49 Growth Mindset Principles and Practices I Discovered @ 49

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matt 6:33

“Please, don’t pass judgement on anyone that you will not want passed upon yourself, because believe me when I tell you there’s no limit as to what any human being can possibly do with their lives. — Kathy Buckley

Almost 18 million people celebrate their birthday every day around the world. That is according to a 2021 Farmer’s Almanac.

Today, December 2nd, I celebrate mine. Sitting behind my desk in Kabul, I reflect, with gratitude, how far I have come. And I realised Rick Rigsby’s dad was right.

“It is not how long you live but how well you live.”

The teenager working construction sites and curating batik to pay for his education, to the Acting CEO managing the Afghanistan business of one of Africa’s most valuable brands.

I have failed in school and business and suffered some setbacks in my career, but I never stopped believing, always hopeful and always grateful.

Forty-nine years on, I look back at the habits, principles, and values that made me believe I can achieve my dreams and make a positive difference through dedication, commitment, and hard work.

I hope you find something in my list that can help you overcome your limiting beliefs, dare to dream, and have the grace to believe.

1. Put God first. I commit everything I do and every decision I make to God in prayer.
2. Treat everyone with respect and humility. I listen to the cleaner the same way I would listen to the chiefs.
3. Act with integrity. I live by the rules and try to do what is right, fair and honest.
4. Innovate. I am always looking for ways to do things differently and better.
5. Be grateful. My attitude of gratitude ushers something new.
6. Remember the people who helped me. I am where I am because of the amazing people God has placed in my path.
7. Turn positive behaviour into habits.
8. Self-education and continuous learning. We evolve and stay relevant through constant learning.
9. Remove obstacles from your environment. Removing distractions is the key to focus and consistency.
10. Embrace change. Change is inevitable. So, I anticipate it, prepare for it and embrace it.
11. Never look for the easy way out. There is nothing like easy money, easy job or easy life.
12. Be patient. To build anything meaningful and worthwhile requires time.
13. Have BHAGs and write them down. I dream big. I set scary targets for myself. And I keep a five-year life plan workbook.
14. Create the life of your dreams and not dream the life you want. I follow up each plan with deliberate action. A plan without action is a dream.
15. The first step is the most important. It took the first word to write my first book. My career started with my first job.
16. Lead an active lifestyle. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
17. I always give my best or nothing at all. I give 100% at all times, wholeheartedly and with the best preparation possible.
18. Progress is better than perfection. I stopped being a perfectionist. The goal is to start and keep moving forward.
19. I am responsible for my happiness. I choose to be happy no matter what I have, where I am or how I look.
20. My reaction is more important than what happens to me. Only two things count — what God says about me and my opinion.
21. Communication is the most essential leadership skill. I communicate clearly, honestly and passionately. And I listen actively.
22. Leadership starts with me. I must lead myself before I can lead others.
23. Focus on making a difference and not a Dollar. “What are we doing in the service of others.”
24. Giving is the secret to Abundance. Whatever I lack is something I have not been willing to give to others.
25. The right questions can open doors for me. Questions are the answers. I always try to ask the right ones.
26. Follow your instincts. “Intellect can explain it, but instinct can find it.” — Bishop T. D. Jakes.
27. Where I invest my time is proof of what is important to me. My time is consumed by God, family, work, writing, and health.
28. It is dumb to be the smartest person in the room. I grow when I surround myself with smarter and more experienced people.
29. Time lost cannot be regained. I make every day count.
30. I do not get what I want or need; I get what I deserve. I do not feel entitled, but I deserve everything I work for.
31. I do not decide when my emotions are high. I put off decisions when I am too happy, angry or sad.
32. A support system is necessary for resilience. I rely on my team at work, my family and friends.
33. I count on my cheerleader’s belief in me. “Sometimes you have to believe in someone else’s belief in you until your own belief kicks in!” — Les Brown.
34. How I handle the little things will determine how I will do with the big stuff. This principle is the best I got from my father.
35. I don’t judge people by their present circumstances. Where they are does not determine where they will be.
36. My value is proportional to the problems I solve for others.
37. I will not complain about the things that I cannot change.
38. I observe the golden rule. I treat people how I would want them to treat me.
39. I will not put off what I can do now for later. The right time is now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and yesterday is gone.
40. Do not sweat the small stuff. I have learned to let the small stuff slide. I try not to be major on the minor stuff. (Jim Rohn)
41. I always have a meaningful pursuit. Writing and coaching are my ways of helping others that give meaning to my life.
42. The end is more important than the beginning. Cycling has taught me that starting slow and finishing strong is better than starting strong and quitting.
43. I enjoy the journey and celebrate every step of the way. I delay gratification but appreciate every small win along the way.
44. I am deliberate about building a lasting legacy.
45. I will always choose courage over comfort.

These last four lessons are from my book — Joy Has Come Home: Six Life Lessons That Will Help You Succeed in Your Career and Business

46. Your reputation is your opportunity currency.

47. Always do better than your last best.

48. Take risks and trust the process.

49. Empower others to be empowered.

On December 2, 2024, I will add the 50th principle on my half-century birthday. I want to do something special to mark that significant milestone. I want to answer this question:

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others? — Martin Luther King, Jr.

I will be looking to give a one-year scholarship to 50 deserving students by asking 50 people willing to contribute US$ 50 per month from January to December 2024. I will make up any shortfall for fees, uniforms and books.

Please email me at stoberda@gmail.com before 31 December 2023 for full details if you want to join my 50x50 scholarship initiative.