Becoming a top performer is a choice.
Despite the fact that you never have 100% control over your career, being a top performer is a mindset. Over time, those who get really good at their careers view it and work on it differently than the mediocre players.
Choosing to become a top performer is easiest to see once you get a deeper knowledge of how your career works. When you don’t understand how it works, success feels random and uncopiable. When you do, it may not always be easy, but success feels more and more like the consequence of a process than can be followed.
Below are 9 thinking methods of top performers. See how you can start to implement these methods into your own lives and watch things change for the better.
Ask 'Why?' 5 Times
When faced with a problem, ask 'why?' 5 times in a row. It digs deeper into root causes, not just surface issues.
Keep a Question Diary
Write down any questions which come to mind. Doing this will encourage curiosity and deeper exploration.
Use the 10-10-10 Rule
Consider how a decision will impact you in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. This will help you to balance short-term and long-term thinking.
Use Mind Maps
Draw visual maps of your thoughts and ideas. This will help you to see both connections and gaps in your thinking.
Look for Opposing Views
Actively seek out opinions different from your own. Doing so broadens your perspective and challenges your assumptions.
Play Devil's Advocate
Argue against your own ideas and decisions. This will allow you to spot flaws in your thinking.
Use the Feynman Technique
Explain complex ideas in simple terms, as if talking to a child. This will reveal any gaps in your understanding and simplifies complex thoughts.
Use the 'What If' Technique
Regularly ask 'what if' to explore different scenarios. Using this technique improves your ability to predict outcomes and plan.
Practice the 5 W's and H
Ask who, what, where, when, and how for any situation. Doing so ensures you gather all relevant information.
