How to define success and master your mindset to achieve it

How to define success and master your mindset to achieve it

Do you remember the days when any talk of mindset would be consigned to the realm of hippies and woo-woo spirits? I do. When I was growing up, I met many people who believed that hard work was the only key to success. That’s how they lived, and it seemed to prove true for a few people. It didn’t work for the majority.

I believe two things held people back, and they still hold many people back today.

1. They don’t have a clear image of what success looks like; and
2. They don’t have the psyche to follow things through.

Our ability to achieve anything in life is directly related to our psyche. How we think affects what we do, our choices, the beliefs we develop, and the results we produce. Therefore, our mind is our biggest asset.

How to define success, and why does it matter?

Brian Tracy says, success is not an action that you take, it’s a way of life. If you want to accomplish great things, greatness must be reflected in everything that you do.”

What does success look like to you? Every one of my clients would define it differently. For me, it’s not about money, promotions, status and all those traditional definitions. It’s about living the life on my terms, with the people I love, and doing meaningful work which helps others transform themselves and their lives.

Once you define what success means to you, you want to change once you can see it and taste it. You want to do things differently. Your thoughts begin to change. Finally, you’re ready to succeed with the brain in mind.

Only YOU can define your success. For too long, we allowed other people to tell us what success looked like: the new car, the high salary, a house at the ‘right’ address, a wardrobe full of designer shoes… It’s no wonder so many people failed to achieve ‘success’ when they had no say in designing it.

Finding what makes you happy and achieving it is the best definition of success I can think of.

• I’m happy if I matter to the people I love and my clients.
• I’m happy if I’m doing something worthwhile with my time – making a difference and having an impact.
• I’m fulfilled if I’m achieving.
• I’m happy if I can try new things, stretch my comfort zone, and grow when I’m ready to.
• I’m happy if I have autonomy.

Everything else follows as a result.

Have you ever noticed how your thoughts and emotions change when you’re doing something you enjoy and something with purpose? Your goal and mindset have become aligned, and you’re in a state of flow.

Shaping your mindset.

Your ideal job or lifestyle is unlikely to fall into your lap, but by shaping your mindset, you can achieve it anyway.

1. Self-acceptance: Know who you are, your strengths and weaknesses, and your likes and dislikes. It’s not about right or wrong: it’s about reality.
2. Don’t try to control everything: There are many circumstances that you can’t control. The only thing you can control is yourself and your reaction. You can complain and become a victim (yes, I’ve even seen executives fall into this trap when they don’t operate consciously), or look for a positive and learn to manage the event.
3. Know that failure is part of growth: Learn to ignore the voice in your head that tells you you’re not good enough. The most successful people know, you either win or you learn. It’s only a failure if you don’t learn from it. Every mistake is another step towards success. You mightn’t enjoy those steps, but you can get past them.
4. Keep your eye on your goal: This is your signpost, but it’s also the key factor behind your choices.
5. Know yourself: Trust your instinct, trust your heart, and trust in your capacity to grow and adapt.

The old saying that success is in your head is very accurate. If your brain is holding you back, do something about it. If you’re ready to transform your mindset and set yourself up for success, book a call to chat today.

Caroline Kennedy, author of Lead Beyond 2030: The Nine Skills You Need to Intensify Your Leadership Impact, is an accomplished former CEO, Award-Winning Executive Coach and global thought leader on business and leadership. She is a highly sought-after mentor and coach to top global executives. A respected keynote speaker and author, Caroline’s methods are neuroscience-based to achieve rapid development and growth.