15 Differences Between How Successful And Unsuccessful People Think

“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it.” – Henry Ford

Henry Ford has a keen understanding of what all successful leaders know – The difference between successful and unsuccessful people is how they think.  The ability to think effectively is vital to someone’s success.

But are there a set of skills, or approaches, which will signal if you are a successful thinker or not?  The answer is undoubtably “YES”!

For an understanding of two different types of thinkers who achieved two completely different outcomes, we have to look no farther than the legendary story of David and Goliath found in 1 Samuel 17.

As you review the story, we find two different types of thinkers.  And we also find 15 Differences Between How Successful People And Unsuccessful People Think.  As you read the differences below, it is no wonder David won so easily.

1. Goliath Thought Complexity.  David Thought Simplicity. – v. 5-7 says, “He (Goliath) had a bronze helmet..armed with a coat of mail (weighing 5,000 shekels of bronze…bronze armor on his legs…a bronze javelin..spear..a shield bearer went in from of him.”  In contrast, David had a staff, five smooth stones, a shepherd’s bag and the name of the Lord of hosts.”
2. Goliath Thought Lower Ground.  David Thought Higher Ground. – Leaders should never give up the high ground.  In v. 8 Goliath says, “Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down (into the Valley of Elah) to me.”
3. Goliath Thought Assumptively.  David Thought Creatively. – In v. 10 Goliath said, “give me a man, that we may fight together.”  Goliath was an infantry man.  He was a foot soldier and assumed he would be fighting another infantry man (fight together).  Little did he know David had another plan.  He would fight him as a projectile warrior, specifically known as a slinger.  Because of their ability to sling stones with the force of a handgun, infantry men were sitting targets for projectile warriors.
4. Goliath Thought About Creating Fear And Insecurity.  David Thought About Creating Courage And Confidence. – v. 11 records “Saul and all Israel” were “dismayed and greatly afraid.”  After Goliath was killed by David, v. 52 says, “Now the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted, and pursued the Philistines as far as the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron.”
5. Goliath Thought His Experience Was Enough.  David Thought His Anointing Was Enough. –  Remember this principle when you are hiring church staff.  Prioritize anointing over experience.  v. 4 describes Goliath as the Philistine champion. He had a great resume.  In contrast, David famously said in v. 26, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
6. King Saul And David’s Brothers Saw Goliath And Though Chaos.  David Saw Goliath And Thought Opportunity. – David made note that the individual who killed Goliath would receive great riches, a wife, and freedom from taxes.
7. David’s Brothers Thought About Creating Obstacles For Success.  David Thought No Obstacle To Success Was Too Great. – In v. 28, David’s brother Eliab said, “Why did you come down here?…I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down here to see the battle.”  David responded in v. 32 to King Saul, “your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
8. King Saul Did Not Trust David’s Preparation.  David Trusted His Preparation. – In v. 36, David advised Saul, “Your servant has killed both lion and bear.”
9. King Saul And David’s Brothers Thought Passively.  David Thought About Proactively Engaging The Issue. – In v. 32 David proclaimed, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”
10. King Saul Thought David Needed Traditional Solutions.  David Thought He Needed New Solutions. – In v. 38 Saul attempted to clothe David in his armor, infantry armor.  He was sending David into harm’s way fighting on Goliath’s terms.  In v. 39, David removed Saul’s clothing.
11. King Saul Did Not Think About Options.  David Thought About Options, Margin And Contingencies. – Fortunately for Saul, David arrived because it appears he had no other options.  In v. 40, David took five smooth stones.  He would only need one.
12. Goliath Did Not Stand Alone.  David Stood Alone. – In v. 41, “the man who bore the shield went before him (Goliath).”
13. Goliath Did Not Think Much Of David’s Youth And Potential.  Smart Leaders Value Youth And Their Potential. – In v. 42, it says Goliath, “disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking.”
14. Goliath Did Not Think He Needed To Take Care Of His Health.  Smart Leaders Take Care Of Their Health. – David entered battle with a single stick – a staff.  In v. 43, Goliath wondered why David would come to him with “sticks.” Add this to having to be led on the battlefield and Goliath likely had vision problems.  He would also never see the stone coming at his head.  His health greatly aided his demise.
15. Goliath’s Leadership Resulted In Fear.  David’s Leadership Resulted In Courage. – Your leadership is marked by your courage.  It is courage that people follow.  After Goliath’s death, v. 51 notes the Philistines fled.  In the next verse, the men of Judah and Israel went after them.

As you go through this checklist, does your thinking foreshadow you being successful or unsuccessful leader?

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