The X-Factor Mentality

Scientists estimate that our galaxy contains over a hundred billion stars. It is also estimated there are 100 galaxies in the universe. There are over 100 million different species on earth.

Our oceans contain whales that can communicate with one another 2000 miles apart by song. The Arctic Tern migrating 8000 miles every winter. Incredibly it flies much of the distance while asleep.

Then there is the Monarch butterfly. The first generation starts in Mexico and will relocate to the southern United States where they will remain for life. Their offspring will fly to the central states, stopping somewhere around the Ohio River, where they will reproduce. At this point the third generation will migrate to Canada to lay eggs.

It is the fourth generation that leaves scientists most baffled. Though born in Canada it will take the long flight all the way back to the same mountains in Mexico where their great grandparents originated from. This four generation cycle is both one of the most incredible and at the same time mysterious journeys in the natural world.

Each of these examples shows that life is ambitious, life moves forward. As Dr. Paul Dobransky shares, life makes decisions. (Even trees grow towards the sun, a type of decision.)

The opposite of life is to make no decisions, to remain static, which leaves people without passion or enthusiasm and quickly leads to depression. As has often been said, everything in the universe is either growing or dying.

When asked what makes the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t Gene McNaughton said “X-Factor Mentality.”

X-Factor Mentality is about appreciating critical feedback. As McNaughton shares, the world’s top athletes are usually surrounded by “yes-men” who offer little criticism and make up 90% of their team.

However, what is crucial is to listen to the 10% who make suggestions about what could be done better. Many ignore that 10%. However, the men and women at the top love criticism.

Once they have made a decision to pursue their goal they look for those people who will point out a better way to reach their outcome.

Perhaps Gerardo Gutierrez, whose company Homex builds 200 homes per day in Mexico, said it best. Asked how his company reached the top, he shared he looked for people who asked the tough questions. He summarized his philosophy by saying, “I don’t want to look good. I want to be good.”

May we do the same.