Mindset or Skillset
Many people think their skills, education and knowledge are what will help them with success in their chosen career. As we become more aware of the part mindset plays it is then a good debate as to which is the most important – mindset or skillset.
The question of mindset or skillset was demonstrated beautifully in a tennis match last night in Australia. I think sport is a very visual representation of how this can play out in our businesses and lives.
Australian Open
The Australian Open is one of 4 of the annual grand slams (if you do not follow tennis). The other three are the US Open, French and Wimbledon.
Of course as it is summer now in Australia and the majority of players come in from the northern hemisphere it is tough on their bodies. Especially the first week this year when Melbourne put on daily temperatures in the 40’s Celsius (well over 100 for the US readers).
So maybe heat has played it’s part but last night there was a match that so clearly demonstrated mindset or skillset to me.
Australian Open – day 9 Quarterfinals
We saw the three-time defending champion and four-time winner of the Australian Open Novak Djokovic lose an epic four-hour clash against Stanislas Wawrinka. The result ended the Serb’s remarkable 25-match winning streak at Melbourne Park along with his 14-match run against the Swiss.
Novak Djokovic is currently ranked number 2 in the world. It was evident watching the match that he was not in the right mindset to win. He clearly has the skillset but his mindset last night let him down.
Bringing it back to business
So what does this have to do with business? I think everything. It is just more visible on a tennis court or football field and the results are immediate.
Now to be a top tennis player of course you have to have an amazing skill set and do a lot of practice. Just like in our businesses we need to have the skills to do our businesses.
I am not in anyway inferring that if our mindset is solid we can rely on that alone. Of course not. I clearly would not be writing this blog post if I had not learned some skills along the way 🙂
Just like in tennis where mindset is critical in getting to the top so it is in business. The people in any business role at the top of their game have the right mindset and belief. And you get they all have worked on it.
I have a couple of short videos here I shot last week with some tips that you may find helpful.
The first one here is on reframing and defining yourself. Very important for success.
This next one is about setting yourself up to win by having “rules” that empower. I was inspired by Tony Robbins writing about it in the book I recently read.
So what do you think – mindset or skillset?
I am looking forward to your comments on this one. Please share this post if you found value.
Make it a great day.
Sue Price
Skype: sueprice
Kumar Gauraw says
Hello Sue,
Wow! So, you do enjoy Tennis, don’t you?
So now, speaking of Tennis, I have as little knowledge/interest about this game as you have of cricket. I don’t even know all the rules of this game that an average fan would know. However, I do know names of many famous players though 🙂
Speaking of mindset, it always is more important than skill set. Not just in business, it is a thing of attitude and I pay very close attention to that. A lot of people are not used to it and they go by skills, can’t understand why I like some people with less skills than others with more skills because I go by mindset. I select/reject candidates in interviews based on mindset if I must choose between skill set and mindset.
Thank you for posting these wonderful videos too. I enjoyed watching them and learning from you!
Regards,
Kumar
Sue Price says
Hi Kumar
I guess we all have our preferred sports. I love tennis more than any other to watch at least as I play pretty badly. Australia is such a sporting nation we embrace most sports. It is funny isn’t it we often know the names of great sports people even if we do not follow the sport. I think we as business people can learn so much from them.
I agree that mindset is the most important. For me also I just would rather be around people with good mindsets.
Thank you for your kind words about my videos.
You have a great weekend Kumar.
Sue
Donna Merrill says
Hi Sue,
Love your message in your video. We can have many skill sets, but need our mindset on track to put it into motion. Re-framing really does work! Once we tell ourselves “I can’t” or “I’m just a _____” That stops all our knowledge and skills to a dead hault.
We do need to re-frame our mindset in the journey of life, especially in business.
Your other video of the rules of life is awesome! I just love that book by Tony Robbins!
I like your example of measuring success. Indeed we need those easy ways to make ourselves feel successful. What has to happen to make us feel happy or successful.
I have done some soul searching on this one a while back. It was after I read “Rich Woman” that I was enlightened. I was in my yard looking at the gardens and suddenly thought “I’m a rich woman” – I have my own home, my own business, I can survive without depending on anyone else. So there! I’m rich already. Yes, I want to make more money. Who doesn’t? But once I felt this I was EMPOWERED. I feel the same joy since that day.
Thanks Sue!
-Donna
Sue Price says
Hi Donna
I think the fact we can re-frame is such a good thing. As much as we know and become aware there are always times when our beliefs can be limiting if we give in to them.
I am glad you liked the videos. The one on rules is awesome. I have a friend who is a business coach and she uses the concept she learned from Tony with her clients. It is interesting.
I am so happy to hear Kim’s book impacted you so much. For so many years Kim was sort of in the shadow of Robert. It was her choice not his as he was always encouraging her to step out. And she finally did. She is an amazing woman. Yes of course you are already a rich woman Donna. Rich in other ways besides money too. Rich in experience and wisdom for starters.
I hope you are better this week after your loss last week. Sorry I missed your gals today.
Thanks for your comment and have a great weekend.
Sue
Sherryl Perry says
Hi Sue,
I’ve never asked myself this question before but you’ve got me thinking about it now. Not having the right skill set can certainly be a detriment to succeeding at something but not having the right mind set can be even more so. Thanks for a thought provoking post along with your two videos.
Sue Price says
Hi Sherryl
We could debate of course which is the most important and I think many people do not understand the importance of mindset.
Thanks for visiting here and for your comment.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sue
Gladys says
Hello Ms. Sue
Thank you for such an interesting post.
I am not familiar with the sport of Tennis, but I love how you used the sport to bring us an interesting aspect of Personal Development.
Skillset is important but without the mindset to continue on the journey, then skillset would not matter too much.
If we can change our mindset, then we can enjoy the journey of learning new skills.
Thank you again
Gladys
Sue Price says
Hi Gladys
If you lived in Australia you would not be able to escape being familiar with tennis 🙂 The same with other sports here really we are a country where many people seem to live for their sport.
I think sporting analogies are often good for personal development as they are so visible.
I love how you have said if we change our mindset we can enjoy the journey of learning a new skill. That says it perfectly.
Thanks for visiting me and for your comment Gladys.
Sue
Akaahan Terungwa says
Hello Sue,
If you ask me to rank mindset Vs skillset, I’ll give a whole 70% to mindset and just a miserly 30% to skills. The question is why?
When you’ve got the right mindset, be guaranteed that even your initial challenges will simply dissolve into thin air because the brain (the most important tool here) isn’t prepared for failure! And that is what really counts!
But what are skills without the will to use the skills? Nothing, Sue…nothing!
Always,
Terungwa
Sue Price says
Hi Akaahan
Well put! I am in total agreement with what you have said here of course. Given your rating here it is sad too many people do not work on improving their mindset. I agree without the correct mindset skills are nothing 🙂
Thanks for visiting me and for your comment Akaahan.
Sue
silviu says
Hi Sue,
A Happy New Year for you and your loved ones. Nice article. I usually don’t think so much about the distinction mindset – skill set. However, the difference is pretty obvious.
Now, the skill set can be achieved by practice, exercise, hardwork and study. Mindset is a little bit different. You need somebody to open your mind. Without a proper understanding you won’t be able to change your mindset no matter how hard you try.
Mindset is where people need the most help and where things are the most general and vague.
I see you are using the word “empower”. Do you know there is a network marketing company called empower Network? Somebody from that company has contacted me just a few days ago. If you know something, good or bad, please tell me.
I would be grateful, if you do it in an email.
Have a wonderful day
Sue Price says
Hi Silviu
Happy New Year to you too and to your loved ones. I cannot believe this first month has almost gone!
I agree with you that you need someone to open your mind. It can be by means of a book or I guess even a blog post. I know when I worked with Robert Kiyosaki we received so many emails and letters telling us how Rich Dad Poor Dad had changed their lives.
That is funny that I am using the word Empower as I am in Empower Network and I guess it has “sunk” in. It is not strictly a network marketing company but more of a hybrid between network marketing and affiliate marketing. I will send you an email.
You have a wonderful day to Silviu.
Sue
William Butler says
Hello Sue,
Mindset surely takes precedence over skill set. You can have all the skills in the world, but if you don’t have the mind to apply those skills, to take action, to implement, those skills are worthless.
Like the tennis you so love, we practice and hone and shape our skills. It takes time and patience, and we simply need to remember that is is all a process.
Love the videos. Nice to see you again 🙂 I think we do best to focus on what we can control and all that is empowering. Thank you!
Have a beautiful weekend!
Bill
Sue Price says
Hi Bill
It does not surprise me at all that you agree with me. 🙂 Yes we need to have the right mindset to implement our skills or it does not matter how good our skills are.
Thanks for your comment on the videos, I appreciate that.
Thanks for visiting and for the comment Bill. You too have a lovely weekend.
Sue
Stacy Claflin says
Hi Sue,
This message is so important. Yes, both aspects are important, but we absolutely must have the right mindset to reach success.
I can relate to this personally with my writing. I am working toward becoming a full time writer. A lot of things come up, tempting me to give up. If I didn’t have my sights set on the end goal and the determination to get there, I would give in and never see my dream fulfilled.
I’m seeing progress, and the obstacles are jumping at me with even more force than before. But I’m choosing to look at them as growth opportunities instead.
Sue Price says
Hi Stacy
Nice to see you here. I am sure you are experiencing exactly what this is about with your goal to be a full time writer. I think the bigger our goals and where we want to go in life the more obstacles we have to pass. That is why most people settle for mediocre. Good on you for pushing through. Do you listen to audios or read things that help support your process?
Thanks for your comment here Stacy. I wish you a successful 2014!
Sue
Jeevan Jacob John says
I don’t watch Tennis, but I am fan (Well, I used to play Badminton and Table Tennis…both of which are very related to Tennis).
To me, mindset is more important than skill set. We are not born with skills, are we? We learn them…and we only learn if we have the interest (of course, it’s a lot easier when we are young…since our innocent minds are very much curious about the world that we live in).
But, that changes over time. As we grow older, mindset becomes more and more important. And, without the proper mindset, we won’t be able to acquire the skills that we need to achieve our goals 😀
That’s what I think 😀 Anyways, thank you for sharing this Sue 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Btw, I really wish I had that climate here in US (It’s so cold right now! Sure, it would be really hot..but I prefer a hot summer over a really cold winter).
Sue Price says
Hi Jeevan
I used to play some table tennis too but a long time ago 🙂
Spot on we are not born with skills and we do have to learn them all. I agree we are more open when we are younger as I know I now only want to learn things that interest me.
I am with you I prefer summer to winter any day. I really do not like being cold (not that it gets very cold where I live).
Thanks for your comment Jeevan. You have a great weekend and stay warm 🙂
Sue
Sylviane Nuccio says
Hi Sue,
Very good post.
I so agree whit this Sue. While we need skills, because that’s what will allow us to have the job done, a skill could because almost useless if the mind is not behind it.
An example I’m thinking about is someone who has a natural talent for example (there are few people close to me like that). They have an enormous talent, but they don’t believe in themselves and therefore never do anything of value with that talent. This a very good example of mindset versus skill-set. Not even a gift from God (a talent) will help you if your mind is not in the right place.
Great topic and great videos too.
Sue Price says
Hi Sylviane
I love what you said about even a God given talent will help someone without the mindset and will to do it. I know people like it too.
I am curious as to whether you like tennis? There are many good French players. Last night the men’s semi final was such a visual mind game I am so aware of it now.
It is a good topic isn’t it?
Thanks for your visit and for your comment Sylviane. Have a nice weekend.
Sue
Adrienne says
Hi Sue,
Ah, another great share here and a very important topic.
I would have to say that the mindset is indeed more important because that can even give you the belief in yourself that you can accomplish what you want even if you don’t yet have the skillset.
I know that we can have the skills we need to do whatever we want just like there are a lot of very smart people in this world that have not fulfilled their full potential. It’s only because they didn’t believe in themselves in the first place.
I’m not into tennis and really don’t understand it so I’m kind of lost about that I’m afraid but that was a great example.
Thanks for your video messages as well, you’ve become a teaching machine.
Hope you’ve enjoyed your weekend and looking forward to another great week.
~Adrienne
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
Yes sadly there are too many smart people who have not fulfilled their potential. Self belief will always get us further for sure.
It seems a lot of you guys in the US do not follow tennis. Here it is so popular. I think more than any sport because there are just two people to watch you can see their body language so easily. When they get to the level to play in major tournaments they clearly have all the skills.
I love doing videos now. Never thought I would say that when I started but I am now there. I find I can express these type of ideas so much easier on video.
Thanks for visiting me Adrienne and for your comment. It is still me weekend as we had an extra day for Australia Day. Not that it matters when you work from home 🙂
I hope you had a nice one and also have a good week.
Sue
David Haines says
Hi Sue! Mindset or Skillset? Great question! I too watched that match, and agree with you that d wasn’t playing to win. It was like his mind was somewhere else. What I find interesting was how Stan Wawrinka won the whole tournament. His mindset was extraordinary dealing with the delay of Nadal’s back problems. You could see him get very upset over it and start making mistakes, but he calmed himself and when he shifted his mindset, he played very well to win.
I’m a big believer that it’s not really a matter of either/or. It’s a matter of having both and using them to your advantage. Although, I’ve worked with people who have absolutely no skillset, but have enthusiasm and desire and motivation enough that it’s infectious, and others follow because of that.
Great post Sue! Good job!
Sue Price says
Hi David
Now you have me very curious. I know you live in the USA (well that is what FB tells me 🙂 )and you watched the tennis being played in Australia. Cool. You are the first person from the US so far who follows tennis at all!
Yes it was amazing to see Stan with Rafa yesterday. When he was getting upset I thought it might be like the result with Roger a couple of days before. Nadal went out of his way to rattle Federer and it worked. I am not suggesting that Rafa did not play better but there was a huge component of mind games.
Your example of enthusiasm and desire being infectious is very evident in the Network Marketing profession and it works for sure.
Thanks for visiting here David and for your comment. And as I said I am so happy to meet an American watching the tennis 🙂
Have a great week.
Sue
Lisa says
Hi Sue, I always believed that our mind set is the most important survival and thrive skill we can have. I would take that over skill set anyday if I had to choose. Of course we do need some skills to succeed as well but without mindset we may not gain the skills we need to improve ourselves. It is what we tell ourselves that can determine our successes or failures.
Experience and wisdom rule 🙂
Sue Price says
Hi Lisa
Oh well said! I agree with you it is what we tell ourselves that determines our success or failures for sure. Sometimes it is subtle but it is always there.
I love your “experience and wisdom rule” – well said.
Thanks for your comment here Lisa.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Sue
Zach says
Hey Sue,
I loved your post, and it reminded me a lot about what Darren Hardy has to say in one of my favorite books, The Compound Effect. The main message is that if you set your mind straight and you have a strong enough reason to succeed it doesn’t matter what skills you need you will find a way.
When the mind is strong, the skills are always learn-able. Really enjoyed the videos as well.
Keep up the great work,
Zach
Sue Price says
Hi Zach
Thanks for finding me here and for your comment. I am unfamiliar with that book but I am going to check it out. I so agree with that idea that message and yes if those factors are present we will always find a way.
Thanks for your feedback on my videos too, I appreciate that.
Have a good rest of the week Zach.
Sue
Arleen says
Mindset surely takes over powers skill set. If my mindset is that I will not succeed in something it really doesn’t make any difference what skills I have. You mindset is something that guides you through daily life.
Sue Price says
Hi Arleen
Happy New Year. I hope it has started well for you.
I agree with you 100% of course. 🙂
Thanks for your comment.
Sue
Mayura says
Hi Sue,
Now you know how to send a message effectively! 🙂 You have obviously convinced us not to choose either mindset or skillset by the end of your post, but the combination dear. I really loved the example you have depicted in this post as it visualize your point very clearly, and the smooth shift from Tennis to business.
Well, I might have shout out “Mindset” promptly at the very beginning of your post 🙂 But again, I can recall some days that I was very motivated to nail anything on my way, but lack of skills drained my energy. Still, Mindset has more power over skillset as I believe and you almost proved it.
If skillset alone could help me out, I wouldn’t have vulnerable at some points. Yet I started my journey on blogging and as a freelancer with none to little skillset and as a novice to the Internet. That again proves me the power of Mindset 🙂
Now this is very timely! Glad I come across your video about reframing and defining ourselves after your last post about redefining aging, Sue.
I’ve been thinking about what I really missing in my life and was keep pushing away some of my dreams with time ’cause I was bit worrying about how others, who close to me, rate my dreams through their perception 🙂
What matters most to me seem dumb and old fashioned for ’em. Such as working from home, concerning health and freedom in this young age instead of worrying about what others in my age worries right now 😉 It’s funny, ’cause I feel bad about those lives based on routines.
I know, they might see my potential in another way and find I’m not achieving it. Even I used to be ignorant and see in that way about some others lives too. But it’s about how we define us not how others want us to be defined. Isn’t it? 🙂 Now I’m even more confident as those who took the risk getting praise now from those who criticized before, while others still struggling with their lives and deadlines they never wanted.
You have a wonderful weekend Sue 🙂
Cheers…
Sue Price says
Hi Mayura
Thanks for your wonderful comment here.
I do think mindset and skills are both important but I really think mindset is the most important. The tennis game I wrote about here illustrated it clearly but by the actual final you could really see the mindsets kick in. I heard one of the commentators say “both players are equally skilled now it is a mind game”.
I am like you too if I do not have the skills to do something I need to do (in my case usually technical) my energy gets drained totally.
Mayura in regard to you and your dreams and what your friends think or don’t think may I say to you that you must not pay attention to what they are saying or thinking. When we walk a different path in like we will always get people who do not understand us or support us. We must follow our hearts and what is right for us.
One of the nice things about being older is we stop caring so much. When we are your age it is easy to worry what people think. But we cannot. When I was around your age someone gave me a book called “What other people think of you is none of your business”. I cannot remember the author but it changed my life.
Follow your heart and your dreams is my advice 🙂
I am glad you found the video helpful.
I did have a wonderful weekend thanks. I hope you did too. Also have a great week ahead Mayura.
Sue
Sudipto says
Hey Sue,
Nice post and I really enjoyed this post while reading. Mindset and skillset both plays an important role but mind set is very important. I f a person have skill if any job but his mind is not set towards it then the person cannot achieve success in that job. So, mindset is really very crucial factor. Thanks for sharing this post.
Sue Price says
Hi Sudipto
Wow thanks for reading so many of my posts 🙂
I agree both are important but clearly I think mindset is most important. Since writing this post it occurred to me even acquiring skills needs a good mindset. It is very difficult to learn and master a skill with a bad mindset.
Thanks once again for your comment.
Sue
Pankaj says
Skill as well as mindset both have equal importance in getting success. If we are not prepared mentally then it is hard to get the success even if we are enough skilled. So it is necessary to balance both the mindset and skill.
Sue Price says
Hi Pankaj
I agree they are both important but I believe mindset is more important 🙂
Thanks for your visit and your comment.
When I try to go to your website link I am getting a 404 error. Thought I should let you know.
Sue
Bhavesh Patel says
This is a great post addressing the mindset Sue. I am damn sure that still many of people do not know the importance of mindset. Thanks Sue for sharing such a good post with us. 🙂
Sue Price says
Hi Bhavesh
Thanks for fining my blog and for your comment. I could not agree with you more – many people do not know of the importance of mindset.
Have a nice day.
Sue
Sri Katyayani says
Hi Sue,
I am newbie in blogging. I am learning lot of things about the blogging Etc, I have just gone through your article, first thing is I stopped watching Tennis after the great players ( In my view) like boris becker,Ivan lendle,Martina and graff left the game. I rarerly watch Tennis now.
It is a useful article but I dont want to debate any more as I am still an infant.
all the best
Sue Price says
Hi Sri
Thanks for finding my blog and for your comment. I think the tennis players you name were good but I love some of the current players.
All the best with your blog.
Sue
David Kovacs says
Hi Sue,
Great post, thanks for sharing it with us. I will definitely follow your blog from now on.
Have a nice day,
David
Sue Price says
Hi David
Thanks for finding my blog and for leaving a comment. I am glad you liked my post.
Have a great week ahead.
Sue
Atinder says
Hello Sue,
Awesome Post, I am a professional in this business. But I first time find your blog, and it is really good.
I am also agree with your points, both Skills and Mindset is very important to get success. If anyone of these two main points lacks, then success will surely run away from us.
Sue Price says
Hi Atinder
Welcome to my blog and I am glad you agree with my post.
Thanks for finding me and for commenting.
Have a great rest of your week.
Sue
Veronica says
Hi Sue,
Thanks for this awesome post and i really appreciate your effort in putting this up. In my opinion, i think mindset is more important than skillset because, if you have the mind to learn you can really learn the skill that you want.
Sue Price says
Hi Veronica,
You said it perfectly if you have the mindset handled you can learn the skills – but it does not work the other way.
Thanks for finding me and for your comment. I appreciate it.
Sue