How can top performers really live up to their potential? Why do so many, settle for average and let their potential go to waste? Is it talent, mindset, intelligence (read more here on EQ vs IQ) or maybe creativity Research from Carol Dweck, a mindset researcher and Stanford Professor, shows that mindset is a key ingredient ingredient in achieving greatness and success. Fortunately our mindset is like a muscle we can train and strengthen for success.

“Your mindset can limit your potential or power your success.”

So similar to how you work on your abs with different exercises, the same can be applied to your mindset. Below are 4 steps to get you closer to success and reaching your full potential:

1. Your mindset is your inner voice

What thoughts go through your mind when you’re home alone? What are your thoughts when you encounter challenges, experience disappointments at work or even lose loved ones ? Is this voice speaking to you in an encouraging or criticizing way? A mindset controls the way you talk to yourself in the privacy of your own head. Once we understand that mindset is this voice, we know what to control and train. If this voice keeps dragging you down or pointing towards the empty part of the glass, your current mindset might be up for an upgrade. Our mindset should be a “growth” mindset that focuses on improvement and progress, instead of a “fixed” mindset which focuses only on your current state.

2. Practice what you preach

Speak. Believe. Act. Changing the direction of your mindset is one thing, but to make it effective you need to act accordingly. Remodelling your thoughts is the first step to a better you. Practicing what you preach is the next step that will make the impact and change your world.

3. Build an inspirational inner circle

Your best thinking has got you here, but it may not be enough to get you there. Keep evolving and look for a community, mentor or mastermind group that can challenge you and help you evolve the mindset to the next level.

”Your inner circle determines your outer life.”

4. The YET mindset

You read it right, a three letter word that can shift your thinking in times when things look very challenging or you’re afraid to fail because it seems like a bridge too far. The moment you’re mind whispers that “I can’t do this”, transform it to “I can’t do this, yet”.

This three letter word will put your thinking in a growth mindset, because yes maybe it’s tough at the moment but you are a work in progress, so eventually you’ll be able to do it. Dweck’s research among students has shown that if a student says, ‘I’m not a math person, yet’ or ‘I can’t do this, yet,’” Dweck explains, “it puts their fixed mindset statement into a growth mindset context of learning over time.”