Simple Steps to Master Your Mindset as a Leader

What if you could manifest all of your dreams just by thinking the right thoughts?  It may sound like science fiction or fantasy, but the reality is that we are only beginning to understand the power of the human brain.  Don’t get me wrong—I’m not suggesting that you pour your energy into envisioning yourself winning the lottery, but there is value in becoming more intentional about your thoughts.

Mastering your mindset is the quickest way for you to grow as a leader. In fact, it’s truly the foundation for personal development.  When you master your mindset, anything is possible. It takes hard work and continual effort, but I promise you that it is well worth it.

Here are the most effective ways to master your mindset.

Let go of the beliefs that hold you back and don’t serve you.

You might not even realize you have beliefs about yourself that just aren’t true.  For example, if you’ve never been a runner, you might think you just aren’t cut out for it.  Every time you try to run, after a half-mile you’re gasping for air and want to go home.  But what would happen if you believed you would improve, so you ran just a little farther every day?  You might be surprised to find out that your endurance and speed skyrocket, and before you know it, you’re running miles and miles and feeling like a million bucks.  The basis for improving everything in your life is believing you can do it.  Believe you are the best person to handle each of your responsibilities, tasks, and client.  Believe you work for the best company with the best product.

Let go of the people that hold you back and don’t serve you.

Sometimes people don’t want you to change.  They are insecure about themselves and their own success, and they don’t want to be left behind.  If you have people like that in your life, it might be time to distance yourself from them.  You want to surround yourself with positive people who believe in you, cheer you on, and fully support you in going after your goals and improving your life.

Create a vision board.  

Close your eyes and imagine if you got everything you wanted.  What does success look like for you?  Would you be driving around in a Lamborghini, taking lavish vacations in Europe, or enjoying hours of free time each day to spend however you please?  Maybe all of the above?  Focusing on what you really want in life will help you keep your eye on the prize. Create a collage that represents your dream life and hang it somewhere you can see it every day.

Identify three things you’re grateful for every single day.  

This might sound like basic advice, but it works to tune your mind toward positivity.  And when you’re trying to grow yourself as a leader, this is the fastest way to do it.  The reality is that people want to help those who are positive and grateful.  If you can exhibit those qualities, you will be a step ahead because people will go out of their way to make sure you are successful.  As an example, think about giving a piece of candy to two different kids.  One snatches it out of your hand without so much as a thank you.  The other smiles, thanks you, and can’t stop bragging to others about how you gave them that tasty piece of candy.  The next time you have a piece of candy, which kid are you more likely to treat?  This is exactly why it seems like some people get more opportunities than others.

Practice five daily affirmations.

Come up with five statements that are positive and reflect your goals, and/or something you want to improve. (e.g., “I am a confident and engaging presenter.”)  Repeat each affirmation in your head, and out loud.  Take deep breaths while you do this and visualize yourself succeeding.  When you really get in the zone, this practice can almost be enchanting.  Over time, you’ll believe in your affirmations more and more, and you’ll reshape your reality.  (If you don’t believe this works, just take the example of scientist Masaru Emoto, who proved that the molecular structure of water can transform when it’s exposed to people’s positive or negative emotions.)

Set goals.

Upholding a positive mindset will put you on the right path, but it also helps to become crystal-clear about your goals.  That will help you focus your energy on the areas that matter most.  I’m a strong believer in making goal setting a formal process.  Having a vague idea in your head isn’t enough to give you a solid understanding of what it will take to reach your goal.  It’s also difficult to hold yourself accountable if you don’t set specific deadlines.

One of the biggest shifts in my success—both in life and in business—was when I started being more conscious of programming my mind. I realized how much my subconscious mind had an effect on who I am and the opportunities available to me.  So, I worked on improving my mindset in a variety of ways, and I was absolutely astonished at how effective it was in helping me change my reality.

Give it a try for yourself and let me know how it goes!