Established, since 1997, leading UK based training provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business! CPD Member - The CPD Certification Service ilm Recognised Provider

Psychology of Success

Psychology of Success

Psychology of success.

"Success is not an event; it is a set of small planned steps taken with purpose every day," says Chris Farmer, lead trainer at Corporate Coach Group.

Why are some people more successful than others?

It is clear that some people do better than others and that isn't due to having better backgrounds, or superior intelligence.

We know this, because we see many examples of unsuccessful people who came from good backgrounds and we see many intelligent, non-successful people.

Successful people have developed the psychology of success.

They have success-orientated minds.

Either by chance or design, some people discover the specific set of mental patterns that cause success.

This set of mental patterns can be applied to any field of human endeavour and it will be successful, because the pattern consists of general laws, or universal principles, that describe successful action.

These mental patterns consist of:

1. Goal focused mentality.

If we define success as "the achievement of a valuable, worthwhile and moral goal", then one hundred per cent commitment to a goal, is the first psychological step required.

Nobody can achieve a goal they never set.

A goal focus is the first requirement.

2. Systematic, realistic and coherent planner.

A goal needs a plan capable of achieving it. So successful people are relentless planners.

Successful people don't believe in luck.

They believe in preparation.

3. Persistence

Anything of real value takes months and years to achieve, so successful people have persistence. They don't give up, they come back, day after day, for months, years and decades.

The "overnight success" only happens after many years of persistent effort.

4. Sensitivity to feedback.

Effort on its own is not enough, because it is possible to put a lot of effort into the wrong method.

Successful people are very observant and sensitive to the feedback results their recent actions have created. If their actions don't produce progress, they notice, and they make the necessary changes and adaptations. They never repeat the same mistake.

5. Adaptability.

Successful people are quick to adapt to changing circumstances. They understand that what may have been a winning formula three years ago will be a losing formula now, because the context has radically changed.

Successful people are ready to adapt themselves and their methods and their plans, but the goal remains the same.

6. Cooperative spirit.

Successful people know how to gain the willing cooperation of other people.

Success requires the combined efforts of many people, working in harmony, to achieve a long range, worthwhile and valuable goal.

Successful people know they can only succeed, by harnessing the power of other people's cooperative efforts.

Personal Development Training

If you would like to know more about the psychology of success, we recommend you attend our Personal Development Training courses, available online or face-to-face.

Definition: success mindset

A success mindset is a way of thinking where you keep a clear goal, map the steps, work each day with steady effort and change fast when results show you must. Lose any one of these four habits and the success mindset is gone.

Show CG4D Definition
Context: Personal development
Genus: mindset
Differentia:
  • Keeps a single clear and moral goal in focus
  • Builds and follows a realistic step-by-step plan
  • Works with steady effort every day until the goal is reached
  • Studies results and adapts actions quickly

Article Summary

Success follows a simple mental formula: set a clear goal, build a solid plan, act each day with persistence, study feedback, adapt fast and work with others; anyone who trains their mind to run this pattern grows beyond background or IQ and turns long-term aims into real results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.


Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!

Did You Know: Key Statistics

LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report 2024 shows that 75% of workers now say a growth mindset is the main cause of their career success. Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2024 says staff who set clear weekly goals are 3.5 times more engaged and 21% more productive than those who do not.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Personal Effectiveness

  • How to be More Efficient
    Learn how to be more efficient with nine productivity tips. Set clear goals, prioritise tasks, focus on one job, delegate, automate and take smart breaks.
    Read Article >
  • How to get the best performance from yourself and others.
    Learn how clarity in communication, rational decision making and a positive mindset help you get the best performance from yourself and others to achieve goals.
    Read Article >
  • Take Pride in Yourself
    Learn how healthy pride and a positive self-image let you build self-esteem, overcome fear and use the self-fulfilling prophecy to drive lasting personal growth
    Read Article >
  • Make every day a work day: Every day a study day
    Success daily habits beat overnight wins. Learn why success is not an event, how to pay the price in advance, and which daily steps build a winner mindset.
    Read Article >
  • How to Improve Your Memory
    Learn how to improve memory with ten clear tips: focus hard, link ideas, repeat, review and live healthy. Gain better recall today with these practical steps.
    Read Article >

Looking for Personal Development Training?

If you're looking to develop your Personal Effectiveness Skills, you may find this Personal Development Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

10 - 11 November
Birmingham City
£900 +VAT
17 - 18 November
Leeds City
£900 +VAT
24 - 25 November
Online - Teams
£900 +VAT
1 - 2 December
Cheltenham Gloucestershire
£900 +VAT
More dates and locations available
Save £100 on this course

Next Open Course Starts in 6 days, Birmingham City, places available Book Now >