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The Mindset Of Success

Elizabeth Cipolla

As I recall prime examples of successful people whom I’ve come across in my lifetime, their stories are quite different. Some were born into a family that most would consider privileged, but many were not. There are those who chose the traditional route of formal education beyond high school, leading them to a particular career path. Others were high school dropouts who followed a path that was anything but conventional. There is one similarity amongst each successful person regardless of their upbringing or educational choices: mindset.

Perhaps the best thing about my career as a management consultant is that I get to work closely with a diverse cast of characters representing countless industries and perspectives. There is never a dull moment and no two clients are alike. I am constantly observing and learning from everyone I meet, and have always enjoyed doing so from the time I recall my earliest memory. Just when I think I’ve got it all figured out, I am introduced to someone new who challenges my mindset — and I love every minute of it.

Recently, my mother passed away and it enabled our family to spend time together sharing memories, tears, laughter and philosophical discussions about life. One such conversation really stuck in my mind as a powerful reminder of what “success” in life looks like as the curtain closes and we’ve taken our final bow. My siblings and I were discussing what to include on my mom’s headstone. During this discussion, my sister referenced a poem she read about the meaning of the dash; specifically, the dash appearing on our headstone. The life we’ve lived and successes we’ve had are all part of the dash appearing in between our years of entry and exit in this world.

This leads me to the notion of success. It is something that is preached to students from a very young age in elementary school, and it continues to be the carrot dangling in front of our faces as we continue into adulthood. I’ve reflected on personal successes and the living of my “dash” in the wake of my mom’s death. It’s triggered me to look for some threads of commonality amongst those who have lived their lives in a way that I’d consider successful, as well as reflections of my own successes.

Regardless of the hand you’re dealt in life, success is all about your mindset. Here is what the mindset of success looks like. Do you have it?

Successful people have a growth mindset. Rather than viewing successful potential as something you’re born with (or not), those with a growth mindset know that capability can be developed. They do not avoid challenges or give up easily when faced with obstacles. They are not threatened or deflated by the success of others. Instead, they view failure as a starting point for testing out ideas so they can modify their approach for a better result next time. When others are successful, they use it as inspiration.

Successful people see themselves as hardworking. Everyone is born with a different level of innate intelligence, but anyone can choose to work hard (or not). Said differently, by reinforcing the level of effort and perseverance you put into accomplishing a goal, you are focusing on what’s controllable, which will keep you moving forward toward success. However, if you focus on innate ability, you will be more likely to give up in an effort to avoid embarrassment. There are countless examples of people born with innate academic ability, who falter when faced with real challenges later on in life that are a threat to their ego. While innate talent undoubtedly has its advantages, it takes a backseat to hard work for sustainable success. The view you have of yourself has a profound influence on the successes you realize throughout life.

Successful people take risks. As a former boss of mine would often say, sometimes you have to step out onto the risk plank and sacrifice extreme discomfort for a big reward. The longer you allow yourself to play it safe and avoid risks, the more rigid your mindset will become.

If you allow your mindset to become comfortable with rigidity and predictability, you will eventually fizzle out and fail to launch into anything of sustainable success. Your fear of making a mistake will paralyze you.

Successful people have grit. Grit is all about laser-like focus, tenacity and determination amidst any obstacle thrown your way. When things get especially tough, that’s when grit will carry you through. Those with grit refuse to give up and persevere through the harshest of criticism and adversity.

Success is completely within your control. Are you ready to start mastering the mindset needed to get you there?

Elizabeth P. Cipolla SPHR, SHRM-SCP is a leadership communications professional specializing in the areas of leadership training, creative recruitment strategies, employment branding, professional development and executive coaching for over 15 years. Her leadership experience comes from various industries including marketing, mass media, apparel, education, manufacturing, aerospace, nonprofit agencies and insurance. To contact Elizabeth, email her at elizabeth@catapultsuccess.com.

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