Mastermind groups started in the early 1900′s with Napoleon Hill. In his classic book, “Think And Grow Rich” he wrote about the Mastermind principle as two or more people working together toward a specific, definite purpose in the “spirit of harmony.” Accordingly he continues that, “No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind.”
I have been thinking a lot about Mastermind groups for a while now. In fact, I’m in the early planning stages of starting one up with some motivating, fun-loving, LWL gals. I’m hoping we can start things up sometime in October so we’re good and ready for those changes the new year will bring on. Thing is, I never really had a good resource or reason why to share with friends and cohorts. Until now.
I’ve always heard that the teacher (or in this case, the message) will come when the student is ready. This has always been a part of my go with the flow way of life. This is also why I’m always open to meeting up with like-minded women for coffee or lunch to just chat. I can’t recommend this simple and fun way to network enough – it’s Business101 in my book. You never can tell the messages or information you’ll bring away from such a get together.
In fact, I was meeting with a brilliant and gutsy author friend of mine (she actually called up the local morning show in New Zealand while she was visiting and pitched herself right onto their show not once but twice!) and once again I left with the “answer” I was looking for…more information about Mastermind groups and just why they’re so useful and empowering.
She introduced me to Melanie Benson Strick, The Million Dollar Lifestyle Business Coach. Turns out Ms. Benson Strick came came up with 5 reasons people thrive when they participate in a Mastermind group of sorts…
Brainstorming is more powerful where two or more minds are gathered. Often our thoughts are limited to our current and past experiences. When you tap into the power of a mastermind, opportunities are unlimited. Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich talked about the power of the third mind. This is a type of synergistic potentiality that can only happen when multiple people build on each other’s ideas. You can’t hide with in person accountability. When we follow our same old routines, it is easy to slip into the habits that have kept us in our current challenges. We are our own worst enemies when it comes to accountability and staying on track. We don’t have bosses, just goals. We will let ourselves off the hook when necessary or slide into playing small again. When you have a mastermind call or live retreat to prepare for and you know that people are going to be listening to your updates, it’s like a kick in the pants to remember to stay on track. Other people’s ideas can stimulate a healthy challenge. It only takes one new idea to put you on track for million dollar results. There is a difference between playing it safe and stepping into our bigger game. Left to our own devices…most of us unconsciously play small. When you listen to how others think and strategize, it can help you grow and expand your “box” as well as challenge you to play a bigger game. The realization that your obstacles are shared by many. It can be comforting to know you aren’t the only one who has struggles and challenges. Transformation starts the minute you become aware of the problem. But if we aren’t aware that something is a problem, then it’s impossible to fix it. Many times a fellow group member’s breakthrough can be exactly what you needed to hear to help you realize where you’ve been getting in your own way. Overcome isolation to thrive with connection. Dan Kennedy says, “Being an entrepreneur is the loneliest job on the planet.” Most of us work alone from home, surrounded by people who need something from us or just don’t understand our passion for our work. A mastermind can be a powerful way to stay connected to people who get us, overcome the feeling of isolation and be a springboard for taking your business into new dimensions of success.
