Increasing Your Odds of Success
Insights from the dynamic duo at Dream VC
Hey you!
Before I dive into this topic, I had a conversation with the dynamic duo at DreamVC, Cindy Ai and Mark Kleyner that I have to share with you. They share their journey from being entrepreneurs to becoming venture capitalists and how their shared passion has been a catalyst for their success and the unique dynamics of their co-founder relationship, including how they support each other during challenging times and the principles they value. Click here to listen or search for “The Grinders Table” on your preferred podcast app.
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Let’s get right in….
Embarking on a new journey in life or business can be both thrilling and daunting. I have spent the last couple of weeks listening to podcasts on super successful people and what their secret ‘sauce’ is/was. Today I share excerpts of my conversation with Mark and Cindy, founders of Dream VC, some of which you will hear in the podcast, on how you can increase your odds of success in any endeavour. This article combines their wisdom with other key strategies to provide actionable steps for achieving personal and professional growth.
Set Clear Goals and Visualize Success: Setting clear and specific goals is the first step towards success. I don’t mean casually setting your New Year’s Resolution, which I don’t believe. The goals I am referring to is Actionable and Time-Bound goals that lead you to the ideal result you are aiming for. Mark emphasized the importance of defining what you want to achieve and creating a roadmap to guide your actions. Visualize yourself accomplishing those goals, as Cindy suggested, to strengthen your motivation and foster a positive mindset.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development: Investing in personal and professional growth is crucial for long-term success. Mark and Cindy stressed the significance of embracing a growth mindset. Actively seek out opportunities for learning and skill development. It doesn't have to be formal education, it could be podcasts like The Grinders Table, attending workshops, speaking to your peers, seeking out mentors, and leveraging online resources to expand your expertise and stay updated with the trends and building blocks that lead to your goal.
Embrace Failure and Learn from Mistakes: We all (will) fail at one time or the other. Failure is a natural part of the journey to success. Cindy highlighted the importance of viewing failures as valuable learning experiences. Embrace setbacks with resilience and determination, analyzing the lessons they offer. The essence of failure is to know what not to do, so make sure you draw and apply the lessons from every failed attempt.
Build a Strong Support Network: Surrounding yourself with a supportive and diverse network is instrumental in achieving success. Mark and Cindy emphasized the need for mentors and peers who inspire, challenge and guide you. Engage with like-minded individuals who offer different perspectives and opportunities for collaboration, this is very important. A strong diverse network with different and opposing perspectives provides you with valuable advice, motivation, and a sense of belonging.
Take Calculated Risks: Mark encouraged individuals to take calculated risks. Not all risks are worth it but not taking any risks rarely leads to success. Evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of each opportunity and make informed decisions. Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to breakthrough moments and new pathways for success. Combine this with Cindy's reminder to be open to uncertainty and you'll create a foundation for growth.
Practice Persistence and Resilience: Legends are not defined by their successes, they are defined by how they bounce back from their failures. Persistence and resilience are essential qualities for achieving long-term success. Mark highlighted the importance of staying focused on your goals and maintaining a positive attitude. While Cindy emphasised that setbacks are temporary, and you have to learn to view them as opportunities for growth. By developing resilience, you can bounce back stronger and continue your journey towards success.
While these strategies aren’t a silver bullet for success, I believe by implementing these strategies, you can pave your own path towards personal and professional fulfilment. From studying the greats, it is so much clear that success is a journey, aided by dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn.
If you spend time with the pictures of failure in your mind you will orchestrate failure… think success!
A crucial lesson for me is to "Think and Visualize Success, however, I need to embrace failure when they come and learn from it through a system of consistent learning and skill development."