Get Smart!
Brian Tracy
16 min
7 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Discover the secrets of top performers in every field and learn how to adopt their mindset and strategies to achieve your own success and financial prosperity.
You'll learn
1. Tips to get smarter and think sharper2. Making good choices and dodging brain blunders3. Boost your creative juices and problem-solving game4. Up your chat and persuasion skills5. Setting and smashing life goals6. Copy the habits of successful folks.Key points
01Think long-term! It's all about making choices that'll pay off in the future, not just what feels good now
In Brian Tracy's words, having a long-term perspective is a key ingredient to success. It's not just about planning for what's to come, but about understanding the ripple effect of our actions and making choices that will yield the best results in the long run. Let's break this down a bit. When we talk about intelligence, we're not just talking about how much you know or what skills you have. It's about being able to predict the outcomes of our actions and then acting in a way that aligns with those predictions. In other words, the smartest people don't just think about the here and now, they're always considering the bigger picture. To paint a clearer picture, let's look at society through the lens of Edward C. Banfield’s book "The Unheavenly City". He splits society into seven classes. At the bottom, the lower-lower class, people are mostly concerned with immediate needs and wants, like where their next meal is coming from or when they can get their next fix. They're not really thinking about the future. But at the top, the upper-upper class, people are always looking ahead. They're considering the long-term effects of their actions and making choices based on how they'll shape the future. They're not just worried about what's happening right now, but how their actions will affect the years, decades, and even generations ahead. This is what separates leaders from workers, as Peter Drucker pointed out. Leaders are always looking to the future. They're considering the long-term impact of their decisions and actions, while workers are more focused on the task at hand. So, what does this mean for you? Having a long-term perspective is about being the leader of your own life. It's about making choices that will not only benefit you now, but will also pave the way for a brighter future. It's about understanding the potential ripple effect of your actions and making smart choices that will yield the best results in the long run. In a nutshell, having a long-term perspective is a common trait among successful and high-earning individuals. By adopting this mindset, you can make smarter decisions, become a leader in your field, and ultimately reach your long-term goals.
02Slow and steady wins the race. Don't just react on impulse, take your time to make smart decisions
Let's talk about two types of thinking: fast and slow. Fast thinking is like your automatic pilot. It's what you use when you're making quick decisions, like swerving to avoid a car accident or grabbing an umbrella because it looks like rain. It's instinctive and reactive, and it's crucial for getting through the day. But when it comes to big decisions, like choosing a career path or planning for retirement, fast thinking doesn't cut it. That's where slow thinking comes in. Slow thinking is like your internal chess player. It's deliberate, analytical, and takes its sweet time. It's what you use when you need to weigh your options and think about the consequences of your decisions. Now, let's talk about a handy tool for slow thinking: the GOSPA model. It's a five-step process to help you reach your goals: 1. Goals: These are your big dreams, the end results you're aiming for. They need to be specific, measurable, and have a deadline. 2. Objectives: These are the baby steps you need to take to reach your goals. Think of them as mini-goals that guide your journey. 3. Strategies: These are your game plans, the methods you'll use to achieve your objectives. They need careful planning and consideration of all the factors that could affect your success. 4. Priorities: These are the tasks and activities that are most important for reaching your goals. Here's a tip: use the 80/20 rule to identify your priorities. This means focusing on the 20 percent of tasks that will give you 80 percent of the results. 5. Actions: These are the specific steps you need to take to put your strategies into action and achieve your objectives. They're the result of all your planning and prioritizing, and they're what will ultimately lead you to your goals. By understanding the difference between fast and slow thinking, and by using tools like the GOSPA model, you can make more thoughtful, deliberate decisions that will lead you to success. So, remember: be quick when you need to be, but take your time when it counts.
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03Look before you leap! Plan and think things through to avoid any nasty surprises
04Set goals and smash 'em! Having clear targets gives you direction and keeps you motivated
05Focus on results, not just being busy. It's about what you achieve, not just what you do
06Think rich, not poor. Believe in your ability to succeed and don't let obstacles hold you back
07Conclusion
About Brian Tracy
Brian Tracy is a Canadian-American motivational public speaker and self-development author. He has written over 70 books that have been translated into dozens of languages. His popular topics include leadership, selling, self-esteem, goals, strategy, creativity, and success psychology.
