Think Remarkable

1. Embrace the Growth Mindset: Nurture Potential Through Continuous Learning

Replace "Why is this happening to me?" with "What is this trying to teach me?"

Mindset shapes destiny. Carol Dweck's concept of the growth mindset revolutionizes how we approach challenges and personal development. This perspective views abilities and intelligence as malleable qualities that can be developed through effort, good strategies, and support from others. It stands in contrast to the fixed mindset, which sees these traits as carved in stone.

Practical applications abound. To cultivate a growth mindset:

• Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn
• View effort as the path to mastery
• Learn from criticism instead of ignoring it
• Find lessons and inspiration in the success of others

By adopting this mindset, individuals can unlock their potential, overcome obstacles, and achieve remarkable results in various aspects of life.

2. Confront Vulnerability: Transform Challenges into Opportunities for Growth

Sometimes you win and sometimes you grow.

Vulnerability is strength. Embracing vulnerability is crucial for personal growth and achieving remarkableness. It involves accepting that setbacks may occur and continuing regardless. This approach makes you stronger and better able to overcome "wounds" over time.

Strategies for embracing vulnerability:

• Acknowledge disappointment without dwelling on it
• Find the silver lining in failures
• Seek support from others
• Set new goals and take action
• Learn from failure and use it as motivation

Remember, every remarkable person has faced vulnerability. The key is to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.

3. Plant Many Seeds: Diversify Interests and Connections for Future Success

You can't connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backward.

Diversification is key. Success often comes from unexpected sources, making it crucial to explore various interests and build diverse connections. This approach increases the likelihood of discovering opportunities and developing meaningful relationships that can lead to future success.

Ways to plant many seeds:

• Pursue multiple interests and hobbies
• Network with people from different backgrounds
• Embrace random connections and serendipitous encounters
• Be open to new experiences and learning opportunities
• Trust that seemingly unrelated activities may connect in the future

By planting many seeds, you create a rich tapestry of experiences and connections that can yield unexpected and remarkable results in the long run.

4. Do Good Shit: Create Meaningful Impact Through Purposeful Action

Problem plus hope equals change.

Purpose drives impact. Doing good shit means creating products, services, or actions that make a positive difference in the world. This approach requires resilience, perseverance, and patience – in other words, grit.

Strategies for doing good shit:

• Create solutions to alleviate pain points
• Work backwards from customer needs
• Tap into indignation as a motivating force
• Jump to the next curve of innovation
• Go see, go be, and go do to understand and solve problems

By focusing on creating meaningful impact, you not only make a difference but also find fulfillment and purpose in your work and life.

5. Move Beyond Eureka: Transform Ideas into Tangible Results

As we move beyond the joy of having a great idea, our Eureka! moment, we soon realize that we have entered a realm of uncertainty.

Implementation trumps ideation. While coming up with ideas is important, the real challenge lies in turning those ideas into reality. Moving beyond the "Eureka" moment requires grit, perseverance, and a willingness to navigate uncertainty.

Steps to move from idea to implementation:

• Formalize your goals and create a roadmap
• Prove your concept through prototypes or minimum viable products
• Seek mentors and complementary partners
• Develop routines and break bad habits
• Find your ikigai – the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and what the world needs

Remember, remarkable people are not defined by their ideas alone, but by their ability to bring those ideas to fruition and create tangible impact.

6. Sell Your Dream: Inspire and Influence Others to Support Your Vision

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.

Inspiration drives adoption. Selling your dream is about getting others to believe in and support your vision. This requires effective communication, persuasion, and the ability to build meaningful connections with others.

Techniques for selling your dream:

• Focus on getting your foot in the door rather than immediate acceptance
• Cultivate early adopters to build momentum
• Use storytelling to make your vision more relatable and memorable
• Find common ground with others to build rapport
• Leverage social proof and demonstrate expertise
• Practice reciprocity and pre-ciprocity (helping others before asking for help)

By effectively selling your dream, you can rally support, resources, and collaboration necessary to turn your vision into reality.

7. Lead by Example: Foster a Culture of Growth, Grit, and Grace

Graceful leadership is about leading by example and showing others how to live with kindness, compassion, and empathy.

Actions speak louder than words. Leading by example involves embodying the qualities and behaviors you wish to see in others. This approach fosters a culture of growth, resilience, and compassion within your team or organization.

Key aspects of leading by example:

• Overcome imposter syndrome and embrace confidence
• Create a "good situation" that enables others to do their best work
• Hire people better than yourself to elevate the entire team
• Put skills first when evaluating talent, looking beyond formal credentials
• Draw clear boundaries to maintain focus and well-being
• Practice active listening and know when to shut up

By consistently demonstrating these qualities, you inspire others to adopt similar behaviors and create a positive, high-performing environment.

8. Take the High Road: Uplift and Inspire Through Compassionate Leadership

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Compassion elevates leadership. Taking the high road means choosing kindness, empathy, and integrity, even when it's challenging. This approach not only uplifts others but also enhances your own character and reputation.

Ways to take the high road:

• Value all people, regardless of their status or position
• Count your blessings and practice gratitude
• Fulfill your "success oblige" by giving back to others
• Make wise interventions to nurture people's sense of belonging and self-worth
• Over-deliver on expectations to create positive experiences
• Change how you measure success, focusing on impact and fulfillment rather than just monetary gains
• Punch up, not down, when addressing issues or conflicts

By consistently taking the high road, you set an example of grace and compassion that inspires others and creates a more positive environment for all.

9. Turn and Burn: Act Decisively to Make a Lasting Difference

The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is now.

Action beats hesitation. "Turn and burn" is a surfing term that applies to life: when you see an opportunity, turn towards it and give it your all. This mindset emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action to make a difference.

Principles for turning and burning:

• Be curious about the world around you
• Actively seek to solve problems you encounter
• Focus on doing good and making a positive impact
• Trust that your efforts will connect in meaningful ways, even if you can't see the full picture yet
• Don't let fear of regret hold you back from taking action

Remember, the most remarkable people are those who not only have great ideas but also take decisive action to bring those ideas to life and make a lasting difference in the world.

Last updated: February 19, 2025