Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
United States

The power of action and mindset in success

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • Consistent action is key to success: Steve Huffman emphasizes the importance of daily habits and frequent action towards goals, embodying the philosophy "you aren't who you are, you are what you do."
  • Break down big goals into small, repeatable actions: Career consultant Chelsea Jay advises turning large career aspirations into manageable daily tasks to build momentum and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Reframe stress as a sign of meaningful work: Huffman's perspective on stress, inspired by Viktor Frankl's book, helps him view challenges as privileges associated with his dream job rather than burdens.

Reddit co-founder and CEO Steve Huffman attributes much of his success to a habit he developed in his twenties: acting rapidly and frequently on his goals. Huffman, now 40, co-founded Reddit with his undergraduate roommate Alexis Ohanian when he was only 21 years old at the University of Virginia.

This early entrepreneurial success story has become an inspiration for many aspiring tech founders. Huffman's journey from a college dorm room to the helm of one of the world's most popular social media platforms is a testament to the power of determination and vision. His ability to identify a gap in the online community space and create a platform that would eventually become the "front page of the internet" showcases the importance of seizing opportunities and acting on innovative ideas.

In the nearly two decades since, he's followed the same motto "every day," he told LinkedIn co-founder and entrepreneur Reid Hoffman in an August 29 episode of Hoffman's "Masters of Scale" podcast.

"The thought is, 'You aren't who you are, you are what you do,'" according to him. "So, if you want to be somebody who works really hard, you have to actually work really hard."

Similar to that, "If you want to be somebody who goes to the gym, you actually have to go to the gym," according to him. "If you want to be a good friend, good spouse, good colleague, you have to actually do those things."

Huffman's philosophy aligns closely with the concept of "habit stacking," a technique popularized by James Clear in his book "Atomic Habits." This approach involves linking new habits to existing ones, making them easier to implement and maintain. For instance, if you want to become more knowledgeable about your industry, you might commit to reading industry news for 15 minutes every morning while drinking your coffee. By tying the new habit to an established routine, you increase the likelihood of consistent action and, ultimately, success.

If following Huffman's motto seemed onerous, Chelsea Jay, a career and leadership consultant, suggests breaking down huge career goals into little, repetitive activities that become ingrained habits.

For example, if you want to advance to a leadership role in your organization, practice raising your hand and sharing your thoughts in meetings, or offer to take the lead on a project.

The power of little actions stems from their ability to generate momentum.

It helps to avoid the sensation of overload that typically comes with taking on a difficult assignment, applying for a new job, or reaching a professional milestone, according to Jay. These minor triumphs may even drive you to keep working toward your goals.

"Acting like the person you want to become can help you feel more confident," she says. "When you see yourself behaving in a way that is consistent with your goals, you will start to believe that you are capable of achieving them."

This concept of "acting as if" or "fake it till you make it" has been supported by research in psychology and neuroscience. Studies have shown that adopting the postures, behaviors, and mindsets associated with success can actually lead to increased confidence and improved performance. For instance, social psychologist Amy Cuddy's research on "power posing" suggests that adopting expansive, confident postures can lead to hormonal changes that boost feelings of power and a greater tolerance for risk.

Huffman revealed another technique that has helped him advance in his career: reframing stress with thankfulness.

It's a tactic he learnt while reading "Man's Search for Meaning," a memoir by psychiatrist Victor Frankl about his time as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during WWII.

"What that book kind of flipped around for me is the sort of stress that I have in my life is a result of the work that I do and the job that I have, which is truly a privilege," the author explained. "I have my dream job, and it's challenging. So, if I didn't have that stress, what would be the alternative? I would be bored."

Embracing that perspective has helped Huffman feel "a lot less stressed" and recover faster from the inevitable problems of leading a huge social media platform.

This approach to stress management is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced business environment, where burnout and mental health concerns are increasingly prevalent. By reframing stress as a byproduct of meaningful work and personal growth, leaders like Huffman can maintain their motivation and resilience in the face of challenges. This mindset shift not only benefits individual well-being but can also positively impact organizational culture, fostering a more engaged and productive workforce.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementNovember 11, 2024 at 7:30:00 PM

The power of self-reflection in public speaking

[WORLD] In the world of business and professional development, the ability to deliver compelling presentations is often seen as a crucial skill. However,...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementNovember 10, 2024 at 8:30:00 PM

How to be your true self when things get tough

[WORLD] Life is a rollercoaster of experiences, and sometimes it can feel like we're constantly being tested. When faced with hardships, it's easy...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementNovember 8, 2024 at 8:00:00 AM

Say no to being fashionably late

[WORLD] In a world where time is often equated with money and respect, chronic tardiness remains a persistent issue that affects personal and...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementNovember 8, 2024 at 12:30:00 AM

How to control distractions in a crazy world

[WORLD] Managing distractions and maintaining focus in today's fast-paced world is a challenge that many professionals face. With the constant barrage of notifications,...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementNovember 6, 2024 at 9:00:00 PM

5 rapid strategies for stressed individuals to boost productivity

[WORLD] Procrastination has a way of sneaking up when you least expect it. You sit down, eager to tackle your to-do list, but...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementNovember 6, 2024 at 7:30:00 PM

Why feeling lonely doesn't mean you've failed

[WORLD] Loneliness is a complex emotion that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, social status, or personal achievements. It's...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementNovember 3, 2024 at 10:30:00 PM

Actions your future self wants you to take today

[WORLD] Have you ever wondered what advice your future self might give you if they could travel back in time? What insights would...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementNovember 3, 2024 at 1:30:00 AM

The surprising secret to a more efficient workday

[WORLD] Professionals are constantly seeking ways to enhance their productivity and achieve better results. However, the secret to a more productive workday might...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementNovember 2, 2024 at 6:30:00 AM

3 game-changing hacks for powerful interactions

[WORLD] The ability to communicate effectively is more crucial than ever. Whether you're navigating the complexities of the workplace, building personal relationships, or...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementOctober 31, 2024 at 7:30:00 PM

How to focus and get things done at work in the middle of global chaos

[WORLD] In an era of constant connectivity and 24/7 news cycles, the challenge of maintaining focus at work has never been more daunting....

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementOctober 29, 2024 at 11:30:00 AM

Finding fulfillment beyond success

[WORLD] Many individuals find themselves climbing the ladder of success only to discover an unexpected emptiness at the top. The phenomenon of being...

Self Improvement
Image Credits: Unsplash
Self ImprovementOctober 23, 2024 at 11:30:00 PM

Unlocking better communication through rephrasing

[WORLD] Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful relationships, whether in personal life or the professional sphere. Yet, despite its importance, misunderstandings and...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege