The Goal is the Tip of the Iceberg

BY LORI BROTHERS

The face and the track record of a successful person often only reflects what is on the surface. It is similar to the image of an iceberg which reflects  that the bulk of what is there is unseen. Reflect on how there is more that lies below the surface of success than is seen in the outcome.

One tenth of an iceberg is seen above water. The rest is submerged. The visible portion of an iceberg is referred to as tip of the iceberg and 9/10ths is submerged below -- hence the metaphor “tip of the iceberg.”

For the accomplishment of any aim or purpose, the foundation of success is forged from those 9/10ths that are submerged. They include dedication, vision, persistence, failure and disappointment, good habits, and hard work.

A true winner has more than ambition. Anyone accomplished has a “Growth Mindset.” This type of person develops and owns the following statements as their truth:

·      I can be good at anything

·      I try until I get the results I want

·      I embrace challenges

·      I welcome feedback and criticism

·      I like learning about things I don’t know

Someone with a “Fixed Mindset” tends to look at circumstances and challenges and thinks:

·      I’m only good at certain things

·      I give up when it gets too hard

·      I hate challenges

·      I take feedback and criticism personally

·      I don’t like doing what I don’t know

In this new year, still fresh with the optimism and hope of what can be accomplished, focusing on developing a “Growth Mindset” will be the difference between turning toward a creative life vs. status quo living.

Notice what happens when you speak those growth mindset statements out loud. Are you confident? Do you believe these important qualities are ones you relate to internally when applying them to meeting your goals? Keep practicing them until they are your anthem for your cause or goal.

Don’t worry if each of them isn’t iron clad in your wheelhouse, yet. When you are setting out to make positive change it takes polishing and practicing your vision, and building a strong foundation. Also, be honest about the fixed mindset attitudes that may apply to you. This real look at where you are stuck can become the release. The sticky glue of the old habits begins to loosen and dissolve. Be willing to free yourself from your past and outdated belief systems about yourself.

The iceberg illusion can lead to a false assumption that some people are just naturally more successful because you are just seeing their accomplishments. In reality, what is going on deep inside reflects who is really aiming for the goal. For you who is just embarking on your journey to new success, your goal is just the tip of the iceberg. How you get in touch with 9/10ths below the surface that whittles and shapes and uncovers the best of who you are will make you a winner.