Elon Musk once said, "If you want to make a million dollars, you first have to believe that you already have it, and it will happen."
At first glance, this idea may seem absurd. However, there is a deeper psychological truth behind it. If you tell yourself, "I want a million dollars," your brain will hear the phrase "I want," implying that you do not have it. On the other hand, the affirmation "I have a million dollars," even if it is far from your current reality, will awaken your brain and keep it focused on that goal.
The power of intention-focused concentration
Musk is said to have discovered this secret when he was just 13 years old and has applied it throughout his life. His notebook is filled with detailed goals, which he writes multiple times a day to reinforce his focus. By repeating affirmations—morning, noon, and night—he anchors his mind to his aspirations, constantly reminding himself: "I want this. I need this in my life."
Just as a ship navigates the ocean with a chart, life also needs a clear direction.
The danger of drifting without a goal
In the book Cognitive Awakening, author Zhou Ling compares a life without goals to "sleepwalking through life." Without self-understanding, vision, or making intentional choices, we risk losing control over our destiny.
Zhou's personal journey is a testament to this. He used to spend his free time in a drunken haze, watching videos, reading gossip, and playing mobile games. It was a comfortable and endless escape cycle until a tragic wake-up call: two close friends experienced life-changing accidents.
The shock forced Zhou to confront his reality. He realized that if he lost his job, he would have no skills, no identity, and no lasting value to offer the world. This realization led him to change his life, shifting from passive indulgence to proactive development. He learned new skills, sharpened his focus, and ultimately became a bestselling author and personal development advisor.
Why goals are important
Without meaningful goals, life can feel like a prison—a monotonous loop that drains passion and joy. Goals serve as a vehicle for our energy and enthusiasm. For most people, work is not their purpose in life but a means to achieve their purpose. When life lacks a greater mission, dissatisfaction creeps in, making you feel stuck.
Action steps to clarify your purpose
Even visionaries like Musk acknowledge the value of exploration in seeking one's purpose. As Musk said, "To achieve great things, you first have to know what you want. Going around in circles a few times isn't a bad thing; it helps filter out what you don't want."
Winston Churchill agreed with this view, asserting that to achieve great success, one must first identify a primary goal and commit to pursuing that goal at all costs.
Ferris, the author of The 4-Hour Workweek, poses three questions to clarify your desires:
What do I want to have?
Who do I want to become?
What do I want to do?
If these questions feel overwhelming, Ferris suggests you turn them around:
What do you not want to have?
Who do you not want to become?
What do you not want to do?
Reflecting on these things can reveal the risks of inaction. Imagine continuing to waste next year, five years, or even a decade on things you don't like. What will that future look like? Are you ready to face that outcome?
Embrace fear as a motivator
Fear often serves as a subconscious guide highlighting areas in life that we need to address. Use this emotion to chart a course away from what you fear. By pursuing a path aligned with your values, you transform fear into purpose.
The formula for success
The equation is very simple: Results = Awareness × Action × Time.
Even if you choose not to act, time will still pass. Why not invest in meaningful pursuits? The greatest risk in life is not failure but stagnation.
Ultimately, whether you see these ideas as mere encouragement or life-changing wisdom depends on your will to act. For those who persevere, the world often finds ways to reward their determination.
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