Over the years we've all heard that humans only use approximately 10% of their brains. Just imagine what we could accomplish using even an ounce of the other 90% that's just sitting there. Great scientists, innovators, and captains of industry have surely found a way to tap into the annals of the wonder that is the human mind. People who are leaders in their respective fields thrive because they possess the right attitude. If a person strongly believes that they will succeed, it will most likely happen. It's all about confidence. The great thing is everyone can harness the power within their own minds and become great leaders.

To do so you have to be willing to take control of your future. Evaluate where you are right now, and what you will have to do to get to where you want. It sounds complicated but if you boil it down to the basics, not at all. Are you happy? If so great, but if not, rather than blame others for your situation, see how you can best attain your goals. Make some changes in your life and get a little bit uncomfortable. Get out of your safe zone. Nothing will change unless you make some smart moves. Take responsibility for your actions and understand how their consequences can affect your future (positively or negatively) for years to come.

Knowledge is power and being wise about what knowledge to seek, and then later apply, is absolute power. Try to learn something new whenever possible so you can add more skills to your arsenal. Surround yourself with positive and successful people whom you can follow. People who have succeeded in life have always had a role model to look up to. Attend seminars, focus groups, and trainings on subjects that interest you. Professionally speaking, you must have a passion for what you are doing, whether it is working a day job or owning your own business. The same goes for your personal and family life. If your heart and soul is truly committed to something things will flow properly.

Leaders and visionaries often leave an indelible mark on many or all of those they meet and interact with. To have the sharp mind of a trailblazer, you have to exercise it. Just like a muscle needs to be exercised to grow, so does your brain. Read books, solve puzzles and other brain teasers, do crosswords, learn foreign languages, play an instrument etc… It takes a bit of time to unlock parts of your brain that normally lie dormant, but you'd be surprised at how versatile the brain can be and the incredible things you can learn to do.

Inventors create new things because their minds just work more effectively than most, and they have the overwhelming urge to produce. It took great minds and hard work to develop things we now take for granted such as electricity, automobile, airplane, home appliances, computer, etc… If the architects of these inventions gave up after their first failure, the world would not have seen all of the advancements that have improved our lives over the last 100 years.

Thinking out of the box and getting a job done is what separates leaders from followers. Formal education is a great thing, however, fundamental things like personal financial literacy are absent from the curriculum. This is a huge mistake. Common sense is not something you can learn just by sitting in a classroom. You either have it or you don't. Listen to your gut. If you feel your instincts are bad, then seek help from those who you trust that can help guide you. You can train your mind to do very well in the ''school of hard knocks''.

Street sense is just as important as having a degree, often more so. Keep your minds open and your vision broad. Take what works and reject what doesn't make sense to you. The mind can only grow if you use it and question things. Pursue the truth about the world around you. Engage others in discussions, debates, and align yourself with like-minded individuals. Success can only come from a series of carefully thought out and executed moves. Start making them and reap the rewards!