I want to think like a successful person. How do I start?

Success comes in many forms and sizes, and all throughout history, people have achieved levels of success. We can definitely learn from them, because success is not only for a few, but it is open to those who are willing to do what it takes to reach it. 

Basketball legend Larry Bird, in describing a successful person said, “A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” 

There are many aspects to success, but one cornerstone is the mindset of a winner. The way we perceive the world, ourselves and our potential can either keep us where we are or propel us forward to our dreams. The good news is that it is not too late to develop this winning mindset. 

The benefits of cultivating a successful mindset: 

• It is crucial for meeting goals and for achieving personal growth
• It uses curiosity, learning from mistakes and it believes that skills can be acquired. 
• It believes in one’s potential to grow and succeed. 
• It enhances the drive to achieve.
• It improves problem-solving abilities. 
• It increases self-esteem. 

Growth mindset vs. Fixed mindset 

“I can’t do it” or “I can’t do it yet”? The latter adopts a growth mindset. It says that although we are limited by our current lack of skill or knowledge, there are opportunities to acquire them and to bridge the gap. 

The growth mindset allows a person to ask questions, assess the situation, to know one’s strengths and weaknesses, to develop solutions to challenges, and to exert effort. This leads to change in attitude, and fulfillment in undergoing the process of change. Regardless of the result, the person with the growth mindset learns from the process, mistakes, and is open to try again until success is achieved. 

Meanwhile, a person with a fixed mindset tends to feel helpless and defeated because they think that people can’t be changed. They believe in thoughts telling them they are not worthy to even try because it won’t work. Or after a failure, they give up and are afraid to try again. 

• Am I generally afraid of making mistakes? Or am I intolerant of other people’s mistakes? 
• Do I tend to judge myself or others or  motivate and encourage? 

These questions can reveal our current mindset. 

Positive Self-talk to shape thoughts and actions

Self-awareness is essential to success. Take time to sit down, and assess yourself for limiting beliefs. Then maybe later even ask for feedback from your direct superior, peers, and people reporting to you about what they perceive as your strengths and weaknesses. Successful people are more open to receiving feedback because insights from others can be used to alter and improve themselves. 

Once you have identified your limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, and points for improvement from feedback, find ways to challenge them and replace them with statements that encourage you to grow. 

The power of strong belief

A strong belief in our potential is a powerful force in goal achievement. When we encounter hardships, our beliefs drive us to be creative. It enables us to see obstacles through and we eventually become resilient. 

• Visualization. This skill enhances belief. Imagine yourself already having achieved your goals. Dr. Stephen R. Covey said in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that even before we begin working on a goal, we should already have a vision of the end goal, a picture of ourselves achieving it. 

• Learning from the past. There were things in the past that worked in our favor and helped us get success. Looking back at them, analyzing and learning from them boosts our confidence that we can do something like it again in the future. 

• Utilize the benefits of a support network. Hardly anyone can claim that their success is solely their own work. But many would say that their support network had a crucial role in guiding, influencing, supporting, and teaching them to become the person they are now. Support networks can be friends, family, or even mentors and coaches. 

Focusing our efforts on developing a strong belief in your capabilities, overcoming limiting beliefs and cultivating a growth mindset is a narrow road that leads us to success. It will not be easy, but it is worth it. 

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