The Psychology of Winning | 10 Characteristics of Winners

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. (Philippians 3:13-15)

It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up. - Vince Lombardi

Different Types of People

Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, often mentions four types of people in the world:

1. People who must win (such as entrepreneurs, businessmen, etc.).
2. People who must be right (such as attorneys and other specialists).
3. People who must be comfortable.
4. People who must be liked or popular.

See Robert's video on The Psychology of Winning.

Winners are definitely wired differently than the other three types of people. There is a certain psychology of winning.

Characteristics of a Winner

The following is a list of defining characteristics of a winner. A winner is:

1. a constant learner. They read books. They attend seminars. They research online. They talk to people. They know that they don't know it all, but they can gather the information from other sources in order to get where they want to go.
2. one who takes immediate action. Once a winner has gathered the information they need, they take immediate action on that information. They don't procrastinate. They don't let any grass grow under their feet. They get on with it and do something. They are proactive.
3. one who engages in persistent testing. As they take action on the information they have gathered, they monitor and test their progress. If their action is not accomplishing the desired results, they will move in a different direction and then test those results. They are extremely systematic in their approach to accomplish more.
4. someone who gives 100% of their effort. They are intelligent risk takers and lay it all on the line. They are passionate about what they do and what they contribute.
5. someone who sets high goals. Winners know the importance of goal-setting and what it will take to accomplish their goals.
6. disciplined. Winners have a lot of self-discipline. They don't need to be supervised. They are well-planned. They know how to structure their day. They know how to take care of details, yet have a good view of the big picture.
7. someone who has a pleasing attitude and personality. This doesn't mean that they are push overs. They are flexible and not rigid. They have a teachable spirit and are open to changing their opinion in light of the facts.
8. enthusiastic. Winners are energetic and optimistic. They enjoy what they do and bubble over with enthusiasm. This enthusiasm is contagious and draws people to synergy and cooperation.
9. in control of their emotions. This is difficult. We live in a culture where decision making is often made on strong emotions. Winners seem to understand the importance of keeping their emotions in check and base their decisions on reason, strong research, and facts.
10. focused on their strengths. They minimize their weaknesses and limitations. They focus on fully developing their strengths. They don't worry about being perfect. They are concerned more with efficiency and being at their fullest personal potential.

Thoughts on Winning and the Christian Life

Rich Christians have a winning mindset, but they must constantly filter their winning attitude through:

1. their relationship with God. It's only through a deep walk with Christ in which we uncover what His plans are for our lives. Winning is great, but are we winning in the areas God has called us to? God's Word, prayer, and Biblically based counsel are essential in discovering His will for our lives. Once we know what His will is (God's Big Idea for our lives), then it's time to apply the psychology of a winner.
2. evaluating their winning activities through Kingdom eyes. In Matthew 6:33, Christ tells His followers to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness. Is what we are currently engaged in building our own kingdom or His Kingdom? This can be a difficult question to answer at times.

What type of person are you? Are you a person who needs to be right, popular, or comfortable? Are you pursuing God's Big Idea for your life with a winning attitude?