What sets successful people apart from the unsuccessful? Is it genetics? Unique opportunities? Innate ability? Social connections? According to the experts, none of these factors have the final say in whether a person is successful. The key is what goes on between the ears. Even given every possible advantage, the wrong mindset can sabotage success for the most talented, intelligent, and connected individual.
So what is the mindset of success? A success mindset is a growth mindset. To be successful, we must believe that change and growth are possible, and that our talents and abilities can be developed over time, growing and gaining strength as we put in the necessary work. To quote renowned Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck,
“It’s all about your mindset. Successful people tend to focus on growth, solving problems, and self-improvement, while unsuccessful people think of their abilities as fixed assets and avoid challenges.”
In order to have a growth mindset and embrace challenges, you must be willing to stretch yourself and venture outside your comfort zone. Are you willing to risk failure in order to learn and grow? Are you okay with being confused and not having all the answers, all the time? Operating in your comfort zone is safe, but does not offer any opportunity for growth. If you want to grow, you have to be willing to make mistakes and learn from them.
Failing Forward
When a young person enlists in the armed forces, the first phase of training is known as boot camp, or basic training, and is designed to instill the fundamentals necessary to be a successful member of the military. Most of these raw recruits have never been exposed to the type of activity they experience during basic training. Finding themselves in an unfamiliar environment, they are challenged physically, mentally and emotionally.
A recruit with a fear of heights must scale a 50 foot wall and rappel down the other side or fail the exercise. In order to be successful, he must push past his fear and operate outside his comfort zone. He may make a mistake, or even fail at first. But, when he makes the choice to take on this challenge and persevere until he conquers it, there is triumph, success, and growth.
Do you have a growth mindset? Are you willing to take on new challenges, stretch yourself and step outside your comfort zone? KDS Staffing is looking for individuals with this mindset of success. We can present you with the opportunity to experience great growth and advancement in your career. Give us a call today, and let us show you what is possible.
David Klein is a leading Executive IT Recruiter & Headhunter with over 15 years industry experience. As Manager of Recruitment Strategy for KDS Staffing, Inc., he has achieved industry-leading success. David has successfully led, trained and introduced many in the art of Executive Recruitment and Headhunting. If you or your organization would like to discuss hiring needs, contact David at 646-650-2833 or david@kdsstaffing.com.
