Decoding Success: The Mindset Behind World-Changers and Innovators

In his autobiography “Ecce Homo,” German philosopher Nietzsche posited that there are exceptional people who turn grave misfortune to their advantage, popularizing the phrase “What does not kill you, makes you stronger.”

But who are these unique individuals? In the grand tapestry of human history, innovators and world-changers stand out as luminaries whose ideas have sparked revolutions and reshaped our understanding of the world. What sets these individuals apart? More often than not, it is not their inherent genius or prodigious talent but a distinct growth mindset that drives them forward.

Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc., experienced dramatic events that saw him ousted from the company he helped fund. In 1985, after a power struggle with Apple’s board of directors and then-CEO John Sculley, Jobs was sidelined and eventually resigned from Apple. This ousting could have marked the end of his association with the tech world. Still, Jobs, ever the innovator, went on to found NeXT Computer and later acquired what would become Pixar Animation Studios. These endeavors further honed his leadership and creative skills. However, in a twist of fate, Apple purchased NeXT in 1996, which paved the way for Jobs’ return. By 1997, he had reclaimed his position as CEO. Under his renewed leadership, Apple underwent a dramatic turnaround, introducing a series of groundbreaking products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. Jobs’ journey from ousting to triumphant return underscores the themes of resilience, vision, and the capacity for reinvention. It’s a testament to the idea that stepping back from familiar territory can sometimes pave the way for even more significant accomplishments.

Often heralded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan has a story that is no stranger to rejection. Before becoming an icon of the sport, Jordan faced a significant setback during his sophomore year when he was cut from the varsity basketball team. While such a rejection would have disheartened many, Jordan used it to fuel his determination. He committed to practicing even harder, honing his skills, and proving his worth. During his junior year, he made it to the varsity team and quickly emerged as a standout player. This early experience with rejection instilled in him a relentless work ethic and an insatiable desire to improve, traits that would later define his legendary career in the NBA. Jordan’s journey is a poignant reminder that setbacks can be stepping stones to greatness when approached with the right mindset.

A growth mindset reframes failures as stepping stones to success. By embracing challenges, seeking feedback, and persisting despite setbacks, innovators and world-changers set the groundwork for their breakthroughs.

Embracing Failure as a Teacher

It’s easy to see failure as a definitive end — a full stop that hampers progress. Most people with a fixed mindset do. Yet, the most successful innovators perceive failure in a completely different light.

Thomas Edison, the mastermind behind numerous inventions, including the light bulb, saw his countless unsuccessful attempts as informative. He said, “I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This isn’t a statement of denial but a testament to his persistent nature and unwavering belief in the process of trial and error.

Such a perspective is transformative. It reframes failures not as dead-ends but as valuable lessons. Doing so fosters resilience and provides a guiding compass that points towards improvement.

More minor failures also serve the purpose of inoculating us from more significant shortcomings: behavioral sciences teaches that the more we are exposed to flaws, the more we feel in control. The more we are immunized from them. The more we are in power, the more we can learn from them and the readier we are to move on.

The Crucible of Innovation

For many, challenges are to be avoided, bypassed, or, at the very least, minimized. Yet, for the world changers, challenges are welcomed. They are opportunities to test ideas, stretch boundaries, and evolve.

An American idiom — popularized by a Billy Ocean’s song — speaks to difficult conditions and the people emerging from them: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Worlds-changers and Innovators understand that genuine innovation rarely arises in comfort zones. Instead, it is born from adversity and the need to solve pressing problems. Challenges, therefore, become the crucible in which innovative solutions are forged.

According to Frog Design Linda Quarles, innovation is about challenging the status quo, and more importantly, it means disrupting the way of working inside the company and trailblazing the current comfort zone. A mindset of welcoming hurdles and constraints is necessary to become more innovative and creative.

The Path to Refinement

Another hallmark of the growth mindset is the eagerness to seek feedback. While some may shy away from criticism, fearing it highlights their shortcomings, innovators actively pursue it. They understand that positive or constructive feedback offers insights that can refine and perfect their ideas.

This openness to external input ensures that their ideas remain grounded, relevant, and ever-evolving. It’s a humbling endeavor, accepting that one doesn’t have all the answers and being willing to pivot or adapt based on others’ perspectives.

Adolf “Adi” Dassler, founder of Adidas, was obsessed with gathering feedback from athletes: he insisted on meeting with them and exchanging ideas about his vision, testing products, and gathering early feedback on new features. This feedback process was his secret ingredient.

The Silent Powerhouse

At the heart of the growth mindset is an unyielding spirit of persistence. Innovators and world-changers understand that success rarely comes on the first attempt. Instead, it’s a culmination of countless hours, relentless effort, and, often, numerous setbacks.

This unwavering commitment to seeing an idea through to its fruition — or to learn from its failure — distinguishes them from the rest. This silent powerhouse of persistence often carries them to the finish line, allowing them to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Norwegian Band “A-ha” was incredibly successful with their single Take Me On, released in 1985. However, the 1984 release and the first 1985 version of the song failed to gain any commercial traction. And that was not the first time: the song had originated — and failed — in a previous brand the group leads had formed in 1978. But the original idea for the lyrics was first contextualized when they were in their teens, circa 1976. It took them nine years of adjustment and endurance to bring the song to what it is today.

And this is no exception: it is widely known that 12 publishing houses had declined JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter manuscript before being picked and published. The series’ first book was in the making for several years and was enriched.

In Conclusion

Virgin Group Richard Branson recently posted on social media: “If you fall flat on your face, at least you’re moving forward! All you have to do is get back up and try again!”

The road to innovation is burdensome. It’s paved with obstacles, uncertainties, and setbacks. Yet, those with a growth mindset navigate this road with an unshakeable belief in their journey and themselves. They see failures as lessons, challenges as opportunities, and feedback as a means to improve. This mindset, rather than mere genius, often underpins their monumental achievements. Cultivating this growth mindset is crucial as we foster innovation in ourselves and others.