaches your team to work with ease. Try this: at your next meeting, start with “Thanks for your hard work” instead of critique—you’ll see the vibe shift.

Another example from the book: V’s story (page 262) of receiving an extra 10,000 VND from a fruit seller. That small joy lasted all day, boosting her work efficiency. For leaders, happiness doesn’t need to be grand—it’s in moments you choose positivity. Ask yourself: when did you last feel truly happy? If it’s been too long, Rising Above is your guide to reclaim it.

Start now: pick one mindset (like self-acceptance) and practice it for a week. When you err, say, “I’m learning,” not “I failed.” Leaders aren’t perfect—they’re people who find happiness amid flaws. Rising Above is your door to escape pressure and rediscover joy—are you ready to step through?