I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having the right mindset to succeed in life and how it has shaped and changed me forever for good. Having the right frame of mind can help you grow and move forward at ease in life.
Earlier this week I watched a video of Mr. Deepak Kanakaraju (a leading Digital Marketing Expert in India) called "Success Mindset". I was so inspired by his views and beliefs that it motivated me to write this post. Mr. Deepak swears by these principles and says the mind is a powerful weapon and if you adopt these practices to change yourself then nothing can stop you from reaching success. Let's take a few moments to deep dive into his thoughts!
“Mind is a flexible mirror, adjust it to see a better world”
Think Differently
As bizarre as it may sound, you got to think differently to be different from others. You may have opinions different from others which they may not agree with you and even dislike you for it. But that's ok. You have the right to have your own opinion. Do not accept things the way people see them. Rather challenge the status quo. When you start thinking differently you will stand out. Always look out for the truth.
Seek Objective Truth
My Sunday can be your Monday. Your Orange can be my Peach. But wait, what is the actual truth? and who is correct here?
"You can believe what you see, but others might see it differently — and you can both be right."
The point here is to figure out the truth that is objective rather than subjective.
So is truth subjective or objective? how do we determine when is the truth really objective and when it's not? check out what science has to say about it.
"According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, scientific truth is objective, confirmed by proof, and is — or at least, ideally should be — universally accepted. Subjective truth, on the other hand, is dependent upon opinion and perspective."
So basically to proceed with a more objective approach, you have to adopt the scientific thinking method. You’ll need to think and act like a scientist and experiment to know the truth.
Let me further explain. My friend's cook says she cooks well. My friend also acknowledges that her cook cooks well. Now I can simply choose to believe what they say holds true which is based on the assumption of what others see or I can also choose to eat her food and then arrive at my own opinion. So by doing so I am trying to find the objective truth (actual facts by proof). So I eat, like her food, and then agree that my friends cook cooks well.
Think Long Term
If you want to reach success, you really need to think long-term. Nobody is successful overnight. Hard work and consistency do pay off!
"According to Wikipedia, a famous physchology test called the Standford Marshmallow experiment that conducted a study on delayed gratification says — patience is the key to success."
Become a 2.0 Version
Change is the key to success. Change is necessary. There must be constant learning and growth. You cannot change what is not in your control, but you can change what is in your capacity. Therefore it is important that you don't attach yourself to your current identity. Write down your ideal future self. Aim to become a better version of yourself. A future version of you that is way better than your existing self. Stop asking why what, if, and but? rather work every day to reach your goal.
Train your Lizard Brain
The brain likes stability. It's afraid of change and growth. Stop being comfortable. Get out of your comfort zone. Test and push your limits. Do something out of the box. Seek something you have never done before. Train that lizard brain.
"There is a theory that says the reptilian or lizard brain (a primitive part of human brain) is — source of resistance and the sole objective of this resistance is — to stops us from becoming our best selves and achieving our higher goals."
This resistance is the reaction of your mind every time you want to create something new or do something different. A reaction that has the same strength as you desire, but goes in the opposite direction. You can never completely eliminate resistance, but you can learn to live with it and be stronger than it.
Dream Big
Be ambitious. You will never achieve anything beyond your dreams. By dreaming big you put yourself in a vulnerable position. You are afraid of disappointment. Hence you naturally work hard to achieve your desired goal. When you dream your desire to achieve something increases and when you start putting effort you will begin to see patterns to help you get there. Naturally, you will start taking steps that make you one step closer to your destination.
Think Money
"The money you make is a symbol of value you create"
Money may not buy you happiness but it can surely secure your future. Money can be the solution to most of your problems even if not all. A business makes profits by creating value. Money is the byproduct of value. Find ways to create wealth for yourself by creating value that sells itself. This holds true if you really want success.
Set High Standards
Set your expectations high. Raise the bar. Never compromise or settle for anything less. Choose quality over quantity. Don't let others take you for granted.
Don't Cut Corners
When you cut corners you think and act in an unethical way. By doing so you set wrong expectations. You reap what you sow. The world is a reflection of your behavior. By doing wrong you attract wrong around you so beware.
Celebrate Success
Envy is a dream killer, do not be jealous. Celebrate others' success as much as yours. Take it positively and as an inspiration to ask yourself if they can so can you.
Get Competitive
Join an ambitious and competitive community. They say what company you keep matters. Be part of a learning team. Have competitive peers. Keep the competition healthy. This will motivate you to work further and grow towards your ambitions.
Be Positive
Quality work comes from a good state of mind. if you are frustrated or depressed it affects your productivity. Don't get swayed by things happening around you. You cannot control things around you. You can only control how you react to it. It takes discipline to keep yourself in a positive state of mind.
Measure Everything
"You cant improve what you don't measure — if it'isnt measurable it cannot be managed"
Be analytical at everything. Measure both personal and professional activities. Cultivate a daily routine. Maintain a to-do list. Track your idle time and your productivity. This will definitely give you some valuable insights.
Final Thoughts
"There are no butterfly experts amongst caterpillars."
According to Jed McKenna a known author of the popular book spiritual enlightenment, "despite the innumerable claims to the contrary he encourages his students to at least consider the possibility that the world is up to its poles in caterpillars who quite successfully convince themselves and others that they are actually butterflies. Or, to say it plainly, the vast majority of the world’s authorities on enlightenment are themselves not enlightened. They may be something, but they’re not awake. An easy way to distinguish between caterpillars and butterflies is to remember that the enlightened don’t attach importance to anything, and that enlightenment doesn’t require knowledge. It’s not about love or compassion or consciousness".
To sum it up let me put it this way, Life is not a game. Take life seriously. Start taking charge of your character. Be accountable for it. Stop thinking and start acting upon it. Small improvements each day will compound over time. Let there be a massive change in you. Take a pledge. Thou shall have no ifs or buts. Success comes only to those who are seeking it. Be the game-changer of your life. Unlock the success mindset in you!