Everyone wants to live happily. Many vouches for success. Even though, the notion of a success may vary from one person to another; success per se may be understood with a certain set of indicators. What does it require for a one to become successful? Is it knowledge, or networks? Is it creativity or disciple? Is it passion or practicality? Or is it much more than just a combination of these aspects?  Well! We have a big life ahead to explore all these aspects. One thing, however, which we should appreciate is the art of thinking.  The time that one spends on thinking. By this, in no way, it is advocated for indulging in daydreaming and doing nothing. Just note, that rather than doing things impulsively, it is always good if one introspects a bit about it.

The book that I had read recently is written by John C Maxwell. Mr Maxwell is a renowned American author and pastor whose writings focus on self-development and inculcating leadership.  The book ‘HOW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE THINK – CHANGE YOUR THINKING, CHANGE YOUR LIFE‘, is very helpful for those who want to grow more professionally, socially or intellectually.  The premise of the book is that inculcating a habit of thinking resonates with one’s success.

Key points summarized from the book are:

1. Thinking is important. Good thinking means good life. Successful people have been big thinkers
2. To become a better thinker one should be with people who think good thoughts so that we too think and act on good thoughts; such that eventually, it becomes our habit.
3. In order to think good/better thinker, we should choose our environment accordingly. Thinking maybe classified as of certain types: big thinking, focused thinking, creative thinking, realistic thinking, strategic thinking, possibility thinking, reflective thinking, non-mainstream original thinking, shared thinking, bottom line thinking and unselfish thinking.
4. In order to achieve big things, we should also think big. This may be accomplished through learning continually, listening intentionally, looking expansively and living completely.
5. Once we become focused in life, we become more creative as ideas are given time to develop. Being focused enables us to reach our targets effectively. Hence a focused thinking becomes necessary. For that, we should identify our priorities in life, assess our talents and create our dreams.
6. Harnessing creativity in thinking is important. It requires one to be exploring options, valuing ideas and embracing ambiguity. No wonder creative thinkers are able to connect the unconnected and don’t fear failures.
7. Reality is the difference between what we wish for and what is. Thinking realistically is important as it minimizes downside risks, gives us a game plan for our targets, provides us with stability and security, and brings our dreams to fruition. In order to think realistically, we should appreciate the truth, assess pros and cons, know what we are capable of and be able to make decisions based on the worst-case scenario.
8. Strategic thinking is a very important component of planning for our lives as it simplifies the difficult things, reduces the margin of error, and gives one the control over oneself as well for others. It is said that the one with a plan is the one with power. Hence ‘Plan your life, live your plan’. In order to carry out strategic thinking effectively, we should always ask why before how, do chunking, estimate our resources, and put right people in the right place with the right plan; such that it becomes a habit.
9. Possibility thinking should be inculcated as well. It helps one in rising above the average, giving the energy to do tough things and not giving up. In order to inculcate possibility thinking, we should stop believing in impossibilities, look for possibilities in every situation, question the status quo and find inspiration from great achievers.
10. Reflective thinking may be understood as a kind/component of meditation. It should be inculcated as it gives true perspective, provides emotional integrity to one’s thought life, increases confidence in decision making, and clarifies the big picture in life. In order to harness reflective thinking, we should set aside time for reflection, remove ourselves from distractions, regularly review our calendar and cement our learning through action.
11. Non-mainstream original thinking may also vaguely be understood as ‘question popular thinking‘. Popular thinking maybe avoided as it sometimes means not thinking. It gives false hopes which can be devastating.  Popular thinking is inflexible to changes and often yields average results. In order to avoid popular thinking, we should think before following, try out new things, get used to being uncomfortable and also appreciate others who think differently than us.
12. Shared thinking brings many benefits, as it is faster, innovative, matured, stronger, and valuable than solo thinking. (How is it different from popular thinking?)
13. Bottomline thinking. Simply signifies that one must stick to their goals and not deviate. Bottomline thinking provides great clarity, enables us to assess a situation, boosts morale and boosts our future. In order to practice it, we should remain to the point, create a strategic plan, and align ourselves/our team with the plan.
14. Unselfish thinking. By far the best one. As the author says, this kind of thinking has a potential to change one’s life astoundingly, and one’s views on success. It is one such thinking that can deliver returns greater than any other kind of thinking. It brings personal fulfilment, adds value to others, encourages other virtues, increases the quality of life and creates a legacy. The best way to practice unselfish thinking would to think from other’s perspective and have empathy. For that, we should put others first, expose ourselves to situations where people have needs, give quietly or anonymously, invest in people and check our motives constantly
15. In a nutshell, the book conveys one simple meaning ” The Right Thought, plus Right People in the Right Environment at the Right Time for the Right Reason = Right Result”.

Closing thoughts are that it is a great book to read and learn from. It may seem boring and mundane at the start, but with persistence and patience, the interest will grow. Consequentially the reader might wonder in awe by learning such valuable messages in such a short book.

Best wishes.

(The reader may buy the book from Amazon. Link: https://www.amazon.com/How-Successful-People-Think-Thinking/dp/1599951681)