I have studied the lives of incredibly successful people for thirty years, and I have seen many similar patterns emerge across the winners in business, sports, investing, and historical leaders.
Incredibly successful people think in terms of figuring out how to achieve their goals. Unsuccessful people let obstacles stop them from trying.
Most successful people think using three mental models:
- Growth mindset
- Positive thinking
- Follow your work energy
Their successful thinking formula can look like this:
Belief + Action + Adaptability + Accountability = Success
We often find ourselves at crossroads in life, contemplating our next steps and the best way to achieve our goals. Success might seem elusive, but the truth is, it’s not as far off as we might think. To unlock the doors to our potential, we need to embrace a growth mindset, maintain positive thinking, and follow our work energy. This post will explain how these factors can lead to success when used to create the correct beliefs, take the needed action, adapt as we go for our goals, and keep ourselves accountable for our effort and results. It all begins with how we think. Incredibly successful people have common mental habits for seeing themselves and the world. They think differently than the majority, and that’s why they win.
Growth Mindset
A growth mindset believes that our abilities and intelligence can be developed over time. Unlike a fixed mindset, which assumes that our traits are static and unchangeable, a growth mindset encourages continuous learning and improvement. This mindset is crucial in helping us overcome challenges and reach our goals.
Adopt a learner’s attitude: To cultivate a growth mindset, start by embracing a learner’s attitude. View every experience as an opportunity to learn something new. Be curious and ask questions. Seek challenges and take them head-on, knowing they will help you grow.
Celebrate progress: It’s essential to recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Break your goals into smaller milestones and celebrate each as you reach them. This will motivate you to keep pushing forward and help you maintain a growth mindset.
Learn from failure: Failure is inevitable, but how we respond to it matters. When you encounter setbacks, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong and use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future.
The growth mindset sees opportunities, whereas a fixed mindset sees obstacles. A fixed mindset sees the present moment as a limited reality; a growth mindset sees it as just the beginning and envisions an unlimited future.
Positive Thinking
Positive thinking plays a crucial role in our overall well-being and success. It helps us stay motivated, resilient and focused on our goals. Here’s how you can harness the power of positive thinking:
Reframe your thoughts: Our thoughts have a powerful impact on our actions and emotions. To develop a positive mindset, practice reframing negative thoughts into positive ones. For example, instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” tell yourself, “I can learn how to do this.”
Surround yourself with positivity: The people and environment around us significantly influence our mindset. Surround yourself with positive influences which encourage and support you in your journey toward success. Seek out uplifting books, podcasts, or articles to keep your mindset in check.
Practice gratitude: Regularly practicing gratitude can dramatically shift your mindset. Please focus on the good things in your life and acknowledge them daily. This will help you maintain a positive outlook, even during difficult times.
Highly successful people tend to have a positive mindset and see life through the filter of gratitude and possibilities. They assume the best from people and circumstances and look on the bright side. They focus on what they can do in the present moment and don’t dwell on the past or future unless it is to relive past success or imagine great future results.
Follow Your Work Energy
Our energy levels fluctuate throughout the day, and aligning our tasks with these natural rhythms is essential. Following our work energy can increase productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction. The core of work energy is also to follow your passions into what makes you money. The micro-management of work energy is your daily timing of tasks, and the macro-management of work energy is doing what you love and can monetize.
Identify your energy peaks: Pay attention to when you feel most energized and focused during the day. This is when you should tackle your most demanding tasks. Schedule less critical tasks for times when your energy levels are lower.
Listen to your body: Our bodies often cue us about our energy levels. If you’re tired or sluggish, take a break or engage in an activity that recharges you, like a short walk or a brief meditation.
Adjust your schedule: Once you’ve identified your energy peaks and valleys, adjust your schedule accordingly. Prioritize essential tasks during peak energy times and reserve less critical tasks when you’re not as focused.
Incredibly successful people do what they love for a living. That is where their energy comes from; it’s their game, hobby, and career. Putting long hours and hard work into something you aren’t passionate about is almost impossible.
Belief + Action + Adaptability + Accountability = Success
Success is not a product of luck but consistent effort and dedication. Combining belief, action, adaptability, and accountability can pave the way to achieving your goals and enjoying success.
Belief: A solid belief in yourself and your abilities is the foundation of success. Believe that you are capable of achieving your goals and overcoming obstacles. This self-confidence will propel you forward and help you stay motivated in facing challenges.
Action: Belief alone isn’t enough; you must take action to achieve your goals. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them individually. Consistent effort and dedication will lead to progress and, ultimately, success.
Adaptability: Life is unpredictable, and plans often change. To succeed, you must be willing to adapt to new circumstances and adjust your approach when necessary. Embrace change, learn from it, and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve.
Accountability: Holding yourself accountable for your actions and progress is essential for success. Regularly evaluate your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments as needed. Seek feedback from others and be open to constructive criticism. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re continually moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace a growth mindset for continuous learning and improvement.
- Maintain positive thinking to stay motivated and resilient.
- Follow your work energy to maximize productivity and satisfaction.
- Combine belief, action, adaptability, and accountability for success.
- Recognize success as a journey, not a destination.
- Stay dedicated and embrace the journey with an open mind and positive attitude.
Now you know how incredibly successful people think and how you can join them.