As you grow there are many blocks to growth. Each next level needs you to rise above something, to grow and improve. This is one of them.
There are many ways to perceive the world, but one key factor consistently separates super successful individuals from those who struggle or only achieve fleeting success. This factor goes beyond connections or hard work; it centers on mindset. Specifically, it’s about whether one adopts an attacking or defensive mindset—whether they focus more on opportunities and growth or on risks and potential pitfalls.
As success grows, so might the number and complexity of problems. It becomes easy to slip into a defensive mindset. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. While solving important problems is vital, focusing solely on defense can hinder growth. Conversely, emphasizing growth without addressing challenges can lead to unmanageable issues.
Consider a football team: excelling in defense is necessary, but without a strong offense, they won’t win the league. Success requires both—defending well and seizing opportunities to score. Similarly, in life and business, balancing growth and problem-solving is essential.
The principle that “where attention goes, energy flows” is profoundly true. Overemphasizing problems can magnify them, making them seem insurmountable. Perfectionism doesn’t eliminate risks; it often paralyzes progress. Recognize that every problem has been solved before; there are always multiple solutions.
Sometimes, focusing on the destination and accepting inevitable mistakes allows for smoother problem-solving and greater impact. Continually dwelling on challenges can lead to paralysis by analysis. By maintaining a clear focus on your goals and growth, you can rise above difficulties and find solutions more readily.
To maintain a growth-oriented mindset, develop strategies and skills to build a robust team capable of tackling critical issues. However, if you spend more than 50% of your time in defense mode, you’re likely to encounter more problems and fewer opportunities for growth.
It doesn’t need to be “difficult” and can be easy to solve any problem. It’s also possible to outgrow problems. To rise above them and see them from above, for what they are.
Don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill. Have confidence that you can do it.
Often focusing on the mindset is the core most important thing.
Embracing a growth mindset.
If I were to describe the mindset it would be this:
“What are the biggest opportunities for me to grow to reach my potential? I know that I am extremely capable, and I will remember those times in my past when I achieved greatness. I will spend more of my time exploring and capitalising on these opportunities, so that I can achieve my best self, and my highest potential. The super successful in the world are no better than me. I too can achieve what others have achieved, and more. There is an abundance of opportunity in the world, and my time is valuable. My focus is predominantly on my successful vision of where I am going. Problems and difficulties may come up, that’s part of the path, and I can solve them easily when they do come up, I will seek to learn from them so I can become better. I will look for resources to learn through books, writing and mentors and others. I will not waste my time dealing with small and petty things that don’t matter. I will seek help and solutions to these problems if needed. I am grateful and excited by these opportunities.”
Remember, the key is balance. Prioritize growth, be prepared to address problems as they arise, not from within, but by outgrowing them and looking at them from above, and keep moving forward. You are made for much bigger things, and everything can be done easily – if you think it so.
Embracing such a mindset can result in a huge flow of energy that unleashes you and allows you to rise to the next level.
As I’ve grown I’ve realised that success is less about just hard work. After working 18 hours a day. But it is more and more about the mindset. The world, how people respond to you, and reality itself is just a manifestation of your mindset.
Onward.
