Ever feel like you’re never going to move up to that next income bracket, state of independence, or level of business success? Like reality as you know is not up for debate and will always be the way it is?

For many people this is true. And it’s a bummer. But it doesn’t have to be permanent. Reality is not a be all and end all, it’s simply a reflection of our current mindset. Billions of ingrained scripts and codes programmed deep into our minds make up the reality we live in.

This information and the way we use it is not unlike a computer’s operating system: it has incredible capacity to advance and upgrade, yet some people still spend their lives running primitive and underdeveloped versions.

Thinking things are permanent and getting attached to the comfortable realities we’ve made for ourselves, is a huge part of why people get stuck. A lot of people have what I like to call a fixed mindset and in order to succeed, you need to change from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

Once you’ve done that, follow in the footsteps of some of the most successful entrepreneurs by upgrading your reality with these subtle mindset shifts:

1. Change ‘should’ to ‘must’ and ‘can’ to ‘will’

There are a lot of things we think we ‘should’ and ‘can’ do, but most of the time that’s all they ever are. Take the things that matter and turn each one into a ‘must’ and ‘will’. You’ll not only become more assertive, but gain the respect of others and achieve more things you desire.

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

2. Redefine failure as a step closer to success

If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not pushing yourself hard enough. And if you’re not pushing hard enough, you’re not going to reach the next level of success. Perceive setbacks, losses, and failures how the world’s greatest inventors, sportspeople, and entrepreneurs see them: a step closer on the path to victory.

3. Stop worrying about what others think

Too often we care about what other people think. What would you do if fear of embarrassment, criticism, and judgement was out of the picture? Would you start that business? Maybe make that career move? Don’t let imagined fears which don’t present any real danger, hold you back.

4. Trust your own instincts and opinion as much as others

If we don’t believe in ourselves, no-one else will. If you’re explaining an idea to a panel or trying to convince a partner on a business deal, no matter what the subject is, if your body language, mannerisms, and tone exude uncertainty and doubt, you’ve already lost.

5. Don’t compare yourself to others

Maybe you’re more successful than your childhood classmates, or even your teachers, but this says nothing about where you are in terms of your personal growth and potential. Use your past self as your marker of progress, and always strive to be better than you were yesterday.

6. See yourself as your greatest investment

To keep moving ahead in business, your vehicle—your body and mind—need to be in tip top condition and number one in your list of priorities. Every investment you make in yourself, whether it’s a gym membership, personal development course, or weekly massage, will be with you forever and help you get to where you need, faster, and in greater health.

7. Value your future self as much as your present self

Valuing our present self over our future self is what makes us procrastinate, give in to immediate temptations, and ultimately lose momentum. Take a wider view of yourself and consider how your actions today will affect where and who you want to be in the future.

8. Think abundance instead of scarcity

Buying into the idea of that one perfect idea or that once in a lifetime deal is sexy, but hugely limiting. As long as there’s people, there will be money, and as long as there’s money, there’ll be life-changing deals, unmissable opportunities, and breakthrough ideas. Don’t restrict yourself by what appears to be scarce, when in fact is actually in abundance.

9. Choose to take full responsibility for yourself and your own success

We weren’t given much choice about where we were born and what innate abilities we were born with, however we do have the choice to fully accept our place in the world and use our abilities to their capacity. Many people don’t accept this responsibility and passively drift through life, but the people who really make a difference fully embrace their role and the gifts they’ve been given.

“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.” – George Bernard Shaw

10. Don’t stand for self-denial

We so often use our thoughts to make ourselves feel okay about doing something counterproductive, that we consider it to be normal behaviour. Rationalizing our actions and making up excuses are just a form of resistance and avoidance from effort. Avoid the path of self-denial which leads to dissatisfaction and unfulfillment, and choose the path of effort and growth.

11. Love the process more than the outcome

That pathway to success is what builds champions. If you don’t feel ready to move up to the next level of success right now, chances are you’re not. It’s by going along for the journey, putting in the effort, and overcoming the obstacles, that’ll make you the person you need to be.

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