6 Traits Of Elite People With Laser-Sharp Brains, According To Psychology
Elite people who succeed get out of their heads and do what needs to be done in the present moment.
Getty Images | Unsplash Lase-sharp focus drives everything in our lives. The things we focus on amplify eventually, whether good or bad, positive or negative, beneficial or destructive.
Losing focus is like trying to catch a frog that keeps hopping away. But don’t worry: There are simple traits the most elite people use to help boost your focus and make that frog sit still.
Here are the traits of elite people with laser-sharp brains, according to psychology:
1. They stick with something
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By their very meaning, unfair advantages imply doing things that few others do. It’s not ‘unfair’ if you’ve uncovered a more innovative way to work or if you do more in one area than most dare. Doing the same thing every day for a month is rare.
These actions will compound over time, whether writing, working out, creating content, learning a language, or reaching out to new people. Patience is needed here — something hardly anyone has these days. Showing up daily is a simple thing that most avoid.
Stay in the game longer than most; you’ll be surprised where this gets you. If you can stick with something for thirty days, try for sixty.
2. They're attuned to actions, not words
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Many people live like they’re in a soap opera. It’s a life driven by drama, back-stabbing, angst and second-guessing. Much of this is because we take people’s words as fact. They see talk as a direct representation of what’s happening. Rarely is this so. People talk. They say things that are in no way reflected by what they have done and ultimately do.
Those with a sixth sense watch actions and take words with a pinch of salt. When you stop basing your trust on verbal communication, you are granted a confidence that others will be envious of.
Actions often reveal a person's true intentions and character more accurately than words, especially when actions are consistent and reflect genuine commitment. However, research by The University of Michigan explained that it's important to remember specific situations may require a focus on words to mitigate the impact of selfish behavior or when people's behavior is constrained.
3. They aren't afraid to reach out to people they need
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No one creates a significant advantage without the clone-like effect of linking up with other humans. People possess all the money, insight, support, and leverage you need.
Only a fool would turn away from the opportunities tied to regularly connecting with others. Factor this activity into your daily practices, and — even if some ignore you — active networking will lead to a net benefit.
4. They're ruthlessly intolerant to worry
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We all know how debilitating it can be when sucked into the quicksand of worrying thoughts. Much of the stress we feel is tied to these hostile mind machinations. They give us a sense of control, but in reality, they ensure we’re very much out of control. With every additional minute spent worrying, we add a new degree of tilt to our wobble.
Those who get ahead know the genuine danger of worry. They rely instead on the kind of wisdom that appears when our minds are still; when we relax.
A clinical study explained that intolerance of uncertainty is a tendency to struggle with ambiguity and uncertainty. This tendency is strongly linked to worry and various psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression.
5. They act the role you need to play
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Most of us are hesitant and play the game of life like it’s a dress rehearsal. You’re in it right now, Sally, so quit holding back.
If we hesitate, we reap the rewards of hesitation, i.e. a sizeable tub of not much. Instead, be the person you need to be to fulfill your goals and dreams.
You’re either living that role or you’re not. Who you decide to be sends strong signals to yourself and the Universe.
The killers and the real dealers don’t wait. They act the part right now. With this, their performance improves, they rise to challenges, and they enjoy the rewards of being bold.
6. They use laser-sharp presence to their advantage
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Everyone has a unique take on how success is attained, and everyone has their own story. But if you were to unpack everyone’s experience, they would all share a common thread: success tends to be granted to people who can remain present to life’s challenges.
If, for example, you get triggered by someone in a work meeting, and you get verbally angry, you distance yourself instantly from harmony, respect, and the rewards that come to those who can remain calm, regardless of the situation. Another place this applies is in handling challenging tasks.
People fail because they get uncomfortable doing the things they need to do. Showing up and writing daily is an example.
Those who succeed get out of their heads and do what needs to be done in the present moment. Presence, they know, creates peace. Resistance and perceived struggle dissipate the minute you step out of your thoughts. This is the secret.
Cultivating mindfulness and staying present can improve well-being and resilience when facing life's challenges, leading to increased happiness, reduced stress, and enhanced coping mechanisms. A 2024 study explained that reflecting on your experiences and emotions can help you better understand yourself and your reactions to life's challenges.
Alex Mathers is a writer and coach who helps you build a money-making personal brand with your knowledge and skills while staying mentally resilient. He's the author of the Mastery Den newsletter, which helps people triple their productivity.