Cultivating Winner's Mindset
Gratitude, Resilience, Fortitude
In Part One we discussed A Framework for Meaning.
In Part Two I made the case for undertaking An Ambitious Journey.
When we “get it right” our journey provides structure to, and satisfaction in, our daily living.
Today, I want to touch on mindset, specifically, what I call Winner’s Mindset.
There are three components to this way of thinking:
A Daily Win
Gratitude
Persistence
A Daily Win
Define the game so you can get an early win, daily.
It doesn’t need to be complex.
Wake Up, Win
Cup of Coffee, Win
Two Glasses of Water, Win
Chop a Fruit Salad, Win
Clean the Kitchen, Win
The ability to get “big” things done starts with a series of little things.
But the early win isn’t solely about winning.
It’s about mindset.
What we are doing is:
Noticing Action
Reinforcing Action
Giving Ourselves A Mental Pat-On-The-Back
Unsure what to do?
Ask yourself => What’s important now?
Ask someone nearby => What needs to be done?
Screens down, get up, take one positive action.
While this habit will boost productivity, this isn’t about working all the time.
The idea is to build a habit of action then notice the positive impact of action.
Each evening, write out the wins-of-the-day. Then, write out the most important thing to complete tomorrow morning. This habit, of laying out “tomorrow’s win,” is making a small promise to yourself.
I’ve coached successful people who fail to notice how much they are winning. By making it obvious to yourself, you will direct your mindset and build:
Self Confidence
Serenity
Life Satisfaction
These flow from stacking daily wins.
Define the rules of the game so you control the win. Play games where you win by doing.
Gratitude
Do you have the capacity to see your good fortune?
Answer with a simple “yes” or “no.”
If you’re a “no” then I recommend a change of environment.
Expose yourself to people without the ability to choose, who don’t have the opportunity to undertake an Ambitious Journey.
Still having trouble seeing your good fortune?
Have a deep look at how you’re living.
Perhaps, you’re working towards the wrong goals. My life has undergone major changes every decade, or so. Before each of these major shifts has been a year, or more, where I felt I was in the wrong “place.”
“Place” is a mindset.
“Place” is my headspace.
“Place” is where I have directed my focus.
To boost gratitude, I need to make a habit of directing my attention to the many positive things around me.
The idea being to create positive momentum so we sustain our efforts through the inevitable setbacks and challenges.
Persist, Wisely
Action + Gratitude = Persistence
The first two habits power our ability to persist.
Notice all three habits:
Action
Gratitude
Persistence
There will be normal ups & downs with all three.
When one disappears, pause and consider if you’re pushing too hard.
Ideally, learn from the choices & habits that knock you off the virtuous circle.
Action - Gratitude - Persistence
You’ve Already Won
Get someone on your team to keep you from taking things too far.
What is too far?
An excessive focus on other people, external results
Damaging our health
Losing, or never forming, intimate relationships
Compromising our future
Downward negative spirals
That’s the Dark Side.
The Bright Side is where I hope you’ll find your mindset.
Along your journey, I hope you realize you have become…
An action-oriented person
Who does what they say
Who is grateful for life
And has the ability to persist over time and through setbacks
In these moments of clarity, notice that you have used your Ambitious Journey to create an integrated personality.
You might achieve your goal, you might not.
This integrated self is the prize.