6 things that successful people never say

There is a reason why big sporting brands have motivational slogans that sometimes become just as famous as the product they're marketing, isn't there?

Take Nike for example – everyone knows that slogan, don't they?

Of course it's: Just do it!  

Positive slogans help to reinforce a brand, which is particularly powerful in top-level sport.

That's because elite athletes must not only be in peak physical condition but also mentally fit as well.

Negative self-talk will never help them win the race.

That's why Nike's slogan is not, "Oh well. There's always next time".

What does any of this have to do with business or investment success?

Everything as it turns out because successful people tend to always speak positively.

This in turn underpins their success and their performance.

On the other hand, unsuccessful people speak down to themselves, and others, constantly – which always stymies any chance of reaching the top.

To illustrate here are six things that successful people never say.

 1. I could have 

Here's the thing: successful people are doers.

They're skilled in identifying opportunities and acting upon them.

The main point is that they take responsible for their actions – regardless of the outcome.

Unsuccessful people will usually procrastinate so long that the opportunity passes them by.

Let's face it: how many would-be property investors have been "researching" the market for years and never acting upon it?

In my opinion, they're usually the people who moan loudly about "missing out", when it was their own inaction that resulted in their supposed loss.

2. That's impossible

Let me be clear: successful people aren't super-heroes.  

They're fallible human beings just like everyone else.

Their principal difference, however, is that where others see an impassable roadblock, they work out an alternative route to get to their destination.

Everything is possible in the minds of successful people.

But that doesn't mean they won't have to calculate ways to overcome the barriers in front of them.

The most successful people in business and investment don't give up at the first hurdle – or the 10th.

Instead they overcome each one as they go, believing in themselves and the outcome the whole way through.

3. That's not my problem

I've said it before: if you're the smartest person in your team, you're in trouble.

Successful people surround themselves with other go-getters who have similar and different skills so as a team they can kick serious goals together.

That's why successful people will never shy away from owning "problems".

Whereas the unsuccessful don't want to take on extra responsibilities or own up to mistakes, the opposite is true for people on their way up the ladder.

They're team-players who want to create success for the benefit of the many – not the few.

4. That's the way we've always done it

This would have to be one of the most self-limiting beliefs in the business world. 

The thing is society changes rapidly and it's the people who can adapt, and profit, from those changes that will rise to the top.

Unsuccessful people or businesses chose to bury their heads in the sand, vainly hoping that things will go back to the "way they were".

What they don't understand is that progress is progress.

And those that snooze will be quickly left behind.

Successful people aren't afraid of change.

In fact, they embrace it.

5. I like my own idea 

Have you ever pitched an idea to someone and noticed that they didn't really listen at all?

Usually that's because they're already so committed to their own idea they never had any intention of listening to yours.

It's sad but true that this is a regular occurrence in businesses across Australia.

Successful people never think they're the only ones with the best ideas.

No – they want their team members to step up, too, so that everyone can be on the winning team.

6. You're wrong and I'm right

In the same vein, unsuccessful people believe they are always right.

They push back again any type of dissenting opinion, which not only causes friction, it's also never a strategy to achieve success.

The most successful people in business and investment, on the other hand, ask for help whenever it's needed. 

Why is that? 

Well they recognise they're not experts in everything.

Instead they create a team, a brains trust and select a mentor, who can guide them on the areas that they've identified they need help with.

A wise person asks for help.

A unsuccessful one never wants to admit they need it.

The bottom line is...

Reaching the top of business or investment requires skill, education and the right team behind you.

The other secret to success is to maintain a positive mindset as well as a vocabulary that is conducive to winning – not losing.

As the famous saying goes, "If you think you can't do it, you're probably right."

About Michael Yardney Michael is a director of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He's once again been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.