I recently read Napolean Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” for the first time.
I liked it. A lot.
No, I didn’t figure out “The Secret.” Although I suspect the real secret is that there isn’t a secret. Which is a profound bit of popular psychology, and no, I don’t believe “profound” and “popular psychology” is an oxymoron. The profundity has to do with understanding the difference between “solution” and “process.” Being a popular cliche is irrelevant.
I believe “the secret” works much in the same way as when I “lose” things. Most often, lost items show up, unexpectedly, in plain view. In this view, success is a matter of visualizing (in detail) an achievable goal, then taking each step in order as it comes. As I get more experience – success – I’m finding it’s right in front of my face, and it was there all along.
You runners probably understand the notion of a “milestone.” Maybe you set out for a long run, but you feel like crap half way through. No worries, you “make yourself” just run to the 2d hill, or next turn in the road, or the big red barn, or some other achievable milestone. You know you can make it that far. Whence you finish the run, strongly, by continually setting subsequent milestones.
I got through Berkeley PhD program the same way: just get classes done… just pass preliminary exam… just pass qualifying exam… before you know, all that’s left is writing it up.
A good “mastermind” group will help you along the way to your personal and professional success in much the same way: by helping you keep those next steps in focus, and your end goal in sight.
What is a Mastermind group anyway
A Mastermind group is a informal, like-minded group of people committed to personal and professional success, but not necessarily in business with each other. The people – the masterminds – in your group will help you develop your long term personal vision, help you stay focused on that vision, help you determine your steps along the way, and be a source of inspiration when the tide seems to be running against you. Napolean Hill identifies having a mastermind group as a common element to success for every one of the 500 successful people he studied. Becoming part of a mastermind group will guarantee your success, but it does appear to be a necessary component of success.
Ok, by now you ought to sold on the benefits of finding like-minded folk… and you may be wondering “Exactly how do I do that?” Fortunately, it’s easy, and there’s several ways to do it.
Getting started with a Mastermind group
Here’s 3 ways to get started with a Mastermind group:
- Purchase a membership in an existing group. I’ve done this with Yaro Starak’s Membership Mastermind program, which I will be implementing in the future over at Website In A Weekend. I’ll have more to say about Yaro’s program in the future, watch for my review.
- Find an existing Mastermind group, add value to the group. This technique isn’t my strong point, so I’ll discuss a few pointers from both my limited experience and from articles promoting joining an existing group.
- Create your own Mastermind group, it’s easier than you think!
Make your Mastermind move now!
Above all, commit to doing something and doing it now, even if you aren’t sure it’s the “right” thing. You will find personal and professional growth, simply as a result of the process. Tangible benefits will emerge organically!
Are in a Mastermind group right now? Did you start it yourself, join an existing or become a paid member? Tell us about your experience.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Mastermind groups applies the principle of the sum being greater than the parts, and it’s true! I like to think of them as teams that operate individually with their members working in their own domains of expertise.
One of my favorite things about them is setting accountability for myself. I can throw out a goal or milestone out to the group with the intent of achieving it. And rather than go it alone, I have the group for support along the way.
There are two things about mastermind groups that I have noticed:
1. You need to have similarly ambitious people in the group. Less ambitious people will drag on the the group, slowing things down. This does not mean similarly skilled or similarly successful. Ambition seems to be the most important ingredient.
2. The benefit of working with a mastermind group may not be immediately obvious. It may take a while for the effects to sink in and start to propel your ventures forward.
@Walter – This is one of the hugest benefits. In the end, we all have to pretty much do the work ourselves, but having someone to share it with makes it more fun.
@Sean – Ambitiousness is my experience as well. I know some very talented people who are not very ambitious!