The Success Mindset (Part 1)
I've had these thoughts in me for a while, but have just been too busy to put it down on paper until now. I'm going to start a mini-series on how to achieve something I call "The Success Mindset". I'm thinking it's going to be about 5-8 articles, but we'll see. I'm going to start with the fundamental issues and work my way up for you.
Today, I'm going to get just a little deep. I want to talk about your mindset and how it affects your success from a foundational viewpoint. These are things you absolutely have to do before you can even get started. We're not going to go into success as a definition, because some people define success differently than others. I can honestly say that for me, the biggest part of success means being able to retain a sense of inner peace while working towards your goals. I know too many people without that kind of peace, and it hurts me to see them going through their lives with such discontentment.
Even the word "peace" has different meanings for different people, but we won't go into that today. I can say that I believe the only way to live in true peace is to have a relationship with God through his son Jesus. To me, it's the foundation you need to begin training your mind to be not only successful, but also to be able to accept success when it comes.
The first step in getting to The Success Mindset is to rid yourself of any and all influences in your life that go against what you're trying to achieve. I know personally that this can be very difficult. But this is so critical if you're going to reach that place you've been dreaming about your whole life (but never knew how to get there). Those negative influences I'm talking about could very well be people. You know who they are; in fact, I bet you could name them at this very moment. If these people act as a sort of "cancer" in your life... if they hold you back... cut them off now. They just aren't ready for the ride you're about to take.
Getting rid of all of the negative influences in your life is like the concrete foundation in your home. It's the most important, basic step, because once these people are out of your life, you will find it so much easier to act on those great ideas you've been having. So what if this cancer is your mom, dad, cousin, or someone in your immediate family? These situations can be a little more difficult, but still doable and actually very easy. Yes, family can be tricky, but don't get too emotional over it. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:24 that "man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother". Family ties are important, but often in your life you will have a friend that will stick closer to you than a brother would.
Now, I'm not saying you have to cut your family off and never talk to them again. You have to create a balance, and do whatever it takes for you to become what God would have you to become. A good way to do this is to limit you contact with those negative family members to birthdays, Christmas, and the major holidays. You have to keep in touch with immediate family out of respect and honor, but if they are dragging you down in life, they don't need to be your best friends.
Once your foundation is set, I highly recommend you find someone who has more experience than you - and stick with them. Find someone you really admire and respect, and become their protege. The most disturbing types of people to me are the ones who think they need no help. They believe that they are above a mentor or a coach. These are usually the most critical people in your life, and they get off on dissecting your lifestyle to make themselves feel better. Here is my advice: stay away from these people! If they are family, stick to the holiday rule I spoke about earlier. With friends, it's much easier to turn your back and simply walk away.
Remember, a friend loves you the way you are... and a mentor loves you too much to leave you the way you are. My mentor was my Pastor; he loved me like a son and I'm still closer to him than anybody in my life, other than Marquetta. I spent five years under him while living in Virginia, and learned more than some learn in a lifetime. We spent hours in the church praying together, we would eat together and go out together too. We were very close. I recommend you keep your eyes out for someone you think meets these criteria. If you find that person, stay with them and be a learner, be teachable, and most of all, be humble.
You might be asking what these foundational issues have to do with The Success Mindset. Let me tell you, the way you think about things has everything to do with your mindset. When you accomplish the two things I spoke about, you already have a clean slate to work with and the clear mind necessary to head to the next level.
This is just the beginning of "The Success Mindset" series. I want you to think about what I've said, and think about how you can accomplish these tasks. Keep an eye out as I finish up this series - when I add a new section to this collection of writings, I'll let you know in our blog.
By Ricky Breslin
Jan 18, 2006, 13:45
Email this article
Printer friendly page
Articles Index | Buy the DVD | Buy the E-Book | Schedule Training | Visit the Gallery
