Human mind positive thoughts. Human head profile view with positive words (dreams, hope, faith, self-esteem, self-confidence, motivation, independence, achievement, creativity, trust, love, desire, thrive).

Does it feel like your brain controls you instead of the other way around?

You want to live a productive, happy, and successful life, but mental roadblocks keep getting in your way.

You know what it takes to become successful, but it's easier said than done. You are willing to do the work it takes to succeed, but your mind leaves you paralyzed and unable to act.

Here's the good news -- It doesn't necessarily take a giant effort to increase positive results. Sometimes making some subtle changes in the way you think can skyrocket your chances of success.

These small shifts in mindset have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of your life.

Turn Envy Into Curiosity

We all suffer from jealousy at one point or another. But envy can be useful when you harness its power the right way. Shifting your envious energy into curiosity causes you to take action instead of feeling sorry for yourself.

For example, I remember when I saw an acquaintance of mine get her blog post published on a high traffic website. I was jealous for a bit, but then I decided to figure out how she did it. I had my work published on the same platform days later. I've continued to use curiosity to accomplish what I've seen others do -- including writing for this website.

The seemingly huge accomplishments others make aren't as hard to achieve as you think. Taking the time to learn how other people do things changes everything.



Make Learning An Obligation Instead Of An Option

Increasing rationality and improving as much as you can no matter your age or experience is a moral duty. - -Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway



Failing to learn and improve yourself increases your chances of being a failure. Think of learning as your price to pay for being a human being. Treat acquiring new information like your occupation. Information has become more accessible than ever before. The playing field is level.

Billionaire businessman Elon Musk basically taught himself rocket science by reading every book on the subject and talking to experts in the field.

This is just one example of how a dedication to learning can lead to accomplishing almost anything. Don't work your way to the top. Learn your way to the top.

Change "I am" to "I'm working on it."

The labels you place on yourself shape your actions. Be careful what words you use after the phrase "I am." The minute you label yourself as lazy, stupid, weak, or anything else negative, you act in accordance with that label. Instead of placing labels on yourself, try making statements indicating you're in the process of improving.

Instead of "I'm lazy" -- "I'm working on becoming a more productive person."

Instead of "I'm broke" -- "I'm learning how to manage my finances and how to develop the skills to earn more."

Instead of "I'm dumb" -- "I'm in the process of learning as much as I can and my knowledge base will grow."

This subtle shift in the way you describe yourself will result in dramatic changes in behavior.

Make Success Chase You, Not The Other Way Around

"Don't aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it." -- Victor E Frankyl

Success should not be sought after. Instead, focus on becoming the best version of yourself, and success will follow. Here are some examples of how to make success chase you and not the other way around.

Focus on creating a great product instead of the number of people who will buy it.

Focus on writing great blog posts instead of the number of people who will read it.

Focus on learning as much as possible instead of seeking worthless credentials.

The cream rises to the top. When you focus on doing great work, people will find out about you. Turn inward and think about how you can improve yourself a little more each day --the results will come later.

Value Experience Over Credentials

Many of us suffer from impostor syndrome. You might not feel like you're qualified enough or have the right credentials for the path you're pursuing.

Expertise comes from knowledge and experience -- not from a piece of paper. Being viewed as an expert comes from knowing what you're talking about and earning people's respect.

When you develop necessary knowledge, you'll build the confidence to position yourself as an authority and people will treat you like one.



Never Think Of Time As Being Wasted (Everything Matters)

You might be worried about making the wrong choices when it comes to your future. You don't want to waste a bunch of time traveling down the wrong path. When you think of every moment of your life as important you realize that time can never be wasted.

Everything matters. The mistakes you made in the past might lead to your success in the future. When you have a high awareness level you're able to glean useful insight from every moment.



Be Okay With Finishing Last (As Long As You're In The Right Race)

Most people are in a race to the bottom or to the middle. I'm not against people receiving a fair minimum wage, but think of it this way -- raising the minimum wage is only important to you if you plan on staying at the bottom.

When you're on the race to the top, you'll still be in great shape even if you finish last. The difference between the top one percent and the bottom 99 is the way they think. You can roll your eyes at that or accept it as being true.

Simply believing in doing the improbable catapults you into the top five percent of the population.

If you spend your entire life learning what it takes to be successful and you never give up you'll do just fine. Level up your game.

Don't look at the experts and influencers in a state of awe -- vow to take their spot.



They aren't special.

They're just normal human beings who had the audacity to believe there's more to life than living a mediocre existence.

Remove the word "aspiring," from your vocabulary. It's time to turn pro and play with the big boys and girls. Believe in your capacity to achieve. Resolve to do whatever it takes to make it to the top.

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