During the last several years as a Success Coach, I have spent hundreds of hours helping people from different walks of life manifest their success.  I am often asked, “What set’s the Successful apart from the Rest?”   The shocker is that this is an easy question to answer, because the answer is so obvious that it is often overlooked. 
 
Mindset is a key element that separates the Successful from the rest. There have been countless books, speeches and articles written about the effects of mindset on a person’s ability to achieve a stated goal.  However,  the term Mindset  is so over used that on the surface its definition is murky - at best.
 
We have all seen the social media hastags: #moneymindset #growthmindset #millionairemindset …. but what are all these people talking about?
 
The word “Mindset” is defined as, a  fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines a person's responses to and interpretations of situations.[1] The dictionary’s definition seems to explain some of the hashtags we just discussed (i.e. #moneymindset, # millionairmindset), such that if you want to be a millionaire than simply act and do as a Millionaire does.  But, we all know that simply acting & doing  as we think millionaires would is not enough to actually make us Millionaires.
 
The phrase “Growth Mindset” describes a concept identified by Dr. Carol Dweck. Her research on Success showed that placing value on “talent & brains” alone resulted in individuals who were more focused on documenting their intelligence rather than developing it.  Dweck’s Growth Mindset  is the theory that when an individual places her focus on dedicated hard work as a vehicle for intellectual development she develops the quintessential resilience and intellectual curiosity needed to succeed on a grand scale. Growth Mindset is all about believing that continuing to develop your brain & talents is the best method for you achieve a particular goal.[2] 
 
At the core of a healthy mindset are BELIEF & Mental Toughness. 
 
What you believe is inextricable from what you are & what you become.  A great man once said, “we are what we focus on.” Therefore if your Belief is your focus, it becomes easy to see how self-limiting beliefs can sabotage your success before you even set out towards it.   On a very basic level: (1) if you don’t believe you can, then you can’t;  (2) If you don’t believe you deserve it then you won’t receive it, (3) if you are focused on what you lack, you won’t be able to attract the more you need.  Here are some examples of Belief at work:
 

• The 4 minute mile.  For the better part of a decade experts said a sub-4 minute mile could not be done. Until 1954 when Roger Banniester ran a 3:59.4 min mile and defied all who said it was physically impossible.  
• JK Rowling was homeless however believed she had a great story to tell. She believe her creativity could lift her out of poverty.
  
• Steve Jobs started a computer company in a garage and day dreamed of something called the internet. Along with group of friends that shared his belief he not only launched one of the most notable tech companies in history but also helped the internet be born.
  

 
Mental Toughness is a quotient of your ability to persevere, overcome obstacles, and handle criticism in such a way that your commitment to achieving your goal is uncompromised.  In order to continue to develop ourselves so that we are best suited to achieve our goals, it is critical that we be mentally tough. Overnight success is myth! On the road to achieving our goal, I can guarantee there will be detours, unforeseen challenges and monkey wrenches. Mental toughness is the stuff that keeps you going, especially when you hit road block after road block and you’re feeling like throwing out the towel.
 
At this point its safe to say that Mindset is set of beliefs that may not only influence a persons behavior, but can also inform their choices and actions.  Your mindset is critical to your success.  The other important take away is that a healthy mindset is not a given, your beliefs and mental toughness are essential to establishing & maintaining it.
 
Alas, Mindset can be the hero or the villain on your journey to success. Mindset is the engine that makes you take action. Ideas without action are just ideas. If you want to get results you have to be strategic and intentional.  However, if you don’t believe you can get it done, then you wont get anything done. Your beliefs directly affect your mindset, and your mindset will determine how you move forward.  If you have a “growth mindset” supported by positive beliefs then you are setting the table for success. 
 
Interested in reading more about Mindset?   Check out these resources:
 
Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck
 
What having a Growth Mindset Actually Means by Carol Dweck
 
7 Mindsets of Highly Successful People – Forbes
 

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[1] http://www.thefreedictionary.com/mindset

[2] Mindset : the new psychology of success; Dweck, Carol (Random House 2006)