Does it
feel like your brain controls you instead of the other way around?
You want to
live a productive, happy, and successful life, but mental roadblocks keep
getting in your way.
You know
what it takes to become successful, but it's easier said than done. You are
willing to do the work it takes to succeed, but your mind leaves you paralyzed
and unable to act.
Here's the
good news -- It doesn't necessarily take a giant effort to increase positive
results. Sometimes making some subtle changes in the way you think can
skyrocket your chances of success.
These small
shifts in mindset have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of
your life.
1. Turn
Envy Into Curiosity
We all
suffer from jealousy at one point or another. But envy can be useful when you
harness its power the right way. Shifting your envious energy into curiosity
causes you to take action instead of feeling sorry for yourself.
For
example, I remember when I saw an acquaintance of mine get her blog post
published on a high traffic website. I was jealous for a bit, but then I
decided to figure out how she did it. I had my work published on the same
platform days later. I've continued to use curiosity to accomplish what I've
seen others do -- including writing for this website.
The
seemingly huge accomplishments others make aren't as hard to achieve as you
think. Taking the time to learn how other people do things changes everything.
2. Make
Learning An Obligation Instead Of An Option
Increasing
rationality and improving as much as you can no matter your age or experience
is a moral duty. - -Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway
Failing to
learn and improve yourself increases your chances of being a failure. Think of
learning as your price to pay for being a human being. Treat acquiring new
information like your occupation. Information has become more accessible than
ever before. The playing field is level.
Billionaire
businessman Elon Musk basically taught himself rocket science by
reading every book on the subject and talking to experts in the field.
This is
just one example of how a dedication to learning can lead to accomplishing
almost anything. Don't work your way to the top. Learn your way to the top.
3. Change
"I am" to "I'm working on it."
The labels
you place on yourself shape your actions. Be careful what words you use after
the phrase "I am." The minute you label yourself as lazy, stupid,
weak, or anything else negative, you act in accordance with that label. Instead
of placing labels on yourself, try making statements indicating you're in the
process of improving.
• Instead of
"I'm lazy" -- "I'm working on becoming a more productive
person."
• Instead of
"I'm broke" -- "I'm learning how to manage my finances and how
to develop the skills to earn more."
• Instead of
"I'm dumb" -- "I'm in the process of learning as much as I can
and my knowledge base will grow."
This subtle
shift in the way you describe yourself will result in dramatic changes in
behavior.
4. Make
Success Chase You, Not The Other Way Around
"Don't
aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are
going to miss it." -- Victor E Frankyl
Success
should not be sought after. Instead, focus on becoming the best version of
yourself, and success will follow. Here are some examples of how to make success
chase you and not the other way around.
• Focus on
creating a great product instead of the number of people who will buy it.
• Focus on
writing great blog posts instead of the number of people who will read it.
• Focus on
learning as much as possible instead of seeking worthless credentials.
The cream
rises to the top. When you focus on doing great work, people will find out
about you. Turn inward and think about how you can improve yourself a little
more each day --the results will come later.
5. Value
Experience Over Credentials
Many of us
suffer from impostor syndrome. You might not feel like
you're qualified enough or have the right credentials for the path you're pursuing.
Expertise
comes from knowledge and experience -- not from a piece of paper. Being viewed
as an expert comes from knowing what you're talking about and earning people's
respect.
When you
develop necessary knowledge, you'll build the confidence to position yourself
as an authority and people will treat you like one.
6. Never
Think Of Time As Being Wasted (Everything Matters)
You might
be worried about making the wrong choices when it comes to your future. You
don't want to waste a bunch of time traveling down the wrong path. When you
think of every moment of your life as important you realize that time can never
be wasted.
Everything
matters. The mistakes you made in the past might lead to your success in the
future. When you have a high awareness level you're able to glean useful
insight from every moment.
7. Be Okay
With Finishing Last (As Long As You're In The Right Race)
Most people
are in a race to the bottom or to the middle. I'm not against people receiving
a fair minimum wage, but think of it this way -- raising the minimum wage is
only important to you if you plan on staying at the bottom.
When you're
on the race to the top, you'll still be in great shape even if you finish last.
The difference between the top one percent and the bottom 99 is the way they
think. You can roll your eyes at that or accept it as being true.
Simply
believing in doing the improbable catapults you into the top five percent of
the population.
If you
spend your entire life learning what it takes to be successful and you never
give up you'll do just fine. Level up your game.
Don't look
at the experts and influencers in a state of awe -- vow to take their spot.
They aren't
special.
They're
just normal human beings who had the audacity to believe there's more to life
than living a mediocre existence.
Remove the
word "aspiring," from your vocabulary. It's time to turn pro and play
with the big boys and girls. Believe in your capacity to achieve. Resolve to do
whatever it takes to make it to the top.
By Ayodeji Awosika, the Huffington Post, February 22, 2016
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