SUCCESS is 80% MINDSET & 20% SKILLS

When you think about success, what comes to mind? Is it the image of a “lucky” wealthy person? A genius that has built an empire? Or maybe it’s the thought of everlasting happiness? 

These are often the common misconceptions that take over the truth, where success is only about being lucky, coming from a wealthy background, or having academic certificates. In today’s society, we often tend to believe that success will equal our everlasting happiness and fulfilment. But truth be told, none of these factors alters our accomplishments or will help us succeed “quicker”.

You must understand that your MINDSET outcome is crucial to your success. Studies show that MINDSET adds up to 80%, while SKILLSET only adds 20% of your accomplishments.

So, let’s start from the very basics.  

What is the mindset exactly? How does it work?

When we talk about mindset, we refer to the entire collection of our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and perspectives that shapes our perceptions and responses to the world around us. It serves as the lens through which we analyse experiences and influences our behaviours, decisions and overall well-being. 

It’s important to note that our mind is divided into 2 parts:

1. CONSCIOUS MIND: The conscious mind is often called the THINKING or OBJECTIVE mind, where it remains awake & aware to identify new information through our 6 senses.
   
   - It helps us accept and reject information to make decisions and choices. 
   
   - It does not involve stored information but is more about the things happening around you NOW, in the present moment.
   
   
2.  SUBCONSCIOUS MIND: Also known as the unconscious mind, it stores all of our previous experiences. Because of this, it influences our behaviours, actions & thinking patterns. We might only be aware of this sometimes. Still, this side of our brain works in the background and, therefore, can present both positive & negative effects on our successes & overall well-being.

The importance of POSITIVE THINKING & how this links to a CORRECT MINDSET:

Positive thinking is a fundamental element for maintaining a correct mindset. When we talk about positive thinking is not about denying reality or ignoring problems. It is about adopting a productive and solution-oriented attitude.

When we start thinking more positively, we shift our focus from limitations to possibilities. Because of this, we automatically become more resilient, adaptive, and proactive in pursuing our goals. Those who adopt this thinking obtain a greater sense of hope, self-belief, and motivation, which helps them overcome any obstacle.

While becoming more open to learning, growth, and connection, we start attracting positive experiences and opportunities into our lives. Not only does this impact our everyday lives, but it also influences our relationships, productivity, health, and overall well-being. This results in our personal and professional development.

It’s important to note that as much as this impacts our “exterior” well-being, it has also dramatically affected our emotional well-being. It can help reduce our stress, anxiety, and depression (which nowadays have become the new “normal”). Instead, we should feel and express happiness, contentment, and gratitude!

Of course, feeling sad or angry is entirely normal, but we tend to push these feelings away. It is crucial to develop self-awareness and monitor our thoughts and beliefs. It’s important to note that thoughts impact our emotions, actions, and outcomes straightforwardly. We can identify negative patterns, self-limiting beliefs, and counterproductive attitudes by purposely studying our thoughts. Once we identify these, we can challenge and replace them with more empowering and positive thinking.

When wanting to cultivate a correct mindset, it is vital to engage in practices that support your well-being, for example:

 - Mindfulness meditation

- Visualisation

- Affirmations

- Journaling

These practices help to quiet the mind, increase self-awareness, and promote a positive and focused mindset.

Having the correct mindset is crucial for personal and professional success. The mind is a powerful tool that can shape our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviours.

Love,
Michi C. Brink