The more I hang out with 6 and 7-figure business owners in mastermind groups, the more I realize they share a few specific characteristics.
These traits and habits contain powerful lessons on how the rest of us can level up in life and business.
Here are 5 key observations (plus a bonus, which IMO is the most important):
1. Shoot First, Aim Second
My natural inclination is to want as many ducks as possible in a row before taking my first tentative step into the unknown.
Highly successful people do the opposite.
They aren’t theorists. They’re practitioners.
They know the biggest lessons come from the market – not from thinking, planning, worrying, and/or hoping.
So they just act.
They have a hypothesis and take steps to prove/disprove it.
They’re emotionless about it, too. There’s no dog in the fight.
They may have a hunch, but they’re humble enough to realize they do not know until they test.
In the process, they gain feedback and insights into what works and what doesn’t, which lets them adjust their actions accordingly.
2. Speed to Market
Successful people don’t just act. They act fast.
From decision-making to implementation, they operate at pace.
This gives them a huge advantage.
Fundamentally, they get more done.
But they also receive real-world data quicker.
They get to see if something works or doesn’t far sooner than their slower competitors, which lets them find the best path forward quicker, too.
I also think this propensity toward speed reduces their cognitive load.
There’s no wasted energy on unmade decisions.
Instant implementation means it all goes toward tangible outcomes rather than anything theoretical.
3. Leverage (Lots of It)
The most successful people hunt for ways to get a lot from a little.
How can they get maximal results from minimal input?
What small actions deliver outsized returns?
Both in terms of time savings and profit.
They focus on systems and efficiency.
They only do what only they can do, and either cut or outsource the rest.
With a high leverage business, they enjoy incredible returns without sacrificing all of their time and energy to attain them.
Examples: Group vs 1:1 coaching, or recorded evergreen classes vs in-person one-off workshops.
4. Energy Conservation
The most successful people in these groups are obsessed with protecting their energy. Here’s why:
- Anything creative (such as entrepreneurship) requires energy.
- Sustained effort requires energy.
- Enjoying the process requires energy.
- Problem-solving requires energy.
…The list goes on.
Equally, success is often a matter of attrition.
Most people fail because they quit.
Most people succeed because they don’t.
And most people throw in the towel simply because they don’t have enough energy to continue.
5. Mentorship
That multi-millionaire coach you pay for?
They probably have a coach, too.
It’s just a level above where you’re at in terms of expense and expertise.
Successful people realize they don’t have all the answers.
They see the gaps in their knowledge and are willing to pay someone (often insane amounts) to fill them.
Again, leverage.
They could take the time to figure it out for themselves.
But instead, they pay someone to expedite the outcome.
BONUS: They’re 100% Ordinary
This was by far the most useful insight I’ve taken from being around lots of super successful people recently.
There’s nothing special about them.
They’re not fundamentally different or superior to you or I.
Most of them are figuring things out as they go, too.
They’re flying by the seat of their pants and building the ship as it sails.
They make mistakes. They don’t have all the answers. They flail around, doubt themselves, and need help.
Honestly, many “gurus” you see online don’t have a clue what they’re doing!
They just do it anyway.
They don’t let that discomfort paralyze them.
They accept the uncertainty, take action anyway, pivot constantly, play an infinite game, and eventually reap the rewards.
