My Thoughts on: The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling stuck, waiting for the “right time” to start a project or just not seeing the progress you’d hoped for, you’re not alone. Motivation dips, distractions take over, and sometimes we underestimate what it takes to get something off the ground. This is where the 10X Rule comes in.
Where Did the 10X Rule Come From?
The 10X Rule is a concept popularised by entrepreneur and author Grant Cardone in his book The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure (2011). The core idea is that you must set targets that are 10 times greater than what you believe you can achieve and take actions that are 10 times more intense, focused, or consistent than what you initially think is necessary.
It’s not just about working harder, thinking bigger and raising your standards.
The Psychology Behind the 10X Rule
One key benefit of the 10X Rule is that it shifts your mindset. We often aim small, hoping to make safe, realistic progress. But Cardone challenges this by saying we underestimate what we’re capable of and how much effort success takes.
What I appreciate about this approach is that it disrupts comfort zones. It says, "Stop playing small and stop expecting things to come easy." If you want results - whether in business, wellness, relationships, or personal growth - you have to go bigger in vision and execution intentionally.
How to Use the 10X Rule in a Grounded, Practical Way
The 10X Rule doesn’t mean burning yourself out or constantly being in hustle mode. (And let’s be real - sustainability matters just as much as action.)
Here’s how you can apply it in a practical, grounded way:
1. 10X Your Goals
Instead of aiming to "just get through the week," ask yourself:
What would it look like if I aimed to make this my most productive, intentional week yet?
If you aim to sign one new client, what would your approach look like if you aimed for ten? That shift alone makes you more creative, proactive, and deliberate.
2. 10X Your Effort
If you usually post on social media once a week for your business, what happens when you commit to five times?
Not because more is better, but because increased action creates momentum, and momentum leads to clarity.
This can also apply to your personal life. Want to improve your relationships? Don’t just send a text - schedule a call, show up, write a note, and go the extra mile.
3. 10X Your Mindset
This might be the most powerful part. Cardone’s rule asks us to assume that things will be harder, take longer, and require more grit than we expect. And once we make peace with that, we stop resenting the effort. We just get to work.
In other words: set your expectations higher. Not just for outcomes, but for the energy, creativity and resilience you’ll bring.
Real-World Examples
Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, didn’t just try to sell her product—she went to every department store buyer she could find, and pitched her idea until someone finally said yes. Her story is a classic example of 10X-style persistence.
Elon Musk’s approach to building companies like Tesla and SpaceX is based on bold, almost unreasonable goals - like sending humans to Mars. While his methods can be extreme, the principle is the same: significant action stems from bold vision.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a high-powered entrepreneur to use the 10X Rule. You just need to be willing to get honest about what you want - and what it’ll take to get there.
The beauty of this mindset is that it breaks you out of hesitation mode. It helps you realise: if you’re going to take action anyway, why not go all in?
Do you need help applying this to your own goals or projects? Whether you’re building a business, navigating a career change, or just want to feel less stuck, let’s chat. Sometimes, a shift in mindset is all it takes to get moving again.
