
How Successful People Think
Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
Book Edition Details
Summary
"How Successful People Think (2009) argues that success is about attitude. More than just staying positive, John C. Maxwell suggests that if you want to make it, it’s time to start thinking realistically and empathetically. Full of fascinating historical examples and practical advice gleaned from today’s most successful people, this detailed roadmap will help you achieve your goals while avoiding the most common mental pitfalls."
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what separates highly successful individuals from those who struggle to achieve their goals? The answer isn't found in their backgrounds, education levels, or even their circumstances. After studying successful people for decades, one fundamental truth emerges: the quality of your thinking determines the quality of your life. Good thinkers consistently solve problems, generate innovative ideas, and maintain hope for a better future. They rarely fall victim to deception or manipulation because they've developed the mental discipline to think clearly and critically. The remarkable news is that how successful people think can be learned by anyone willing to engage in the process. When you change your thinking patterns, you literally change your life trajectory. This transformation isn't automatic or easy, but it's absolutely achievable. The mental skills that drive success are like muscles that grow stronger with intentional exercise and practice.
Master the Foundation of Good Thinking
The foundation of exceptional thinking rests on two essential pillars: seeing the complete picture and maintaining laser-sharp focus. Big-picture thinking allows you to step back from immediate circumstances and view situations with the perspective of a wise strategist, while focused thinking enables you to channel your mental energy toward achieving specific, meaningful objectives. Consider the story of Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A, who discovered the transformative power of structured thinking. Facing the relentless pace of business demands that constantly pulled his attention in multiple directions, Cathy realized he needed a systematic approach to protect his most valuable thinking time. He developed what he calls his "thinking schedule," deliberately setting aside half a day every two weeks, one full day monthly, and several complete days annually purely for concentrated thought. This disciplined approach helped him maintain focus on his most important priorities and resist the countless distractions that fragment most leaders' attention. The results of Cathy's commitment to intentional thinking became evident in his company's sustained growth and market leadership. By regularly stepping away from day-to-day operations to engage in deep, focused reflection, he could identify emerging opportunities, anticipate challenges, and make strategic decisions that positioned Chick-fil-A for long-term success. His thinking schedule became the secret weapon that allowed him to stay ahead of competitors who remained trapped in reactive, short-term decision-making patterns. To develop this foundational thinking ability, start by creating your own protected thinking environment. Identify a specific location where you can think without interruption, whether it's a quiet corner of your home, a peaceful outdoor setting, or even your car during commute time. Schedule regular thinking sessions just as you would any important appointment, treating this time as non-negotiable. During these sessions, focus on one significant challenge or opportunity at a time, allowing your mind to explore possibilities without the pressure of immediate action. Remember that quality thinking requires both expansion and contraction. Use big-picture thinking to explore all possibilities and implications, then employ focused thinking to identify the most promising paths forward. The most successful people have learned to move fluidly between these two modes, using each to enhance the other.
Cultivate Strategic and Creative Thinking Skills
Strategic thinking transforms complex challenges into manageable components, while creative thinking generates innovative solutions that others might never consider. Together, these skills create a powerful combination that can tackle any obstacle and capitalize on unexpected opportunities. The remarkable story of George Lucas illustrates how creative thinking can overcome seemingly impossible limitations. When Lucas set out to create Star Wars, industry experts told him the special effects he envisioned were technically impossible and prohibitively expensive. Rather than accepting these limitations, Lucas engaged in sustained creative thinking, asking questions like "What if we approached this completely differently?" and "How might we solve this problem in ways no one has tried before?" This creative persistence led him to establish Industrial Light and Magic, a company that not only made his "impossible" movie but revolutionized the entire film industry. Lucas's creative breakthrough didn't happen in isolation. He surrounded himself with other innovative thinkers who challenged conventional wisdom and encouraged bold experimentation. Together, they created new technologies, developed unprecedented techniques, and established entirely new standards for cinematic storytelling. The success of Star Wars opened doors to merchandising opportunities, spawned multiple sequels, and influenced generations of filmmakers who had previously accepted industry limitations as unchangeable facts. To develop your strategic and creative thinking abilities, begin by breaking down large challenges into smaller, more manageable components. Ask yourself strategic questions such as "What is the real issue here?" and "What resources do I have available?" Then shift into creative mode by challenging every assumption and exploring unconventional approaches. Seek out people who think differently than you do, as diversity of perspective often sparks the most innovative solutions. Practice the discipline of strategic planning by working backward from your desired outcome, identifying the key milestones and requirements needed to achieve success. Simultaneously, maintain creative flexibility by remaining open to unexpected opportunities and alternative paths that may emerge along the way.
Harness Collaborative and Reflective Thinking
The most powerful thinking often emerges from the intersection of multiple minds working together, combined with the wisdom gained from thoughtful reflection on past experiences. Collaborative thinking multiplies your mental capabilities, while reflective thinking transforms your experiences into valuable insights for future application. Consider the inspiring example of New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the September 11 attacks. Facing an unprecedented crisis, Giuliani didn't try to handle the enormous challenge alone. Instead, he immediately engaged in collaborative thinking, bringing together emergency responders, city officials, and community leaders to coordinate the response. Simultaneously, he drew upon reflective thinking, studying how Winston Churchill had helped London residents maintain hope during the World War II blitz. By combining the collective wisdom of his team with lessons learned from history, Giuliani was able to provide the steady, confident leadership that helped his city navigate through its darkest hours. The mayor's approach demonstrated how collaborative thinking creates synergy that exceeds the sum of individual contributions. His team members brought diverse expertise, perspectives, and capabilities that no single person could possess. Meanwhile, his reflective thinking provided historical context and proven strategies for maintaining morale during extreme adversity. This combination enabled him to make decisions quickly, communicate effectively, and inspire confidence even in the face of overwhelming uncertainty. To harness collaborative thinking effectively, carefully select thinking partners who bring complementary strengths and perspectives to your challenges. Look for individuals who can add genuine value to your thoughts, handle rapid changes in conversation, and appreciate others' contributions in areas where they may be weak. Create an environment where the best ideas win regardless of their source, and focus on completing others' thoughts rather than competing with them. Develop your reflective thinking by regularly reviewing your calendar and experiences, asking questions like "What did I learn from this situation?" and "How can I apply these insights moving forward?" Keep a record of significant thoughts and lessons learned, creating a personal database of wisdom that you can draw upon in future situations. The goal is to transform every experience, whether positive or negative, into valuable insight that enhances your future decision-making capabilities.
Apply Bottom-Line Thinking for Maximum Results
Bottom-line thinking cuts through complexity and confusion to focus on what truly matters: achieving the specific results that define success in any given situation. This powerful form of thinking provides clarity, improves decision-making, and ensures that all activities align with your most important objectives. Frances Hesselbein exemplified bottom-line thinking when she took over as CEO of the Girl Scouts of America in 1976. The organization was struggling with declining membership, particularly among teenagers, and faced increasing competition for girls' attention. Rather than getting overwhelmed by the numerous symptoms of these problems, Hesselbein focused on identifying the organization's true bottom line. Through careful analysis, she determined that everything the Girl Scouts did should ultimately serve one primary purpose: helping girls reach their highest potential. This clear bottom-line focus revolutionized how the organization operated. Hesselbein restructured the national staff, created strategic planning systems for regional councils, and introduced management training throughout the organization. More importantly, she used the bottom-line criterion to evaluate every program and activity. If something didn't directly contribute to helping girls reach their potential, it was either modified or eliminated. This focused approach led to dramatic improvements: membership increased, minority participation tripled, and the organization became more relevant to contemporary girls' needs and interests. To implement bottom-line thinking effectively, start by identifying what you're truly trying to accomplish, stripping away everything that doesn't directly contribute to that core objective. Be ruthlessly honest about distinguishing between what you want to achieve and what you must achieve. Once you've clarified your real bottom line, create a strategic plan that aligns all activities and resources toward reaching that specific goal. Regularly assess your progress by asking whether current activities are moving you closer to your bottom line or merely keeping you busy. Make the bottom line the primary criterion for all major decisions, and resist the temptation to pursue attractive opportunities that don't support your central objective. Remember that bottom-line thinking isn't about being narrow-minded; it's about being purposeful and ensuring that your mental energy produces the maximum possible return on investment.
Summary
The journey toward exceptional thinking begins with a simple but profound recognition: you have the power to change how you think, and when you change your thinking, you change your life. As this exploration has revealed, "Good thinking can do many things for you: generate revenue, solve problems, and create opportunities. It can take you to a whole new level—personally and professionally." The eleven types of thinking explored here aren't merely abstract concepts but practical tools that successful people use daily to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and create meaningful impact. Whether you're developing big-picture perspective, harnessing creative innovation, engaging in collaborative problem-solving, or focusing on bottom-line results, each thinking skill builds upon the others to create a comprehensive mental toolkit for success. The most encouraging truth is that these abilities can be developed by anyone willing to engage in the disciplined practice of intentional thinking. Start today by choosing one area where you'll commit to deeper, more purposeful thought, and begin the transformation that will unlock your highest potential.

By John C. Maxwell