In a world filled with challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty, maintaining a positive mindset is not just an option—it’s a necessity. In his powerful speech, Les Brown shares seven transformational steps to control your financial destiny and master your mindset. If you’re ready to take charge of your future, keep reading—this could be the moment that changes everything.
1. Develop a Millionaire Mindset
The first step to controlling your financial destiny is to cultivate a millionaire mindset. According to Les Brown, it all begins with how you think about money and success.
“You don’t get paid by the hour; you get paid for the value you bring to the hour.” — Les Brown
This mindset shift requires you to think bigger, aim higher, and believe that you deserve wealth and success. It’s about focusing on value creation, not just working hard. If you want to achieve financial freedom, you need to train your mind to see opportunities, not obstacles.
Action Step: Write down your financial goals. How much money do you want to create? Why is it important to you? Visualize it, believe in it, and create a plan to achieve it.
2. Train Your Mind with Positive Input
Les Brown emphasizes the importance of training your mind by feeding it positive thoughts daily. He explains that while you can’t control the thoughts that come into your mind, you can control the ones you dwell on.
“We think over 87% to 90% of our thoughts are negative each day.” — Les Brown
To overpower this negativity, saturate your mind with positivity. This can be done by reading 30 to 40 pages of something uplifting every day or listening to motivational content. Your mind becomes what you feed it.
Action Step: Start a daily habit of reading or listening to positive material. Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. This will help you develop a resilient, optimistic mindset.
3. Apply Information, Don’t Just Consume It
Les Brown reminds us that knowledge is not power—applied knowledge is power. With the internet at our fingertips, we have access to the same information as the world’s wealthiest people. But the difference lies in how we use it.
“Information that is applied in your life—that’s power.” — Les Brown
Instead of endlessly consuming content, start applying what you learn. Whether it’s financial strategies, personal development tips, or business ideas, take action and make it work for you.
Action Step: Set a learning goal. For every book you read or video you watch, write down one actionable takeaway and implement it within 24 hours.
4. Build a Powerful Network
One of the most valuable lessons Les Brown shares is the importance of building a network of powerful, positive people. If you’re the smartest person in your group, it’s time to find a new group.
“If you run around with nine broke people, you’ll become the tenth.” — Les Brown
Your environment shapes your mindset. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and help you grow. These are people who push you to aim higher, achieve more, and live up to your full potential.
Action Step: Evaluate your circle. Are the people around you lifting you up or dragging you down? Start networking with high achievers and learn from them.
5. Dedicate Yourself Relentlessly
Les Brown explains that if you’re casual about your goals, you’ll end up a casualty. Success requires relentless dedication and a commitment to doing whatever it takes.
“How you spend your time tells me who you are.” — Les Brown
It’s not about working from 9 to 5. It’s about working from 5 until you faint. You have to be willing to make sacrifices, stay up late, and push through obstacles. Greatness requires grit.
Action Step: Commit to your goals. Write down your top three priorities and dedicate time to them every single day. Eliminate distractions and stay focused.
6. Master a System for Success
According to Les Brown, success isn’t a secret—it’s a system. It’s not about luck or talent. It’s about following a proven system consistently.
“All you can do is all you can do, but make sure you do all you can do.” — Les Brown
If you want to achieve financial independence, you need a step-by-step system that you can follow and replicate. This includes setting goals, creating action plans, measuring progress, and staying disciplined.
Action Step: Create a success system. Break down your big goals into smaller, actionable steps. Track your progress and adjust as needed. Stay consistent.
7. Unleash Your Energy and Drive
Les Brown teaches that to achieve greatness, you must unleash an unstoppable drive and energy. He calls it hunger. It’s the burning desire to succeed no matter what.
“If you’re casual about your dream, you’ll end up a casualty.” — Les Brown
This hunger pushes you to work harder, learn faster, and overcome any obstacle in your way. It’s the fire that keeps you going when things get tough. Without hunger, dreams die.
Action Step: Ignite your hunger. Write down why you want to achieve your goals. What drives you? What are you willing to sacrifice? Let your “why” fuel your hunger.
Master Your Time: Create a Daily Action Plan
Les Brown emphasizes the importance of time management as a crucial element of success. It’s not just about managing time—it’s about managing yourself.
“All of us have 24 hours. It’s how you use it that matters.” — Les Brown
To maximize productivity, create a daily action plan with the seven most important tasks that will move you closer to your goals. Read the list before you go to sleep and the moment you wake up. Take massive action.
Action Step: Plan your days with intention. Write down the seven most important tasks each night. Prioritize them and take focused action the next day.
Final Thoughts: Believe in Your Greatness
Les Brown’s powerful words remind us that greatness is within us all. But it takes courage, commitment, and relentless action to bring it to life.
You have the power to shape your destiny. You have the strength to overcome obstacles, the courage to pursue your dreams, and the passion to live with purpose.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t wait for permission.
Start today.
Live your dreams, not your fears.
Unleash your greatness and control your destiny.