The Different Mindsets of Becoming Successful and Staying Successful
The mindset of one who is working to become successful is different than the mindset of one who is working to stay successful. Becoming successful requires balancing the growth vs. fixed mindset, the what vs. why mindset, the building strengths vs. fixing weaknesses mindset, and the tasks vs. ego mindset. These are all mindsets that impact one’s ability.
On the other hand, the mindset of one who stays successful requires balancing the character mindset far more than any mindset that deals with ability. As John Wooden astutely pointed out many years ago…
Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.
A character mindset is one that uses values to define what it means to be at one’s best. Values such as discipline, integrity, work ethic, purpose, preparation, and loyalty. What’s more, those with a high character mindset prioritize being at their personal best over being the best.
This may mean going over and beyond what it takes to just be #1. This also may mean continuing to do the right thing even when you won’t be #1. It’s this application of character that allows successful people to remain successful. Competing with oneself and not others is how high character mindset people continually raise the bar once success is attained.
Finally, it’s not that having a high character mindset doesn’t help one become successful because it does. But many low character people still find success by compensating with their high ability. However, once one attains success, ability is no longer a success factor as everyone at that level has ability. Therefore, character becomes more important than ability for those who stay successful.