No matter how intelligent or talented you are, without the right mindset, you will never be in the top 1%. ~ Jay Wren

As a contract recruiter, I’ve noticed something interesting about top performers: they suddenly pull far ahead of everyone else. These people share a distinct way of thinking – a mindset for success. They consistently show certain “mindset skills.”

Becoming one of the best often comes down to natural talent, hard work, and most importantly, a powerful mindset. While some call these habits, here are ten key mindset skills high achievers often have:

Mindset Skills for Top Performers

• Growth Mindset: This is the most important one. It’s the belief that you can always get better and smarter. People with this mindset think their potential has no limits. They see challenges as chances to grow and learn from criticism. They know effort leads to mastery.
• Resilience (Bouncing Back): This is about recovering quickly from setbacks and failures. Instead of letting problems stop them, top performers see obstacles as lessons. They use them as motivation to keep going, often with more drive than before.
• Self-Awareness: A deep understanding of your own strengths, weaknesses, feelings, and what drives you. This helps you use your advantages, fix your faults, and make choices that match your true self and goals.
• Self-Efficacy (Belief in Yourself): A strong belief that you can succeed in specific situations and reach your goals. This isn’t just hoping. It’s a deep confidence that lets you take risks. The belief that you can stick with things when others give up.
• Unrelenting Drive for Excellence: An intense drive to always improve and get remarkable results. This means going beyond “good enough” and aiming for mastery in whatever you do.
• Long-Term Vision and Purpose: A clear picture of where you want to go and why. This powerful sense of purpose guides you, keeps you motivated, and helps you focus when short-term distractions pop up.
• Disciplined Time Management: Top performers know time is precious. They’re great at spending their time on important activities. They cut out distractions and focus on what truly makes a difference.
• Proactive Problem Solving (Focus on Opportunity): Instead of dwelling on problems, top performers actively look for solutions. They see challenges as opportunities for growth.
• Positive Inner Belief/Optimism: This means having a supportive and encouraging inner voice. It involves steps.
• Turning negative thoughts around. Focusing on what’s possible, and believing good things will happen, even when times are tough.
• Continuous Learning and Curiosity: A constant desire to learn new things, skills, and ways of thinking. This means reading a lot, finding mentors, and staying open to new ideas. This keeps them adaptable in a world that’s always changing.

These mindset skills often make each other stronger. Developing them takes ongoing effort and practice, but the effect can change your life.

‘Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.
This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

It’s amazing how much power my mind holds over my life. The way I think shapes my reality, from how I feel to what I achieve. But here’s the good news: I’m not stuck with my current mindset. I can actually change what’s in my mind by actively choosing what I focus on, challenging negative thoughts, and building positive thinking habits.

This isn’t just about wishing for things to be better. It’s about taking concrete steps to reshape my mental patterns for a more positive outlook. Let’s dive into how I can do this.

My Path to a More Positive Mind

1. Becoming Aware of My Thoughts

The first step to changing my mind is to understand what’s already there.

• Observing My Thoughts: I pay attention to the thoughts that pop up, especially the ones that make me feel down. I notice how they impact my mood and actions.
• Not Judging My Thoughts: I remind myself that a thought is just a thought. I don’t have to let negative ones define me or pull me into a spiral. I just notice them and let them pass.
• Practicing Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation help me become more aware of my thoughts without getting caught up in them. It’s like watching clouds pass in the sky – I see them, but I don’t have to follow them.

2. Challenging Negative Thoughts

Once I’m aware of my thoughts, I can start to question the unhelpful ones.

• Identifying Negative Thought Patterns: I’ve learned to spot common negative thinking habits. Am I always jumping to the worst-case scenario (catastrophizing)? Do I take one bad experience and apply it to everything (overgeneralizing)? Recognizing these patterns is key for me.
• Reframing Negative Thoughts: When a negative thought pops up, I challenge it. I ask myself: Is there real evidence for this thought? Is there another, more positive or balanced way to see this situation? Often, my negative thoughts aren’t based on facts.
• Replacing Negative Thoughts: I don’t just stop at challenging them; I actively replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations or more realistic and helpful perspectives. This takes practice, but I find it gets easier over time.

3. Cultivating Positive Thinking

Now that I’m clearing out the negative, it’s time to plant seeds of positivity.

• Focusing on Positive Aspects: I make a conscious effort to look for the good in situations, in other people, and especially in myself. There’s always something positive to find if I look for it.
• Practicing Gratitude: I regularly take time to think about the things I’m grateful for. This simple practice powerfully shifts my focus towards what’s good in my life.
• Surrounding Myself with Positivity: I seek out positive influences. This could mean reading uplifting books, watching inspiring movies, listening to motivating podcasts, or spending time with people who encourage me.
• Acting in Accordance with Positive Thoughts: As my thoughts become more positive, I let my actions follow suit. Positive thinking can lead to positive behaviors, creating a wonderful cycle of improvement for me.

When I Seek Support

Changing ingrained thought patterns can be challenging, and I know I don’t have to do it alone.

• Talking to a Therapist or Counselor: A professional can offer valuable guidance and support in understanding and changing negative thought patterns. They can provide tools and strategies tailored to my specific needs.
• Connecting with a Supportive Community: Sharing my experiences and receiving encouragement from others who understand can be incredibly helpful and empowering.

By consistently putting these techniques into practice, I can truly change what’s in my mind. This journey leads to a more positive outlook, a greater sense of well-being, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life for me. What steps will you take today to cultivate a more positive mind?

Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash