According to T. Harv Eker, author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, there are 17 thought-provoking characteristics of the successful mindset, and 17 equally debilitating characteristics of the unsuccessful mind.
T. Harv Eker, a man who has struggled financially for twelve years himself, committed to applying each of these thoughts to his own life and reached millionaire status in just 2.5 years. He is adamant that taking this approach will help you reach financial freedom.
Let’s take apart his famous infographic and look at these powerful principles that outline his strategies and see what they’re really about. Here is my take on what Eker wants us to apply to our careers, and essentially our livelihood.
I create my life vs. Life happens to me
Take responsibility for yourself and your actions. Not allowing yourself to be a victim of your circumstances is empowering. You are in control of your life and you are the one that makes things happen.
I play the money game to win vs. I don’t want to lose at the money game
Have confidence in your strategies, your business, and your career. Don’t concentrate on the possibility of losing, but focus on what you need to do to gain success.
I am committed to being rich vs. I want to be rich
When you think “I want to be rich” it is daydreaming. You can “want” something as much as you like, but if you’re committed, you’re creating feasible strategies. When you’re committed, you won’t let challenges get the best of you and in this way wanting turns to action.
I like to think big vs. Thinking big disappoints
While it is good to prioritize daily tasks and take one step at a time, it is crucial to look at the big picture. Always take a step back and keep your eye on the big scheme of things, knowing that whatever you may face is temporary. Envision the end goal and don’t lose sight of it.
Obstacles are just opportunities vs. I keep getting blocked every time
This could possibly be the hardest element of a successful mindset to tackle. Obstacles inevitably come and often unexpectedly. The main key to getting over them is not just physically undertaking the challenge itself, but how you mentally respond to what happened as well. It can be discouraging but if you constantly force yourself to see each obstacle as a small roadblock on your path to success, you’ll see that its not as bad as it seems.
I admire rich and successful people vs. I resent the rich and successful
Many rich and successful people did not start off that way. Use other people’s successes (and setbacks) to inspire you and apply their stories to your own. See if there is anything applicable that can invigorate your own journey.
I spent time with positive or successful people vs. My friends are usually negative or unsuccessful
This is huge. Keep yourself around positive-minded individuals – people with passionate dreams and who are ambitious. Use each other for help, whether it’s through mentoring, inspiration or support.
I am willing to promote myself vs. I don’t like selling or promoting
Keep an open mind and be willing to take risks. It is key in growing yourself, your business, and responding to the constant changes in the world around you. Be willing to accommodate life changes and don’t ever think you are too big for something.
My problems are smaller than me vs. I feel weighed down by problems
Always know that any problem that pops up has a solution. Do not let it define or destroy you as a person. Tackle the problem with a list of possible solutions and let the end result strengthen you. When its over, reflect upon it with wisdom and patience and see how it can be better next time.
I am capable of receiving compliments and feedback vs. I feel uncomfortable receiving compliments and feedback
Remember that criticism is constructive. It is simply impossible to improve yourself, your methods and your outlook, without receiving the feedback of others – whether its from your superiors, your peers, friends, and family or even your own children. Know that nobody is perfect and there is always room for improvement. When you apply feedback, watch how you change and become better for yourself and those around you.
I get paid for results vs. I get paid for my time
Yes your time is precious. But when you’re goal oriented and you’re financially competitive, results are gold. Choose wisely before spending and ensure that each dollar coming in was well earned.
Faced with a choice, I go with “BOTH” vs. It’s always “EITHER/OR”
Keep your possibilities and your mind open. You don’t always have to say no to something that seems daunting and you don’t always have to choose one way to do or solve something. Sometimes there is more than one way to achieve what you want and its important to look at all the different angles.
I’m focused on boosting my net worth vs. I’m focused on boosting my working income
When you decide that you want to grow yourself – that doesn’t just mean making more money. It means bettering yourself as an individual and becoming more valuable in your industry as well. Don’t set your goals low – know that you are worth everything and can reach unthinkable heights if you allow yourself.
I know how to manage money vs. I struggle with money management
Be confident and prudent in how you manage your money. You may be brilliant at making it but can you handle the different ways its going in and out? Perhaps you need a bookkeeper to take care of this for you. Use your tools and resources effectively so that you can confidently say you’ve got your finances under control.
I let my money work hard vs. I work hard for my money
Think before every dollar you spend. Whether its the product you’re buying, investing, staffing, whatever it is and wherever it’s going – see that it helps you and your business and that it brings you that much closer to financial success and achievement.
I act even if I’m scared vs. I’m often so scared that I end up not trying
Never let fear get the best of you. If you are scared to do something, do it anyways. One of the bravest things you can do for yourself is acting in the face of fear and uncertainty, and each time you do, you grow in ways you never thought you could.
I am constantly learning and growing vs. I already know everything I need to know
Remember that no matter what level you have reached in your success, you can never stop growing and improving. Be open to those around you who have something to teach you, even if it’s a five-year-old child. Just like everyone has something to offer, everyone has something to gain as well and some of that comes in the form of invaluable life lessons.
We always want more, as human beings. More power, more assets, more achievements. What we constantly lose sight of is our amazingly innate ability to manifest these dreams. It takes discipline and focus, but equipped with the mindset of these strategic and engaging mental resources, you can achieve your next level of success and make an impact on yourself and the world.