There’s something intriguing about people who consistently get what they want. It’s not just luck, it’s strategy.
According to psychology, these folks tend to exhibit certain behaviors. They aren’t just wishing on a star, they are making calculated moves.
They understand that achieving their goals is less about manipulation and more about influence and persuasion. It’s about knowing what buttons to push without making others feel cornered.
In this article, we’re going to explore these behaviors. So read on if you’re curious about what it takes to almost always get what you want in life. Welcome aboard!
1) They use positive affirmations
Ever wondered why successful people always seem upbeat and optimistic?
It’s no coincidence. Psychology tells us that there’s a strong link between positivity and achievement.
These people don’t just hope for the best, they actively affirm it. Positive affirmations are statements that are spoken, and often repeated, to encourage and uplift the person speaking them.
They help to overcome negative and self-sabotaging thoughts, replacing them with constructive ones.
It’s like having an optimistic voice in your head that keeps saying you can do this, rather than a pessimistic one that doubts your abilities.
This isn’t about lying to yourself or living in a fantasy world. It’s about framing your reality in a way that focuses on your strengths and abilities.
The use of positive affirmations is one of the key behaviors of people who almost always get what they want in life, because it helps them maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated towards achieving their goals.
Just remember, the power of positive affirmations lies in their repetition. The more you say them, the more you believe them. So start your day with a positive affirmation and see the change for yourself.
2) They set clear and achievable goals
Here’s a little secret about me. I’m a goal setter. And not just vague, ‘I want to be successful’ kind of goals. I’m talking about specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals – SMART goals, as they’re often called.
Let me give you an example. A few years ago, I wanted to improve my physical fitness. Instead of just saying, “I want to get fit”, I set a SMART goal: “I’ll run three times a week for 30 minutes each time for the next three months.”
This goal was specific (running), measurable (three times a week for 30 minutes), achievable (I was already in okay shape so it was a realistic challenge), relevant (it was related to my overall fitness), and time-bound (I had three months to do it).
And guess what? It worked! Having this clear and achievable goal kept me focused and motivated.
So, what’s the psychology behind this? Well, when we set specific and challenging goals, we are more likely to be committed to them and put in the necessary effort to achieve them.
People who almost always get what they want in life realize this. They set clear and achievable goals that guide their actions and decision-making process. And trust me, from personal experience, it really makes a difference.
3) They embrace failure as part of the journey
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, reportedly failed 1,000 times before he made a successful prototype. When asked about it, he said, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”
People who almost always get what they want in life have a similar perspective on failure. They don’t see it as a dead end but as part of the journey towards success.
In psychology, this is known as having a growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. When we embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, we become more resilient and adaptable.
So next time you face a setback, remember Edison and his 1,000 steps to success. Like him, see each failure as just another step towards your goal.
4) They are persistent
Persistence, it’s an interesting trait. It’s not about being stubborn or refusing to change course. It’s about continuing to move forward, even when the going gets tough.
People who almost always get what they want in life have a high level of persistence. They understand that success isn’t a straight line, but rather a winding path with ups and downs.
When they encounter obstacles or setbacks, they don’t give up. Instead, they find another way to reach their goal. It’s like navigating through a maze. If one path is blocked, they try another.
In psychology, this is referred to as resilience – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties. And it’s a trait that can be developed and strengthened over time.
So, if you’re striving for success, remember to be persistent. Keep moving forward, no matter what challenges you face. After all, as the saying goes, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
5) They value relationships
We are social creatures. We thrive on connection, understanding, and mutual support. And people who almost always get what they want in life understand the importance of nurturing these connections.
They build and maintain strong relationships, not just for personal gain but because they genuinely value others. They understand that life isn’t just about getting what you want; it’s also about sharing your journey with others.
In psychology, this is linked to the concept of emotional intelligence – the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and to understand and respond to the emotions of others.
These individuals know that no man is an island. They understand that their success is intertwined with the people around them – family, friends, colleagues, mentors.
So they invest time and energy into these relationships, offering help when it’s needed, seeking advice when they’re stuck, and celebrating successes together.
Remember, at the end of the day, life is about more than just achieving goals. It’s about the journey and the people we share it with. So cherish your relationships, value your connections and remember that success is sweeter when shared.
6) They practice gratitude
A while back, I found myself stuck in a rut. Despite achieving many of my goals, I felt unsatisfied, always chasing the next thing without ever really appreciating what I had.
It was then that I stumbled upon the practice of gratitude. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I started to acknowledge and appreciate what I did have.
Each day, I would write down three things I was grateful for. It could be as simple as a good cup of coffee in the morning, or as significant as a loved one’s health.
This shift in perspective was transformative. It didn’t just make me happier; it made me more focused and driven. It helped me realize that while it’s good to strive for more, it’s equally important to appreciate what we already have.
Psychology supports this too. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can increase happiness, reduce depression and improve physical health.
People who almost always get what they want in life often practice gratitude. They understand that success isn’t just about getting more, but also about appreciating what you already have.
So give it a try. Start each day by writing down three things you’re grateful for. You might be surprised at how much it can shift your perspective and boost your drive to succeed.
7) They maintain a healthy work-life balance
There’s a common misconception that people who get what they want in life are always on the move, always working, always hustling. But the truth is, they understand the importance of balance.
They know that all work and no play can lead to burnout. So they make sure to carve out time for relaxation and recreation, for family and friends, for self-care and hobbies.
They understand that physical health, mental wellbeing and personal relationships contribute to their overall success. So they strive to keep these aspects in balance with their professional pursuits.
In psychology, this is linked to the concept of holistic health – acknowledging that our overall well-being depends on a balance of physical, emotional, and social health.
So remember, if you want to get what you want in life, don’t neglect your personal well-being in pursuit of professional success. Strive for a healthy work-life balance. Because at the end of the day, true success isn’t just about achieving goals, it’s about leading a balanced and fulfilling life.
8) They believe in themselves
This is the cornerstone of success. People who almost always get what they want in life have a deep-seated belief in their own abilities.
They trust in their skills, their decisions, and their ability to overcome challenges. Even when faced with setbacks, they maintain a steadfast belief that they can and will succeed.
In psychology, this is known as self-efficacy – the belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.
And it’s not just blind faith. It’s a belief rooted in their past successes, their skills and their determination. They know they won’t always get it right, but they trust that they have what it takes to figure it out.
Believe in yourself. Trust in your abilities. Have faith in your own potential. Because at the end of the day, you are your own biggest advocate on the road to success.
Final thoughts: Success is a mindset
The fascinating world of psychology provides us with profound insights into human behavior, motivations, and tendencies.
One key revelation is the role of mindset in achieving what we want in life. It’s not just about the actions we take, but also about the attitudes we hold.
Individuals who consistently get what they want in life often share a common mindset. They believe in themselves, they embrace failure as an opportunity for growth, they maintain a balanced lifestyle, and they cultivate gratitude for what they have.
Renowned psychologist Carol Dweck said, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”
It’s not just about ticking off boxes or reaching certain milestones. It’s about embracing a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities and values the journey as much as the destination.
So as you reflect on these behaviors and consider your own journey towards achieving what you want in life, remember this: success isn’t merely a destination; it’s a mindset.
