Accomplishments are based on actions, not on thoughts--yet the thought is always father to the deed. Achievement starts with an idea, a perspective, a point of view, or even just an attitude. Here are some of the things remarkable people think every day, and how those thoughts spur them to take the actions that lead to success.
"There's a lot more going on here..."
It's easy to view the actions of others solely through the lens of how that behavior impacts us, especially if those actions impact us negatively. Still, most employees don't try to do a bad job. Most customers aren't intentionally difficult. Most investors aren’t focused solely on cashing out. Most people aren't out to get you. Fail to look deeper and you miss an opportunity to make a bad situation better -- for everyone
"That wasn't nearly as bad as I imagined."
The most paralyzing fear is fear of the unknown. (At least it is for me.) Yet nothing ever turns out to be as hard or as scary as you think. Plus it's incredibly exciting to overcome a fear. You get that, "I can't believe I just did that!" rush, a thrill you may not have experienced for a long time. Try something scary: physically, mentally, or emotionally. Trust yourself to figure out how to overcome any problems that arise. You will.
"No one else would do that... so I will."
Often the easiest way to be different is to do what others are unwilling to do. Pick one thing other people won’t do. It can be simple. It can be small. Doesn’t mater. Whatever it is, do it. Instantly you'll be a little different from the rest of the pack. Then keep going. Every day, think of one thing to do that no one else is willing to do. After a week you'll be uncommon. After a month you'll be special. After a year you'll be incredible, and you definitely won’t be like anyone else.
"I can't do everything today... but I can take one small step."
You have plans. You have goals. You have ideas. Who cares? You have nothing until you actually do something. Every day we let hesitation and uncertainty stop us from acting on our ideas. Pick one plan, one goal, or one idea. And get started. Just take one small step. The first step is by far the hardest. Every successive step will be a lot easier.
"I could have done better."
We've all screwed up. We all have things we could have done better. Words. Actions. Omissions. Failing to step up, step in, or be supportive. Successful people don’t expect to be perfect, but they do think they can always be better. Think about your day. Think about what went well. Then think about what didn’t go as well as it could have. Take ownership. Take the blame. Take responsibility. And promise yourself that tomorrow, you will do a lot better.
"I need to just shut up."
I used to talk a lot. I thought I was insightful and clever and witty and just plain thought I was a hoot. Occasionally, very occasionally, I might even have been. Most of the time I was not. Truly confident people don't feel the need to talk -- at all. I hate when it happens, but I still sometimes realize I'm talking not because the other person is interested in what I have to say but because I'm interested in what I have to say. Never speak just to please yourself; when you do you end up pleasing no one.
"I need their help."
Everyone needs help. Admitting we need isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of self-confidence and strength. And it’s a great behavior to model. Besides, asking another person for help instantly recognizes their skills and values and conveys your respect and admiration. And while that’s reason enough to ask someone for advice, for an opinion, or for a helping hand, you also get the help you really need.
"They need my help."
Of course the opposite is true, even though if you’re in a leadership position--or in a position to impact someone else’s career--other people may definitely see asking for help as a sign of weakness. And they’ll definitely hesitate to ask. So offer. But don’t just say, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
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