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Writer's pictureJason Hardin

MASTERING THE "BOSS" MENTALITY: How to Overcome Challenges and Build a Life of Success



Jason & Suzu Hardin in the Michelangelo Ballroom on the Carnival Firenze

What’s good, y’all? If you’ve been following Life of a Boss for a while, you already know what I’m about—helping people take control of their lives by creating and living their own definition of success. I’m here to remind you that no matter where you’re starting from or what you’ve been through, you have the power to shape your reality.

Let’s talk about something real today—the Boss Mentality.


See, being a boss isn’t about owning the biggest business or having the most money. It’s about building or becoming your strongest self. It’s about taking full control of what you have—your mindset, your actions, your energy—and using it to create the life you want. And let me tell you, the way you think about success, and more importantly, the way you approach obstacles, is the key difference between people who thrive and those who just get by.

So, if you’re ready to shift from survival mode to thriving mode, let’s get into how to master that Boss Mentality.


Surviving vs. Thriving: The Mindset Shift

Most of us grew up in survival mode. We’re taught to just "get by," to play defense in life, and protect what little we have. Trust me, I’ve been there. Growing up broke, I learned to hustle early, not because I wanted to, but because I had to. I was in that constant grind just trying to stay afloat.


But here’s the thing—survival mode is not where you’re supposed to live forever. It’s a temporary state that helps you get through tough times, but it can trap you if you don’t shift out of it. Thriving means taking control of your circumstances, no matter how tough they are, and using them as fuel to push forward.


I remember when I made the decision to shift my mindset. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I stopped waiting for permission to be great. I stopped thinking I had to survive, and instead, I started focusing on what it would take for me to thrive. That shift alone transformed everything—my hustle, my business, my relationships, and my life.


Key Takeaway: You can’t build a life of success if you’re always in survival mode. It’s time to start playing offense, not defense. Take control, take risks, and move with intention.


Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Now, let’s be real—life is full of challenges. But one of the core principles of the Boss Mentality is learning to see obstacles as opportunities.


I’m not saying that life’s setbacks aren’t tough. They are. But the difference between winners and everyone else is how they respond to those challenges. When I faced setbacks—whether it was growing up with parents battling addiction or dealing with health issues like the tumor I had as a kid—I had to learn to stop seeing those situations as roadblocks. Instead, I saw them as lessons, as opportunities to get stronger.


One of my biggest life lessons came from a period of homelessness in my teens. Instead of being swallowed up by the hopelessness of my situation, I made the decision to fight through. I hustled, learned how to create opportunities for myself, and eventually shifted out of survival mode for good. That resourcefulness and resilience are the cornerstones of how I built my businesses, including Made in Dena and Life of a Boss.


Key Takeaway: Every challenge is a chance to grow. The harder the obstacle, the greater the opportunity for you to show what you’re made of. Stay focused, keep pushing, and don’t let anything stop you.


The Importance of Goal Setting

If you want to be successful, you can’t just think about it. You have to plan for it. A key part of the Boss Mentality is setting clear, actionable goals that guide you toward success. Let me break it down for you.


When I first started Made in Dena, my initial goal was simple—create something that reflected my community. But as time went on and I saw the impact, my goals evolved. I went from launching a brand to turning it into a movement. The same goes for Life of a Boss—it didn’t start with a long-term vision, but the feedback from the community helped me pivot and scale the brand to what it is today.


The point is, your goals will evolve as you grow. But you have to start somewhere. Write down your goals. Make them SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Break them down into smaller steps, and keep yourself accountable. There’s no secret to success, just discipline and execution.


Key Takeaway: If you’re serious about success, you have to get specific about what you want and how you’re going to get it. Write your goals down, track your progress, and hold yourself accountable every step of the way.


"Success Is A Lifestyle" Street Art Red T-Shirt by Hardwear Apparel

Building a Boss Routine

Let’s talk about routines for a second. Because if you’re not managing your time, your time is managing you. Having a solid daily routine is crucial for productivity, focus, and success.

I’m a big believer in getting up early, visualizing my day, and hitting the gym. That morning routine sets the tone for my entire day. And it’s not just about being productive—it’s about protecting my energy. Self-care is a huge part of success. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re setting boundaries and taking care of yourself along the way.

Whether it’s setting boundaries at work, spending time with family, or hitting the gym—create a routine that works for you and helps you stay balanced. Success is a marathon, not a sprint.


Key Takeaway: Your routine should reflect your priorities. Create a daily structure that allows you to grow, hustle, and protect your energy. Your success depends on how well you manage your time and self-care.


Leave Your Mark: Legacy and Impact

One of the most powerful aspects of the Boss Mentality is realizing that your success isn’t just about you. It’s about the legacy you’re leaving behind. Every move you make, every story you tell, is an opportunity to inspire and impact someone else’s life.


I didn’t build Life of a Boss just for me—I built it so that others, especially those coming from difficult situations like I did, could see that they have the power to create their own definition of success. Your journey, your story, has the potential to inspire others to live their truth.


Key Takeaway: Success is not just about what you achieve—it’s about how you inspire others along the way. Make sure that your story leaves a positive impact on the world.


Practical Exercise: Craft Your Own Boss Mentality

Let’s take this one step further. I want you to sit down, grab a pen, and do this exercise:

  1. Identify a challenge you’re currently facing.

  2. Shift your mindset—How can this challenge become an opportunity for growth?

  3. Write down three goals that will help you thrive, not just survive. Make them SMART.

  4. Create a routine that reflects your priorities—include self-care, productivity, and time for personal growth.

  5. Reflect on your legacy—What do you want your impact to be? Write down how you want to inspire others through your journey.


Final Thoughts

Y’all, mastering the Boss Mentality is a lifestyle. It’s about taking control, setting clear goals, overcoming challenges, and leaving behind a legacy that inspires others. Success isn’t just a destination—it’s the way you live every single day.



Remember, you have the power to create the life you want. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and always keep pushing forward.



Get official MADE IN DENA brand apparel now at www.madeindena.com




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