Right View: The Power of Mindset

I used to be someone who would often get stuck in my own head, caught in negative thought loops that made everything seem more difficult than it actually was. No matter how much I tried to push forward in my business, there was always this underlying sense of doubt and limitation. It wasn’t until I truly understood the power of Right View—the idea that our thoughts shape our reality—that things began to change for me.

This concept is rooted in the Buddha’s teaching of the Eightfold Path, specifically the practice of Right View, which emphasizes that "we are what we think, and all that we are arises with our thoughts."

The concept of Right View is about more than just having a positive attitude. It’s about fundamentally understanding that the way we perceive the world determines how we experience it. This became clear to me as I started to explore neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), particularly the idea of "modeling." In NLP, modeling is the practice of studying the thought processes and behaviors of people who have already achieved what you want to achieve. By adopting their views and strategies, you can replicate their success.

This approach was a game-changer for me. I began to study the mindsets of successful entrepreneurs, particularly those who had built businesses from the ground up and turned their knowledge into products. Eben Pagan was one such influence. He taught me how to scale my business by packaging my knowledge into products that could reach a wider audience. By modeling his mindset—seeing challenges as opportunities to create value—I was able to transform my business approach.

Another pivotal influence was Eric Ries, whose Lean Startup framework showed me how to build and grow a business by iterating and learning quickly from feedback. Instead of fearing failure, I started to see it as an essential part of the process. This shift in mindset allowed me to approach business with more creativity and resilience.

Then I came across Carol Dweck’s book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Dweck’s research introduced me to the concept of a "growth mindset," where abilities and intelligence are seen as qualities that can be developed through effort and learning. This was a profound realization for me—understanding that the way I thought about my own potential could either limit me or propel me forward. By embracing a growth mindset, I began to see challenges not as threats but as opportunities to stretch myself and grow.

Modern science backs up what the Buddha taught over two millennia ago. Our brains are incredibly adaptive, composed of 80 to 100 billion neurons, each forming thousands of connections with other neurons. These connections, known as synapses, are the pathways through which our thoughts travel. When we repeatedly think in a certain way—whether positively or negatively—these synaptic connections are strengthened, making it easier to think that way in the future. This process is called neuroplasticity, and it’s what allows us to rewire our brains by changing our thought patterns.

As I began to apply Right View in my life, I noticed a profound shift. No longer was I paralyzed by doubt or negativity. Instead, I started to approach challenges with the belief that I could learn, adapt, and overcome. This wasn’t just about positive thinking—it was about fundamentally changing the way I saw the world and my place in it. I stopped seeing obstacles as roadblocks and started seeing them as opportunities to innovate and grow.

If you want to start applying Right View in your life, begin by examining the thoughts that dominate your mind. Are they helping you build the life you want, or are they holding you back? Start by modeling the mindset of someone who has already achieved what you aspire to. Study their approach, their way of thinking, and how they view challenges. Then, practice adopting that mindset in your own life. Over time, you’ll find that your thoughts will begin to align with your goals, and your reality will start to shift accordingly.

The journey to success, fulfillment, or whatever you seek begins in your mind. With Right View, you have the power to create the world you want, starting with the way you think about it.

Phyo Paing @ Derek