To succeed, first you must believe

Your beliefs might be what is limiting your results?

When we tell ourselves we can’t or shouldn’t do something, we limit our thinking, and our results suffer because of it.

Our contribution is restricted by our mental state at home, at work and through our lives. If we think we are going to fail, then we are more likely to fall flat on our face. With this mindset we see errors or mistakes as evidence of failure or inferior capability.

Leaders that have this fixed mindset are unlikely to change their results unless their thinking shifts. They are most likely telling themselves some of these:

• My leadership style is fine

• I don’t need to change

• Communication is not really part of my job

• I have reached a ceiling in my career

• I am doing my best.

We are all a bit wobbly at first

I used to believe I couldn't do lots of things. Scuba diving, paddle boarding, speaking in public, presenting at important and board meetings. All of these pre-existing beliefs felt real. But all they really did was reduce my progress and enjoyment.

When I first started to paddlebooard I was wobbly. But over time I kept going and tried my best. Eventually I got stronger and more steady and now it feels natural. The process of belief and trying things out helped me succeed.

Switch your thinking

When we tell ourselves that we CAN do something, we are more likely to succeed or at least improve.

With this growth mindset we are able to see mistakes as learning and progress. We see change as an opportunity and take motivation from small wins that help us get better.  

Leaders with this growth mindset are likely telling themselves:

• I can always improve

• Communication is part of leadership

• I am getting better every day

• I can engage and ignite in my own way

• I can see opportunities for growth.

Seeing setbacks as evidence that you shouldn’t try new things is very limiting. It will likely cost you your job or career. A more positive and open mindset will help you grow better capability, results and career.

“No matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.”

Carol Dweck, Mindset: The Psychology of Success.

Breakthrough is not that hard

I work with lots of leaders as their coach or mentor. Many have built a growth mindset and gone on to achieve significant change and results. After a session of two they recognise and breakthrough limiting beliefs, let go of old school ways or remove habits that limit their performance. They become lifted, lighter and try new things.

Having a plan and working with me as your coach in this way lifts your success rate from less than 30% to over 70%. That’s why so many Fortune 500 companies work with coaches and mentors.

When I wrote my book Switch, I put mindset as the first part of having powerful conversations. Our mindset lays the foundation for the conversations we lead, our impact and all of our successes. If we believe first, then our success is more likely to follow.

What is your mindset at the moment? Do you need some help to switch?

I love hearing from you.