When You Have No Choice But to Succeed: How to Get in a Make-It-Happen Mindset

Have you ever noticed how we approach things differently when we have no choice but to succeed? More often than not, we get the result we want when we approach things with a no choice attitude. Compare that to the results you get when you consider failure an option or even worse, expect that it will happen!

Negotiating is the perfect example of this principle at work. When you start off with an “I’m not going to take no for an answer” attitude, you prepare yourself for success. You have done all your homework, you have all your persuasive arguments ready to go, and you have considered every possible angle.

That’s exactly the negotiating attitude that got me out of a parking ticket. I called the parking company to discuss the unfair ticket and would not get off the phone until they forgave my ticket. At one point, the agent offered to forgive everything but the search fee. Because I had decided that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer, I pushed and eventually he gave me the standard, “Okay, but only this time” response.

How to Get in a No Choice But to Succeed Mindset

Decide What You Want – Figure out exactly what you want as a result in advance so you can focus all your efforts and intentions on getting it! There is no room in this mindset for a wishy-washy maybe this or perhaps that attitude.

See It Happening – Picture yourself getting the result you want. Feel the excitement of success deep down in your core. We often get what we project outwards so best to choose the most successful outcome you can imagine!

Don’t Consider Failure – Put the idea of failure out of your mind completely. Don’t even consider the possibility. It’s tempting to create back-up plans and alternate scenarios, but if you want to put this mindset to work for you, you need to put it out of your mind!

Assume Success – Approach every situation assuming the result you want is the most natural outcome. “Why wouldn’t they grant my request? It’s so simple.” For example, if you are negotiating with someone, assume they will agree with your logic and accommodate your request.

Act With No Choice – Mirror your attitude in your actions. If you have absolutely no choice, but to get the result you want, what would you do? Chances are you would approach the situation with a lot more preparation and put in that extra effort to guarantee your success.

Now go get what you want! Happy Monday!