Modeling Successful People: Four Keys to Achieve Almost Any Goal.

I am never going to run a four minute mile.

EVER.

My high school football forty yard “dash” was indeed measured with a sundial. Offensive lineman are built to pull an oxcart and I am no exception.

Having said that – it is possible that I could have improved had I know the following:

“Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.” – unknown (often attributed to Albert Einstein)

This gives rise to excellent point: how do I match the frequency? I will assert is by patterning a role model closely as possible. Find someone who has your result you wish to achieve. For example if I wanted to run faster (I don’t really)…I could have went to the fastest guys on the team and established the following:

Four keys to achieving any result:

#1 What do I really want?

#2 What does my role model believe?

#3 What are my role models decision criteria?

#4 What are my role models habits?

First the acknowledged limitations of the method: where you start is relevant. My physical makeup will likely mean no four minute mile ever. If you were born in Africa in a dry desert it is quite likely you will strive for water and not worry so much about internal rate of return.

That’s why I count my self so fortunate to be born in the USA. Despite all of the negativity MSNBC and FOX spew: this remains the greatest place in the world to make something out of persistence action.

So enough with the flag waving rah rah speech here we go:

#1 What do I really want?

Clarity of your goal is crucial
If your mind doesn’t clearly know what to strive for it will strive for randomness
What is my self image? Does it serve me?
If not read Psycho Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz
What is your life mission: its not work if its born of passion
What resources are available to obtain more information
- READ Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- Books on successful people?
- Are there any videos/audios about the role model? This is why I believe BiggerPockets podcast is nearly priceless

For today’s purpose lets assume you want to be a better investor. Who better than Warren Buffett?

#2 What does my role model believe?

This step is inventorying yourself against your role models answers to step 1.
Audiobiography’s are an excellent source about basic beliefs
Adopt useful beliefs as your own
In the Warren Buffett example from his autobiography :
- I want to be on the same side of the table as my investors. He adamantly believes his interest should be aligned with theirs
- Someone is standing in the shade of a tree planted long ago..compound growth is a passion of Warren’s

#3 What are my role models decision criteria?

Success is a result of better choices
What factors does my role model use to select choices
In Warren’s case – he points to the Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
He later went work for and was mentored by Ben
Tune in next week for a synopsis of Ben Grahams epic treatise

#4 What are my role models habits?

This step is tougher for a public figure in that the day to day habits can be tougher to emulate
A mentor is great for this stage. Personal contact and guidance can be
Repeated behavior is our outcome: if we don’t like our current life circumstance we must adopt better habits. Saving more money??? Gain better market knowledge??? Eat less?? Exercise more???

Conclusion

In conclusion, the four steps can unlock almost any achievement given subject to some physical constraints. If you want to a billionaire you have to start early, follow your passion, and some plain luck of the draw. I am certain following excellent role models is a pathway to improve your life and the ones you love.

Photo: Ng?c Nhân H?NG ??NG

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.