MINDSET MATTERS: Is yours working for you, or against you?

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Napoleon Hill once said:

“If your mind can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it”. 

This is a powerful statement that has been repeated countless times by motivational speakers, coaches, and self-help gurus. But, what does it really mean and how can we benefit by applying it in our lives?

First, let’s break it down into 3 parts. 

Part 1: “If your mind can conceive it” 

This refers to having the ability to imagine something new and different, be it for yourself or others. It’s about having the ability to see beyond your current reality and envision something better. Whether it’s a new business venture, a new relationship, or getting 6-pack abs… your mind has the power to create and imagine new possibilities.

Don’t take that for granted. The possession of creativity and forethought is incredibly powerful. This is how humans are able to sacrifice short-term pleasure for long-term gain.

We have the ability to conceive future goals and plan the steps on how to achieve them. 

You have this ability… The question is: Are you using it?

Unfortunately, many choose to just “go with the flow” and wait for something to happen.

Part 2: “… and believe it”

Believing in something is more than just having a positive attitude; It’s about having faith and trust in your ability to make it happen.

It’s about having the confidence that you can achieve what you’ve set out to do, even if it seems impossible or unlikely.

Part 3: “… you can achieve it.”

This is where the magic happens!

When we can imagine something new and different and truly believe that we can make it happen, we open ourselves up to the power of manifestation.

***Now stay with me, as the word “manifestation” may have some of you thinking I’m about to go off on some “woo-woo” tangent here. I’m not suggesting that if you just think it, then it shall be so.

Manifestation is the process of bringing something into reality through the power of our thoughts and beliefs. It’s the law of attraction in action. When we can conceive something in our minds and believe in it completely, we set in motion a series of events that can lead us towards our goal.

BUT!

You can’t just sit under a mango tree, meditating for days on end and also achieve your goals. At some stage, you’re going to have to (metaphorically) uncross your legs, wipe the dirt off your butt, and go get after it.

It’s the awareness of your goals and the belief in yourself that opens your mind up to receive opportunities when they come knocking. And when they do, you now have the right mindset to identify the opportunity and take action.

Without the right mindset, there’ll be no action… and without action, there’ll be no progress.

How do you apply this to your own life?

The first step is to be clear about what you want and why. 

  • What is it that you truly desire?
  • Why must you attain it? (The why is often more powerful if it benefits others eg family)

Napoleon Hill describes it as a “definiteness of purpose”. Most people have not established a definite goal and as such don’t know where they are going. They just keep waiting for something to happen.

However, if you don’t create your own circumstances, something or someone will create them for you. Remember:

Success doesn’t happen to us, it happens from us. 

Defining your purpose is the starting point of all achievement, and also the stumbling block of 98% of people.

Write it down, make a vision board if you wish, or create a statement of intent. Make it as specific and as detailed as possible. The more clarity you have about what you want and why, the better.

Important: Now take that statement and put it somewhere you will see it everyday. If not multiple times a day. 

Why? Because we’re human. Today, people are only one click away from supermodels in bikinis or funny dog videos. Their attention spans resemble a guy with ADHD who just downed his 3rd Redbull. It’s harder to stay focused as we’re relentlessly bombarded with distractions. This makes it even more imperative that you sharpen up your self-discipline and stay on track.

When you see your clear goal up on the wall / beer fridge / back of toilet door, you’ll then be prompted to ask yourself: “What’s one thing I can do today that will get me closer to that goal?”

Next, take action. Manifestation is not about sitting around and waiting for things to fall out of the sky. It’s about taking consistent (mostly imperfect) action towards your goal.

This may mean learning a new skill or seeking guidance from those who have already achieved what you desire (ie, coaching, mentorship)

Out with the old, in with the new.

It’s also important to release any limiting beliefs or negative thoughts that may be holding you back. Our thoughts and beliefs have a powerful influence on our reality. If we’re constantly telling ourselves that we’re not good enough or can’t achieve something, then you guessed it, there’s a snowball’s chance in hell it’s going to happen.

Marcus Aurelius said:

“Such are thy habitual thoughts, so also will be the character of thy mind, for the soul is died the colour of your thoughts”.

Essentially: What you habitually think and feel, becomes your reality.

One way to release limiting beliefs is to first identify them and then challenge them. If you have a strong opinion on something, for example, “I’ll never be good with technology”, ask yourself why you believe that’s the case.

Now come up with 3 reasons why that may not be the case. The more you explore this the more you’ll realise that your previous limiting belief doesn’t have many legs to stand on.

Being thankful

Another important aspect is gratitude. When we’re not grateful, we’re in a state of scarcity. Times seem tougher. Resources seem fewer. You grasp tightly to what you own, afraid to invest in anything to improve your situation. Unless there’s a mental shift, that’s often where people stay, sometimes for the rest of their lives. 

On the flip side, being grateful for what we have in the present moment helps us to attract more of what we want in the future. When we’re grateful, we’re in a state of abundance and positivity. We’re open to possibilities and see solutions where others just see roadblocks. This is perfect for growth and progress.

Smile… it’s gonna take some time

Remember that manifesting your goals and desires takes time and effort; But, with a clear intention, belief and action, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Just don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the journey! Fall in love with the process and you’re sure to succeed.

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