4 Mindset Shifts For When You Want To Give Up

As a kid, Breakthrough Academy co-founder Danny Kerr struggled with dyslexia, failed Grade 4 and felt like a perpetual outsider.

‍

Today he coaches hundreds of contractors on how to systemize, scale and enjoy their businesses. Here are the key insights he shared in a recent episode of Contractor Evolution.

‍

When Danny reflects on his journey from failing student to successful paint contractor and later business coach, he credits four deceptively simple habits.

Key Takeaways

• Tune out the critics. Danny’s first big shift came when he stopped letting other people’s opinions dictate his self‑worth. Saying “F*ck it” to the mental noise freed him to focus on what mattered: reading better, studying harder and ultimately building a company of his own. Contractors often compare themselves to competitors or worry about what clients might think. Use that energy instead to refine your craft and measure your progress against your own goals.

‍

• Ask “How can I?” Early in his career, running a painting franchise felt overwhelming. Jobs ran late, crews quit and he was convinced he couldn’t do it. A mentor challenged him to replace “I can’t” with “How can I?” That question turned obstacles into creative puzzles. Whether it’s a broken piece of equipment, a scheduling crisis or a challenging client, shift from lamenting problems to brainstorming solutions. It’s a small change that unlocks resourcefulness and resilience.

‍

• Delegate and empower. As a general manager overseeing multiple franchises, Danny tried to be everyone’s saviour: answering calls at 2 a.m., covering shortages and stepping in on jobs. He realized he was feeding his ego and preventing his team from growing. For contractors, building a strong business means teaching your people to own their roles, not micromanaging them. Trust your crew to make decisions, and give them systems they can follow without you.

‍

• Keep perspective. When Breakthrough Academy exploded in size, Danny felt like each decision could make or break the company. He learned to tell himself, “It’ll be fine.” Growing up in North America meant that even if a business idea failed, he’d still have food, shelter and family. 

‍

Want to hear the full stories behind these habits, including the duct‑taped paintbrush that saved a job and the lessons learned from 20 years of entrepreneurship? Watch the episode to see how Danny applies these mindsets in real scenarios.

‍