Are you chasing after that shiny new object? Are you lost in a cycle of quick wins? We’ve all been there. But if there’s one thing my years in the digital marketing world taught me, it’s this: thinking long-term is the secret sauce to sustainable success. Today, we’re going to dive into how you can cultivate a long-term mindset.
According to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, businesses focusing on long-term strategies delivered 47% more in total returns to shareholders. That’s right. 47% more! Not a number to laugh at. Let’s start cultivating our long-term thinking.
Step 1: Start with the Why
What’s your why? What are you working for? That’s your starting point. Write down your dreams, your aspirations, the things that wake you up at 2 am and get you all excited. Big dreams equal long-term thinking, so don’t hold back.
Step 2: Reverse Engineer Your Goals
Now that you’ve got your why, let’s break down the how. To lose 50 pounds, you wouldn’t just hit the gym every day, right? You’d create a workout plan, a diet plan. The same logic applies here. You want to create a roadmap for your goals.
Step 3: Embrace the Power of Delayed Gratification
Ever heard of the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment? Young kids offered one marshmallow now or two if they wait. The kids who waited? They ended up more successful in life. So, train yourself to wait. That new iPhone might look tempting, but what if that money was invested into your startup?
Step 4: Cultivate Patience & Persistence
Nobody said it was going to be easy. In fact, only 30% of people achieve the goals they set out to accomplish. You’ll face hurdles, lots of ’em, but remember the key is to keep going. Be patient and enjoy the little wins and learnings along the way.
Step 5: Celebrate Small Wins
Reward yourself for hitting milestones, no matter how small. Not only does it keep you motivated, but it also conditions your brain to associate long-term thinking with positive reinforcement.
Step 6: Surround Yourself with Forward Thinkers
You are who you surround yourself with. Hang out with people who think long-term, who have their eyes on the prize, and their mindset will rub off on you.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Long-Term Mindset
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your empire be. Be patient, keep going, and you’re sure to hit the jackpot. Developing a long-term mindset will transform your health, income, relationships, career, and more. I look forward to your success!
