Unlock the Third Door

Transformation begins with a shift in mindset. Inspired by Alex Banayan's book, The Third Door, let’s explore how the world’s most successful people didn’t achieve greatness by following the crowd—they discovered their own path, their “third door.”

These individuals dared to dream, challenged the status quo, and stepped out of their comfort zones. The “third door” isn’t a physical gateway but a way of thinking. It’s a mindset that embraces learning from failures, persistence through setbacks, and recognizing that limits are often self-imposed. The third door is always there, waiting for you to discover it.

During a recent team outing in Bangalore, this mindset was vividly displayed. Many of the team members tried something new, stepped out of our comfort zones, and gave their best in outdoor games. The result? A memorable day of camaraderie and achievement. The question is: how can we replicate this mindset in our daily work and personal lives?

Here are three practical steps to elevate your results and unlock your “third door”:

1. Daily Reflections

Take a moment at the end of each day to evaluate your experiences. Use a simple rating system from -2 to +2:

• -2: A challenging day.
• +2: An extraordinary day.

Reflect on what contributed to your score. Over 15–30 days, patterns will emerge. Ask yourself:

• What made a +2 day, and how can I create more of them?
• What caused a -2 day, and what needs to change to improve it?

This habit fosters self-awareness and helps you identify strategies for consistent growth.

2. Challenge the Status Quo

Before starting any activity—even routine tasks—ask: “Is there a better way?”

Don’t settle for “business as usual.” Innovate and push boundaries. Often, the third door reveals itself when you dare to question established norms and explore new approaches.

3. Self-Belief Affirmations

Begin each day with affirmations to reinforce your belief in your capabilities. Say to yourself:

I am good enough to achieve anything I set my mind to.

Identify five areas where you want to excel and craft specific affirmations. For example:

• I am good enough to hire the right talent on time.
• I am good enough to deliver error-free payroll.
• I am good enough to achieve 100% collections on time.
• I am good enough to attract the best clients consistently.

Display these affirmations prominently and repeat them often. Over time, these affirmations will reshape your mindset and actions, empowering you to unlock new possibilities.

The Bottom Line The “third door” mindset is about realizing that there’s always another way to achieve your goals. By reflecting daily, challenging norms, and reinforcing your self-belief, you can elevate your performance and unlock doors you never thought existed.

The key is to start. Are you ready to open your third door?