Don’t let people tell you that success is down to psychology.

Although it is.

Because “pyschology” means nothing.

I like a definition that is qualitative and quantitative in nature.

I like clarity if something is responsible for 99% of my success in life.

Testable means - you can prove it or disprove it.

And the funny thing is - you don’t need to wonder or pontificate.

If you look at the areas of life that you are consistently winning at - you’ll notice a pattern emerge.

And if you look at areas that you don’t win at - you’ll see the inverse pattern.

So here’s what I’ve found to be the characteristics of a winning `psychology`.

Losers start with how.

The winner starts with WHY and WHAT.

That means you have a WHY that is strong enough.

Strong enough to say NO to the driving primitive needs of the psyche.

NO to everything that does not push you to the goal.

Having the burning desire to win more than any other human need.

Significance.

More than ego.

More than being right.

More than significance.

More than status.

More than looking smart.

Certainty.

More than knowing what happens next.

More than guarantees.

More than the steady path to mediocrity.

More than going along with the rest of the convoy.

Uncertainty / Variety.

More than the luxury of distraction.

More than shiny object dopamine.

More than the novelty that comes from starting something new.

More than sleeping in.

More than comfort.

Love / Connection

More than admiration or respect.

More than the feeling of community.

More than feeling accepted.

More than feeling connected.

More than love itself.

When you can honestly say that you value winning more than significance, certainty, variety and love and connection... you’ve passed the test.

Until then, you may win, but you’ll not reach your peak performance.