The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast
Episode: The Science of Mindset and Sustainable Success
Host: John Jantsch
Guest: Diana Pagano (Mindset Coach, Entrepreneur, Author of “The More Mindset”)
Date: December 17, 2025
Episode Overview
In this insightful episode, John Jantsch sits down with mindset coach and author Diana Pagano to explore the transformative power of mindset in achieving sustainable success. Drawing on neuroscience, personal growth, and real coaching experiences, Diana breaks down common misconceptions about “more” and “success,” and offers actionable strategies for rewiring beliefs, overcoming fear, and maximizing personal fulfillment—whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or seeking more balance in life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The True Meaning of “More” in Mindset
[01:32 – 02:30]
- Not about doing more: Diana clarifies that her book’s title, "The More Mindset," isn't about working harder or adding to your to-do list.
- Becoming more: It’s about “becoming more of who you were meant to become…breaking down those mental barriers that we place on ourselves.”
- Empowering mindset: The focus is on shifting from limiting beliefs to empowerment and alignment with one's true desires.
Diana Pagano: “It's not about you doing more. It's about becoming more of who you were meant to become…” [01:57]
2. Neuroscience, Neuroplasticity & Pattern Interruption
[02:31 – 04:45]
- Beyond positive thinking: True change stems from awareness of the stories we tell ourselves, not just “positivity.”
- Foundational beliefs: Our thoughts and outcomes are largely predetermined by deep-seated beliefs—often formed in childhood or significant life events.
- Interrupting the pattern: Lasting change requires telling yourself a new story—challenging and replacing old narratives.
- RAS System (Reticular Activating System): The brain is “wired” to notice and reinforce what we believe; changing beliefs literally changes what we perceive and pursue.
- Vibrational energy: Mindset shifts change your energy, which affects how you show up and what you attract—including opportunities and outcomes.
Diana Pagano: “The only way to change that pattern is for you to interrupt the pattern. And the way you interrupt the pattern from a neuroscience perspective is to tell yourself a new story.” [03:25]
3. Addressing Privilege, Reality, and the Limits of Mindset
[04:46 – 08:14]
- The role of circumstance vs. mindset: John raises the issue of privilege and real hardship (e.g., financial struggle, loss).
- Universality of mindset tools: Diana shares her own story as a first-generation Mexican-American who “came from nothing,” emphasizing that background influences but doesn’t determine possibility.
- Faith & seeking: Those who “seek more”—clarity, energy, fulfillment—are more likely to find opportunity, even amid hardship.
- Shifting energy: Accepting negative circumstance without seeking change “locks you in place;” hope and initiative create openings for growth.
Diana Pagano: “When you see something as real…if you lose something and you feel your life is over…you’re vibrating in a different frequency than the other person…that lost everything just like you did, but now they're vibrating at a different frequency.” [06:30]
4. Reframing Fear and Self-Doubt as Signals
[08:15 – 12:23]
- Fear as ‘False Evidence Appearing Real’: Most persistent negative thoughts aren’t rooted in fact but in stories we tell ourselves—often untested or exaggerated.
- Self-doubt as a compass: Instead of a flaw, self-doubt/fear signals where attention and growth are needed.
- Activating possibility: When you challenge your limitations, the brain’s RAS “antenna” starts noticing new opportunities and resources.
- Practical analogy: Life setbacks are like Google Maps rerouting—not “going home,” but finding a new way forward.
Diana Pagano: “Fear is nothing short of F, which is false evidence appearing to be real…Research shows that most of our negative thoughts…over 80–90%...are actually false assumptions.” [08:42]
“When you believe life like that…it doesn't make you delusional, but you're so focused on where you're headed, that's when you start creating more possibilities for yourself.” [12:15]
5. The Role of Habits—Mindset First, Actions Second
[13:11 – 14:13]
- Habits alone aren’t enough: Diana agrees with the importance of small habit changes (as in Atomic Habits), but insists mindset must come first for habits to actually produce transformation.
- Intentional action over numbers game: You can mechanically go through the motions, but without intention and belief, results are limited.
Diana Pagano: “Habits are great, but if you don't get your mind right, no habit in the world is gonna get you to that next level.” [13:35]
6. Redefining Success to Avoid Burnout
[14:14 – 16:29]
- Dangers of misaligned success: Many people attach their identity solely to achievements, often due to fear and instability from earlier experiences.
- Personal fulfillment: True success is not just about milestones or wealth, as illustrated by stories of unfulfilled billionaires, but integrating what lights you up professionally and personally.
- Prioritization: Our real priorities show up in how we spend time.
Diana Pagano: “We identify so much in our achievements…Who am I if I'm not achieving?…Getting a million dollars, even meeting a billionaire…he wasn't fulfilled…It's more than just money in your bank account.” [14:41]
7. Real-Life Transformations Through Mindset Coaching
[16:30 – 21:03]
- Coaching approach: Diana sees her role as helping clients zoom out from their problems to recognize self-imposed limitations and latent desires.
- Breakthrough stories: She tells of a real estate agent who, after shifting her perspective and aiming higher than “just getting by,” tripled her revenue in 90 days.
- Questioning beliefs: Many limits are simply accepted as ‘true’ without challenge; a client who believed she could never accomplish something because “that’s what they said” ended up succeeding once she reoriented her beliefs.
Diana Pagano: “The biggest thing most times when I coach clients is…the way that they're seeing it. They're so zoomed in on the problem…It's almost like take a back seat, take a breath and look back because they already have the answers.” [16:50]
8. Universal Mindset Shift—How to Get Started
[21:04 – 23:03]
- Pattern interruption as a mental reset: No matter who you are or what you want, the universal tool is to “interrupt the pattern”—change the mental channel as if using a remote when a negative thought arises.
- Example: When negative what-ifs or anxieties creep in, imagine flipping to a new “channel”—it immediately shifts your emotions and actions, just like switching from a horror film to a comedy.
Diana Pagano: “When you have a bad thought…I want you to imagine as if you have a remote control and you're just changing the channel. So when you're having all these what ifs…it's your job and your responsibility to interrupt the pattern.” [21:43]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It is not about you doing more. It's about becoming more of who you were meant to become.” — Diana Pagano [01:57]
- “The language that I say is going to either move me forward…or keep me the same. Sometimes sabotage and hold you back.” — Diana Pagano [03:55]
- “When you seek, you shall find…But when you don't seek and you accept the circumstance as it is and do nothing, then you're gonna sink.” — Diana Pagano [07:26]
- “Habits are great, but if you don't get your mind right, no habit in the world is gonna get you to that next level.” — Diana Pagano [13:35]
- “If you're not excited about where you're headed with, you know, absolute excitement, what's the likelihood you're going to get there?” — Diana Pagano [17:42]
- “When you have a bad thought…it's your job and your responsibility to interrupt the pattern.” — Diana Pagano [21:43]
Actionable Takeaways
- Awareness: Recognize the stories and limiting beliefs driving your actions.
- Pattern Interruption: When negativity arises, immediately “change the channel” in your mind to disrupt the cycle.
- Challenge What’s Possible: Regularly question whether your “reality” is truly fixed, or a belief that can be shifted.
- Intentional Habits: Habits matter, but only after your mindset—and vision—are aligned.
- Seek More: Whether it’s clarity, fulfillment, or opportunity, adopting a posture of seeking opens new pathways.
Connect with Diana Pagano
- Website: dianapagano.com
- Book: themoremindset.com
- Instagram & Social: @IAmDianaPagano
This episode delivers both science-backed and deeply personal insights for anyone aiming to break through limits, create sustainable success, and live with more purpose. Whether you’re a founder, leader, or individual in transition, the conversation offers practical wisdom and real encouragement for intentional growth.