Attaining a successful mindset is just like building the foundation for a house. If the foundation is strong, you can build whatever you like above ground. But if the foundation is weak, even the best house in the world is destined to collapse.
The same thing is true with your mindset. If you have the right mentality, you can build whatever life you wish. But if your mental game is weak, your world will eventually collapse. Below are six keys to building a positive mental foundation.
Take 100% responsibility in your life. Jack Canfield teaches the equation E (event) + R (response) = O (outcome). You generally have no control over the external events in your life. However, you have 100% control over your response to that event. Respond wisely. Stop making excuses. You are not a victim.
Choose to be positive. Every day you have the choice to view the world through a positive filter or a negative filter – it’s completely up to you. Successful people choose to be positive, always looking for the lesson in every challenge. Unsuccessful people choose to be negative, always believing the forces of evil are out to get them. Whichever choice you make, you will always find what you’re looking for.
Put yourself in the best environments. Success is contagious. It’s just like chicken pox – the only way to catch them is to hang around other people with chicken pox. When you surround yourself with people who support and stretch you as a person, it’s impossible to stay as you are. Just as water seeks its own level, you too will grow or shrink depending on the environments you choose.
Erase from your vocabulary the word “failure”. Failure exists only in your mind. There is no such thing as failure. It can’t be seen. It can’t be touched. It can’t be heard. It is merely an interpretation, or a negative opinion, that someone makes about an outcome. Successful people, however, know that in life you either win or you learn. You never lose – unless you quit.
Be a true leader. Regardless of your circumstances, somebody looks up to you, which makes you a leader. So lead. Contrary to what many people think, you don’t need superhuman strength or incredible talent to be a leader. You just have to be willing to help other people achieve what they want and feel good about themselves. The most powerful phrase you can use as a leader is, “I believe in you.”
Reprogram your brain for success. To combat all the negative programming you’re experiencing through the media, your peers, friends and family, it is imperative that you feed yourself constant, positive affirmations. The subconscious mind believes whatever it’s told, regardless of the source. So replace all the restrictive, negative thoughts with empowering, positive ones. Tell yourself, “I am somebody. I have places to go. I have big things to do.” Before long, you’ll believe it to be true. When you believe it, you can achieve it.
