Step 2.5: Mindset + Mantra
Mindset is the ultimate predictor of success or failure.
Henry Ford nailed it: "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." In other words, switching your mindset from “I hope I can do this” to “I’m going to make this happen” will be a game changer for you.
Translation: Your brain is either your biggest asset or your worst enemy.
American culture constantly feeds us the “American Dream” mindset that we can be anything. If we dream it, and work hard enough, we can do anything. Reality check: You're not going to be an NBA star if you're 5'2". But you might become the next Jerry West in the front office.
You’re about to start a new chapter of your life and career. Knowing the difference between self-doubt and self-delusion. One kills dreams, the other kills careers.
A job search can be one of the most soul-crushing exercises there is. Things aren’t in your control. You’re constantly hitting ‘Refresh’ on your email waiting for people to get back to you. Wondering what will happen next and when it might finally happen. Sleepless nights, questioning your value and the path you’ve taken to get to where you are.
The right Mindset & Mantras will help you get through.
“When you wake up in the morning - make the decision to be an optimist. Focus on the good things in your life and the good things around you.”
-Bert Jacobs, Co-Founder / Life Is Good (2019 Commencement Address, Villanova University)
Successfully making your next move will depend on having a growth mindset. The right one to get you through good times and bad. Through sickness and health. Everyday. A growth mindset means having the belief that through effort, you can improve.
Ivy-legendary field hockey All-American and 12-time Ivy League champion coach Kristen Holmes said that “The key to happiness and growth is aligning your behaviors with who you say you want to be in the world.” (Kristen is now the Global Head of Human Performance at Whoop).
Kobe Bryant had a Mamba Mentality that encompassed his mindset that didn't focus solely on achieving a goal. Instead, it looked at the whole process of getting there – the journey – to the extent that it becomes, as Kobe himself said, “a way of life.”
Others adopt a mindset that sets the standard for the good days but - more importantly - pushes them through the bad days. We’ll look at Mike Krzyzewski - Coach K - and his “Next Play” mindset in the next chapter.
Legendary cycling champion Lance Armstrong has had to reinvent himself completely after his well-documented fall from grace. He started by creating a podcast called “The Forward” that embodies his “Forward. Never straight.” mindset - that he abbreviates to “FNS”.
Companies have mindsets too. Here’s one from Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart:
“You know what else is constant at Walmart? Change. As I visit with our associates all over the world and ask, ‘Other than our Purpose and Values, the only thing that’s constant at Walmart is….?’ and they respond ‘CHANGE!!!’ Its a powerful mindset, and our people have it.”
A mantra is a great way to sum up your individual mindset.
As you embark on this next chapter of career and life, you’re going to need a mantra. A phrase to repeat to yourself when the going gets tough. Maybe even a few of them.
I like to remind myself to “Choose to Fight” whenever things get rough. Especially during a workout or training run. It’s on the wall of my gym and comes from the gym’s founder, George Foreman III.
Another that I’m currently using is “Keep Going” because I got into a great flow state around the middle of last year - with new habits, routines and removing some things from my life that were slowing me down. Not quite a Mamba Mindset, but it’s my phone wallpaper, there to remind me whenever I look at my phone (too frequently) every day.
When I lived in Germany, a group of my good friends were elite, world-class mountain climbers who all lived in the area because of its famous climbing terrain. They taught me the basics of climbing, and on day one, the mantra that every climber must learn: “Don’t Look Down”, which I still use whenever I do anything that might scare me.
And when I start something new, I always say “Buy the ticket. Take the ride.” (RIP Hunter S. Thompson) to remind me to go all in.
They all work for me.
Mantras can come from anywhere - song lyrics, movie quotes, things you’ve found online or on social media. It doesn’t matter where you found them; only that they inspire you and can help push you through when you need them to. Whether you “buy your own flowers” or “get comfortable being uncomfortable” or believe that “Growth starts at the end of your comfort zone” etc…use whatever works for you.
Your Playbook:
What is the mindset that will drive you?
Do you have a growth mindset? Does anything stand in the way of you having one?
Do you have a mantra?
What are some mantras that you’ve found inspiring?
What are the mantras that will work for you?