“The world we see that seems so insane is the result of a belief system that is not working. To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds.” – William James

The world-class thinker is aware they are living today based on their current level of understanding and conscious awareness, which they also know is subject to change at the drop of a dime. This agile perception makes them look for and accept where they are ignorant, incompetent, or closed-minded, leading them to change their core beliefs.

Average-minded thinkers are unwilling to change their core beliefs, which implies an unwillingness to question and challenge their existing perspectives. Typically, an average-minded individual cannot even consider the reality that they may be seeing the situation incorrectly. Instead, they blame, minimize, criticize, and ridicule the ones challenging their beliefs, as average-minded people cannot accept accountability. They’d rather cling tightly to past experiences or beliefs. They are ultimately allowing their past to dictate their future, making them unwilling to accept the possibility that their perception of reality is not the only viewpoint.

The world-class thinker recognizes the freedom that comes from releasing past influences and choosing to let the past stay in the past. This liberation births fresh and innovative perspectives that the average-minded thinker, trapped in their past, is closed off to, heightening their insecurity.

The world-class thinker understands how powerful and limiting fear can be. Whereas the average-minded individual knows this fact to be accurate, they still fight against it, stubbornly refusing to challenge the core beliefs rooted in fear. The average-minded individual cannot hold their perception and challenge it by looking at other ways to see the situation. Additionally, average-minded people’s pride prevents them from being wrong or admitting they may only see a narrow perspective of reality due to their mindsets. The world-class acknowledged that they do not know what they do not know and may not be seeing the situation as accurately as another one can.

The open-mindedness that encompasses a world-class thinker propels them to overcome fear through boldness, creativity, and courage, which leads them to seeing the world in a more balanced and rational way. Since the average-minded individual cares more about being correct than curiously challenging their perceptions, world-class thinkers are better able to live in the present moment and let go of limiting facts and past experiences, enabling them to perceive the world more clearly and sanely, which allows them to make better decisions leading them to success.

The journey from average to world-class thinking requires a willingness to acknowledge and confront our own limitations. By embracing the unknown and challenging our own beliefs, we not only expand our understanding but also unlock our true potential. This mindset shift enables us to navigate the complexities of our professional and personal lives with greater clarity and effectiveness.

Action Step:

Take a moment to reflect on a current challenge or belief that you hold. Ask yourself: What don’t I know about this situation? How might my current perspective be limiting my potential? Commit to exploring alternative viewpoints or seeking feedback from others to broaden your understanding and challenge your core beliefs. Embrace this practice regularly to cultivate a world-class mindset that drives continuous growth and success.