How to Succeed

None of us achieve success alone. We surround ourselves with inspiring and influential people because they help us learn and grow. They keep us focused and they challenge us to be our best.

Without the help of others, we might get stuck in doing things the same old way and we would miss opportunities. As Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; it's the only thing that ever has."

Look around at the successful business people you know and you will notice that they do not stand alone. They surround themselves with passionate and knowledgeable people who have a clear sense of their life purpose.

Mastermind Groups

Napoleon Hill calls this type of group a mastermind group, which is a great way to think about it because the name reflects the collective thinking power of the people involved. Mastermind groups bring together innovators and people who are fully committed to living their life's purpose.

The result is greater than the parts. As Napoleon Hill said, "No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind."

The Power of Mastermind Groups

Many successful leaders have achieved success by belonging to a mastermind group. Benjamin Franklin met with a group called The Junto. The group of tradespeople and artisans got together once a week to share ideas. They debated on a wide range of topics including ethics, politics, science, and business.

Andrew Carnegie attributes his rise to success to his network of thinkers and doers. There were about 50 people in his mastermind group. Unlike the mastermind group that influenced Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Carnegie's group focused on a singular goal—the building of a steel empire. The results were undeniable.

This is the flexibility of mastermind groups. They are defined by the people who build them.

A Solution for Our Times

The more challenging the times, the greater the power of a mastermind group. Many communities have responded to the health concerns in recent months by gathering together and seeking mutual solutions.

The benefits are many. People in the group may give one another support, they may share ideas, they may connect each other to resources, they may form partnerships, and they may help everyone stay accountable.

Building Your Inner Circle

Who do you want in your mastermind group? In The "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership", John C. Maxwell calls this type of group the inner circle.

Here are some of his tips on what to look for from the people in your inner circle:

• People who have high influence over others. Look for people who naturally attract support and interest. Those with influence are not necessarily in positions associated with power.
• People with gifts that complement those of the others in the group. The strength of a mastermind group depends on diversity. People with strengths and areas of experience different from others in the group add extra value for everyone.
• People with strategic positions in their organization. In every organization, specific people make decisions and work directly to execute strategy. Make sure that you have some of these people in your mastermind group.
• People who add value to themselves and others. You can identify a real leader by how much they care about and help others. Knowledge, innovation, experience, and passion are all important. But a spirit of cooperation and concern for others is equally essential.

Call to Action:

Are you part of mastermind group? If not, how can you start one?

Your Friends,
The UpCloseTeam