What if the secret to achieving massive success wasn’t just working harder but thinking and acting ten times bigger? The 10X Rule, popularised by entrepreneur Grant Cardone, is a simple yet powerful principle that encourages individuals to set goals that are ten times greater than they initially think possible—and take ten times the necessary action to achieve them.
While many people aim for realistic or achievable goals, the 10X Rule challenges that mindset, arguing that average thinking leads to average results. This principle isn’t just for entrepreneurs—it applies to anyone looking to accelerate personal growth, career success, financial abundance, and overall life fulfilment. Here’s how to make the 10X Rule work for you in simple, actionable steps.
1. Think Bigger: Set 10X Goals
The first step to applying the 10X Rule is expanding your vision beyond what seems possible. Most people set goals based on what feels safe or reasonable, but those who achieve extraordinary success think on a completely different scale.
Example:
- Instead of aiming to earn an extra £5,000 per year, set a goal to increase your income by £50,000.
- Instead of setting a goal to read five books this year, aim for 50.
- Instead of exercising twice a week, commit to daily movement.
Why It Works:
A study published in The Journal of Applied Psychology found that individuals who set challenging, stretch goals perform significantly better than those with moderate or conservative goals. When you think bigger, your mind expands to find creative ways to achieve greater success.
Action Step:
Write down a goal that excites you—then multiply it by ten. Ask yourself:
- What if I aimed for 10X more?
- What actions would I need to take to make this possible?
2. Take 10X Action
Most people underestimate how much effort is required to achieve success. The 10X Rule states that you must take ten times the amount of action you initially think is necessary to reach your goals.
Example:
- If you think making five sales calls a day will help you grow your business, make 50.
- If you want to improve your skills, don’t just take one course—immerse yourself completely.
- If you aim to network, don’t attend one event—build relationships daily.
Why It Works:
A study in Harvard Business Review found that high achievers often put in far more effort than their peers, leading to accelerated results. The “massive action” approach ensures that even if you fall short, you still achieve greater results than if you had aimed conservatively.
Action Step:
List the steps you believe will get you to your goal—then multiply your effort by 10.
3. Develop an Obsession with Success
One of the key aspects of the 10X Rule is commitment. Those who succeed at an extraordinary level are obsessed with their goals. They see setbacks as temporary, challenges as learning experiences, and persistence as non-negotiable.
Example:
- Elon Musk’s relentless work ethic enabled Tesla and SpaceX to dominate their industries despite early failures.
- Serena Williams trained far beyond the standard hours required to reach the peak of tennis.
- Jeff Bezos pursued Amazon’s long-term vision aggressively, even when critics doubted its success.
Why It Works:
A Stanford University study found that those with a growth mindset—who see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles—are significantly more likely to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
Action Step:
Develop a ritual of success—a set of daily habits that reinforce your goals. This could be morning goal-setting, visualisation, or tracking progress daily.
4. Eliminate Average Thinking
The 10X Rule states that average is a failing formula. Most people operate in comfort zones, setting reasonable goals, following traditional paths, and accepting limitations. To truly grow, you must shift your mindset from average thinking to extraordinary execution.
Example:
- Instead of settling for good enough in your career, ask: What would the top 1% do differently?
- Instead of taking the traditional route in personal development, explore mentorship, masterminds, and high-level strategies.
Why It Works:
Research from The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who reject conformity and think differently are far more likely to achieve breakthrough success.
Action Step:
Identify three areas of your life where you’ve been settling for average—and develop a 10X strategy to improve each one.
5. Make Fear Your Motivator
Many people let fear hold them back—fear of failure, rejection, or taking risks. The 10X Rule flips this mindset, arguing that fear is a signal to take action, not a reason to retreat.
Example:
- If you fear public speaking, volunteer for more speaking engagements.
- If you’re afraid to start a business, take the first step immediately.
- If you worry about failure, focus on learning from setbacks instead of avoiding them.
Why It Works:
A study in The Journal of Behavioral Decision Making found that fear-based motivation can enhance performance when channelled productively. Billionaires, top performers, and elite athletes all use fear as fuel to push beyond their perceived limits.
Action Step:
Write down three things you fear in your personal growth journey—and commit to taking action on them this week.
6. Take Full Responsibility for Success
The 10X Rule teaches that success is 100% your responsibility. Waiting for external circumstances to improve or blaming setbacks on others will never lead to extraordinary growth. Instead, taking full ownership of your outcomes ensures that you remain in control of your progress.
Example:
- Instead of saying “I don’t have time”, make time for your personal development.
- Instead of blaming external factors for lack of results, adapt and find solutions.
- Instead of waiting for opportunities, create them yourself.
Why It Works:
A study from The American Psychological Association found that people with a “locus of control” mindset—who believe they control their own success—are significantly more likely to achieve their goals than those who blame external circumstances.
Action Step:
Identify one area in your life where you’ve been making excuses—and create an action plan to take full responsibility starting today.
Summary: The 10X Rule for Personal Growth
The 10X Rule is a game-changer for anyone seeking massive personal and professional success. By setting 10X goals, taking 10X action, eliminating average thinking, and embracing fear as motivation, you create unstoppable momentum.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Set massive goals that push beyond your comfort zone.
✔ Take relentless action—far beyond what seems necessary.
✔ Adopt an obsession with success and continuous improvement.
✔ Eliminate average thinking and operate with a 10X mindset.
✔ Use fear as a motivator instead of an excuse.
✔ Take full responsibility for creating your success.
When you think bigger and act bolder, you’ll achieve far more than you ever imagined. The 10X Rule isn’t just about success—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
Are you ready to 10X your personal growth?
