In the quest for success, countless strategies and tools promise growth and achievement, yet only a select few consistently reach the peak of their fields. What sets them apart? High achievers, as Swami Mukundananda ji explains, possess a unique mindset rooted in lifelong curiosity, humility, and the courage to challenge assumptions. Let's explore how embracing these qualities can unlock our potential, guide us through life’s uncertainties, and lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Curiosity: The Power of a Beginner’s Mind
Remember that feeling of discovering something for the first time? That spark of excitement when you learned how clouds form or why rainbows appear after the rain? A child’s curiosity is boundless. This sense of wonder and questioning is the first step toward high achievement. Children approach everything with open eyes, asking questions like, "Why is the sky blue?" or "What makes the earth round?" They don't let norms or boundaries limit their quest for knowledge. But as adults, we often lose this beginner's mindset, falling back on assumptions rather than exploring new perspectives. This unquenchable thirst for knowledge is what we need to recapture as adults
Lesson: Stay Curious to Keep Growing
By embracing curiosity, we keep ourselves open to continuous learning. Consider the story of a couple who endured an unpleasant relative for 20 years, each believing he was the other’s responsibility and tolerating him only because they thought he was the other's relative. Their assumptions created years of unnecessary discomfort. When he passed away, they discovered neither of them was actually related to him! This amusing yet poignant tale reminds us how our unexamined assumptions can lead to decades of unnecessary compromise. In life, these unchecked assumptions can hold us back, clouding our vision and shutting us off from new possibilities. When we challenge these beliefs, we open doors to endless growth and discovery.
The Danger of Assumptions and the Need for Open-Mindedness
Assumptions are often based on incomplete knowledge, and history is filled with examples of how they can lead us astray. Take the case of Bishop Wright, who confidently declared that humanity had discovered all there was to know and that machines would never fly. Ironically, his own sons, Wilbur and Orville Wright, would prove him wrong just two decades later by achieving the first powered flight in 1903.
Lesson: Embrace Open-Mindedness for True Innovation
High achievers maintain an open mind, constantly seeking new truths. By staying receptive to fresh ideas, we avoid the traps of presumptuous thinking. Instead of assuming we know it all, we should approach life like Thomas Edison, who never saw himself as particularly creative. Instead, he described himself as a sponge, absorbing and modifying existing knowledge to create something new. This humble approach to learning and innovation helped him become one of history's most prolific inventors and cemented his place as one of the world’s greatest inventors. Innovation thrives in a mind unbound by assumptions and open to continual learning.
Humility: The Key to Lifelong Learning
Humility is the foundation for accepting new insights and perspectives. Swamiji illustrates this with the story of a student who wanted to learn meditation but filled the conversation with what he already knew. The sage, in response, began pouring milk into an already-full cup, symbolizing the futility of teaching someone unwilling to let go of preconceptions. Just l as a full cup cannot receive more milk, a mind full of preconceptions cannot receive new knowledge. This principle applies across all fields of learning and growth.
Lesson: Make Space for New Knowledge
High achievers understand that true wisdom lies in recognizing our limitations. Adopting humility allows us to remain teachable, opening the way for wisdom that can transform our understanding and enrich our lives. In an ever-evolving world, a humble attitude toward knowledge keeps us agile, adaptive, and resilient.
Commitment to Self-Improvement and Reflection
The mindset of high achievers doesn’t only focus on external accomplishments but is deeply rooted in introspection and self-improvement. The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom in this regard, aiming not just to solve immediate problems but to address the root of ignorance and guide one toward a life of true purpose and fulfillment. Swamiji emphasizes that true commitment to self-improvement often requires looking beyond immediate solutions and reflecting on the deeper roots of our challenges. When Arjun found himself paralyzed by doubt and despair, he turned to Shree Krishna for guidance, hoping for a quick answer to ease his anguish. However, Shree Krishna saw beyond Arjun's immediate concerns and instead offered a profound discourse on the philosophy of life. Through this, Arjun not only resolved his current struggle but also gained the wisdom to navigate life’s future challenges with clarity and purpose. This story reminds us that true growth comes when we pause, reflect, and embrace the lessons that transform our inner selves, setting us on a path of lasting self-improvement.
Lesson: Pursue Lasting Growth Over Immediate Rewards
True achievement comes from striving for long-term fulfillment rather than instant gratification. By committing to self-reflection and focusing on principles that foster sustainable growth, we can cultivate a resilient mindset that remains steady even amid life’s challenges. This commitment to continuous improvement allows us to develop inner strength and wisdom, leading to a more profound sense of purpose and joy.
The Treasure of Spiritual Knowledge: A Path to True Enlightenment
Lastly, Swamiji urges us to seek not only material success but also spiritual wisdom. He draws on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which offers a pathway to understanding life’s deeper truths. This spiritual dimension adds a layer of meaning to high achievement, encouraging us to focus on inner peace and enlightenment alongside external accomplishments.
Lesson: Seek Inner Fulfillment Through Spiritual Growth
High achievers are those who recognize the importance of nurturing their inner world. By aligning ourselves with values that foster inner peace, we find a source of fulfillment that material success alone cannot provide. This mindset helps us build a life that is not only successful but also deeply meaningful.
Conclusion: Building Your High-Achiever Mindset
The journey to becoming a high achiever is one of continuous curiosity, humility, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. By adopting these principles, we not only enhance our potential for success but also cultivate a life of purpose, joy, and enlightenment. Swamiji’s insights remind us that true achievement isn’t just about reaching the top but about growing into the best versions of ourselves along the way.
As we challenge assumptions, embrace resilience, and commit to inner and outer growth, we unlock the doors to our true potential. High achievement, then, becomes less about accolades and more about the journey—a journey that transforms us and inspires those around us to reach for their own highest goals.
Tools to Develop a High-Achiever Mindset
Þ Start Each Day Fresh
◦ Approach familiar tasks as if doing them for the first time
◦ Look for new details in your daily routine
◦ Question your habitual ways of thinking and doing
Þ Embrace Not Knowing
◦ Admit when you don't have all the answers
◦ View uncertainty as an opportunity for growth
◦ Be comfortable with phrases like "I don't know" and "I'm learning"
Þ Practice Active Learning
◦ Take notes even in familiar situations
◦ Ask questions in meetings and conversations
◦ Seek feedback on your assumptions and beliefs
Þ Cultivate Wonder
◦ Spend time observing nature
◦ Engage with children and their natural curiosity
◦ Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary
Call to Action
If you’re ready to start this journey of developing a high-achiever mindset, and for more teachings on inner growth, check out Swamiji’s Staying Inspired and Motivated Everyday playlist on his YouTube Channel to deepen your understanding.
Resources
THE MINDSET OF HIGH ACHIEVERS - IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE | Swami Mukundananda