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The personal growth playbook of Donald Trump

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This newsletter is going to be different. 

Whether you love him, hate him, or just enjoy the spectacle, there’s no denying that Donald Trump is one of the most fascinating figures in modern history. He’s not just a politician. He’s a brand, a movement, a force of nature.

And if you strip away the noise—the politics, the scandals, the larger-than-life persona—you’re left with something undeniably interesting: a personal growth strategy that has propelled him from real estate mogul to reality TV star to President of the United States… and back to the political arena again.

Now, before you throw your phone across the room or start composing an angry tweet, let me be clear: this is NOT an endorsement or a takedown. This is an exploration. A deep dive into the four rules that have shaped Trump’s worldview and, in turn, his success.

So let’s step back from politics for a moment.

What if, instead of judging, we simply observed? What if we looked at Trump—not as a politician—but as a case study in personal growth, influence, and the psychology of success?

What if we examined his mindset?

Because here’s the truth: The man has defied every expectation, broken every rule of conventional leadership, and still remains one of the most influential figures on the planet. He has lost and won, been written off and resurrected, faced scandals and indictments—and yet, his grip on his followers is unshakable.

So, what’s his secret?

What guiding principles have shaped him into the force he is today?

And perhaps most importantly—is there anything we can learn from them?

Visiting Mar-a-Lago & the movie The Apprentice

I got a firsthand glimpse into Trump’s world when I was invited to Mar-a-Lago a few months ago. I also have friends who have worked with him, been in meetings with him, and even done business deals with him. The insights they’ve shared with me paint a fascinating picture.

But what really sparked this letter was watching the film The Apprentice. The movie explores Trump’s relationship with the infamous American lawyer Roy Cohn, a man who once defended the mafia and was an ally of Senator Joseph McCarthy during the communist Red Scare in America.

The acting in the film was phenomenal— and the actors Sebastian Stan as Trump, Jeremy Strong as Cohn delivered Oscar-worthy performances. 

But what struck me the most about the movie wasn’t just the acting—it was how it depicted Trump’s evolution. It showed his transformation from an eager, sweet, and somewhat naïve young man into the relentless, larger-than-life force he eventually became.

At the heart of it all were three laws that Roy Cohn imparted to Trump. These three rules—plus a fourth one that I picked up from reading The Art of the Deal years ago—form the foundation of Trump’s personal growth philosophy.

Are you ready? Buckle up.

Who was Roy Cohn?

To understand Trump’s personal growth philosophy, you need to understand Roy Cohn. If Trump is the ultimate showman-turned-politician, Cohn was the mastermind behind the curtain.

Cohn first rose to prominence as Joseph McCarthy’s chief counsel during the infamous Red Scare, where he helped orchestrate the anti-communist witch hunts of the 1950s. He was ruthless, unapologetic, and had a simple rule—never admit defeat, never apologize, and always attack.

When McCarthy fell from grace, Cohn reinvented himself as a power broker in New York, working as a mob lawyer and rubbing shoulders with the rich and powerful. It was during this time that he became Donald Trump’s mentor.

Cohn taught Trump how to weaponize the legal system, how to manipulate the press, and—most importantly—how to create an untouchable personal brand. He wasn’t just Trump’s lawyer; he was his strategist, consigliere, and attack dog all rolled into one.

Cohn had three ironclad rules. Rules that Trump absorbed like a sponge.

  1. Attack, attack, attack
  2. Admit nothing, deny everything
  3. Always claim victory

And then, years later, Trump added his own fourth rule—one that would become his ultimate superpower.

  1. Relentless optimism

These four rules became the foundation of Trump’s personal philosophy. And whether you agree with them or not, you can’t deny their impact.

Ironically, Cohn’s own downfall mirrored the tactics he taught Trump. In 1986, he was disbarred for unethical conduct—fraud, perjury, and unethical business practices. His response? Complete denial. Even as his career crumbled, he insisted he was the victim of a political conspiracy.

Trump absorbed all of this. And even after Cohn’s death from AIDS in 1986, his influence lived on in Trump’s philosophy of power and survival.

In the movie The Apprentice, it’s suggested that Cohn mentored Trump and asked him to follow the following 3 Rules of Life. 

Rule #1: Attack, attack, attack

In The Art of War, Sun Tzu wrote:

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

In other words: Never play defense. Always strike first.

This was Roy Cohn’s number one rule, and Trump didn’t just adopt it—he made it his core philosophy.

If you observe Trump’s career, you’ll see one pattern repeating over and over again: He never waits for an attack. He preempts it. He overwhelms. He escalates. He turns every battle into a scorched-earth war.

I had a fascinating conversation about this with Richard Branson on Necker Island in September 2024. Branson—who has been quite vocal about his distaste for Trump—shared something revealing.

During the 2016 elections, both Trump and Hillary Clinton invited him to separate meetings.

When he sat down with Hillary, she spoke about governance, strategy, innovation, and policy.

When he met with Trump? The entire conversation was about revenge.

Trump listed people who had wronged him, one by one, and described exactly how he planned to destroy them.

Branson walked out of that meeting shaken.

He had never met someone so singularly obsessed with retaliation.

But here’s the thing: It worked.

Trump’s relentless attacks obliterated his political rivals. In 2016, one by one, every Republican candidate who stood in his way was demolished.

This isn’t just politics. This is branding warfare.

Robert Greene, in The 48 Laws of Power, puts it this way:

“Crush your enemy totally.”

Trump doesn’t just defeat opponents. He erases them from relevance.

But what about those who stand with him?

That’s a different story.

At Mar-a-Lago, I saw this firsthand.

I had been invited to a private dinner for an incoming governor in March 2024. The attendees were some of the most politically influential people in America. And while I didn’t necessarily share their political views, I found them to be polite, warm, and genuinely kind individuals.

But the conversations? Fascinating.

One person confidently told me that 350,000 Chinese operatives had crossed the U.S. border and were waiting for China’s signal to attack America.

Another person claimed that two million terrorists were currently hiding within the United States.

Someone else insisted that Biden wasn’t actually running the country—that Barack Obama was secretly in charge, funded by George Soros.

Now, let’s be clear—I don’t think these beliefs hold up under objective scrutiny.

But what struck me was this: These weren’t angry, aggressive conspiracy theorists. They were polite, rational, and open to discussion.

When I questioned some of their claims, they listened. No tension. No fights. Just discussion.

And then, Trump walked in.

The energy in the room shifted instantly.

I have only seen a handful of people who radiate this level of charisma in person. The Dalai Lama is one of them.

As he greeted the crowd, he pointed at us and said:

“I love you!”

The room exploded.

“We love you, Mr. President!”
“We’re with you till the end!”

It was a level of loyalty that is extremely rare for any leader.

Regardless of what you think of him, Trump’s magnetism is undeniable.

But here’s the paradox: If you oppose him, he will try to destroy you.

And in American politics, that Machiavellian strategy has proven to be highly effective.

Rule #2: Admit nothing, deny everything

If Rule #1 is about overwhelming your enemies with force, Rule #2 is about something even more powerful: controlling reality itself.

This is Roy Cohn’s second golden rule, and Trump has turned it into an art form.

The rule is simple: Never admit fault. Never concede. Deny everything. No matter what.

This isn’t just about avoiding accountability. This is about bending reality to your will.

And Trump has done this over and over again, with astonishing effectiveness.

Let’s look at some of the most infamous examples.

Case study: The lawsuit that “never happened”

One of Trump’s earliest legal battles came in the 1970s when the U.S. Department of Justice sued Trump’s father’s company for racial discrimination in housing.

Trump’s response?

They didn’t just deny the charges—they counter-sued the U.S. government.

Eventually, the Trumps settled. But how did Trump spin it?

“We didn’t lose. We won.”

Factually, this was untrue. But in Trump’s world, it became true.

And this pattern would repeat throughout his entire career.

The 2020 election: The ultimate reality distortion field

Nowhere is this rule more evident than in Trump’s handling of the 2020 election.

Every court ruling, every recount, every single legal fact pointed to the same conclusion: Trump lost.

And yet, to this day, millions of people still believe he won.

Why?

Because he never admitted defeat.

Instead, he reframed the entire election as a stolen victory. He flooded social media with claims of fraud, manipulated perception, and planted a seed that no amount of evidence could uproot.

This is the power of Rule #2.

If you simply refuse to acknowledge reality, you force the world to choose: Do they believe their own eyes? Or do they believe you?

And if you’re charismatic enough, bold enough, and unyielding enough—people will believe you.

Trump’s superpower: The ability to rewrite history in real-time

A few months ago, I spoke to a seminar organizer who used to book Trump for speaking events before he became President.

He told me something mind-blowing.

There was a seminar where 8,000 people attended.

After the event, he followed Trump back to his suite for a quick chat.

Trump picked up the phone, called Melania, and said:

“Can you believe it? 18,000 people showed up to see me!”

Now—Trump knew the real number.

The seminar organizer was sitting right next to him.

And yet, in that moment, Trump rewrote the past.

Not out of forgetfulness. Not out of a simple exaggeration.

But because, in his mind, 18,000 was now a reality.

And this is where Trump does something most people can’t comprehend:

He doesn’t just lie—he creates a new truth.

Most of us, when confronted with reality, adjust our beliefs. Trump does the opposite.

He adjusts reality to fit his beliefs.

The big leap: Trump and the absence of an “upper limit”

Now, let’s pause for a moment—because there’s a fascinating personal growth concept at play here.

Gay Hendricks, in The Big Leap, talks about something called the Upper Limit Problem.

The idea is that most people have an internal thermostat for success, happiness, and self-worth.

When we exceed that limit—whether it’s a big career win, a massive relationship breakthrough, or a financial windfall—we subconsciously sabotage ourselves to return to our comfort zone.

Trump?

He has the opposite problem.

He doesn’t see limits at all.

He expands reality to fit his version of himself.

Call it narcissism. Call it delusion.

But the reality is—it works.

Because the world believes the people who believe in themselves the most.

This brings us to…

Rule #3: Always claim victory

There’s a phrase in branding and persuasion that goes like this:

“It’s not about the truth. It’s about the truth people believe.”

And no one embodies this more than Trump.

Roy Cohn’s third golden rule was simple but incredibly effective: No matter what happens, always claim victory.

Even when you lose.

Even when the facts say otherwise.

Because here’s the secret: People don’t remember details. They remember the story. And the story that wins is the one told with the most conviction.

Trump understands this better than almost anyone alive.

He doesn’t just claim victory—he does it with so much confidence that people start questioning reality itself.

The 2020 election: The biggest “victory” that never happened

Let’s take a step back to the 2020 election.

By every possible metric—legal, statistical, factual—Trump lost.

The courts ruled against him. Recounts confirmed the results. Every piece of credible evidence pointed to the same conclusion: Joe Biden won.

But Trump never conceded.

Instead, he reframed the loss as a fraudulent victory.

He planted the idea that the election was stolen, and once that narrative took hold, no amount of evidence could shake it. And here’s what’s absolutely mind-blowing—millions still believe it.

Not because the claim was supported by facts. But because it was delivered with conviction.

This is why Trump is still the dominant force in Republican politics today. Because he never allowed himself to be seen as a loser. In the world of influence and personal branding, losing is often worse than being wrong. And Trump knows that.

The bankruptcy “wins”

The 2020 election wasn’t the first time Trump rewrote history in real-time. In the 1990s, his business empire was crumbling.

  • His Atlantic City casinos were bleeding money.
  • He filed for multiple bankruptcies.
  • His investors lost billions.

For most business leaders, this would have been the end. But not for Trump.

He never admitted failure. Instead, he rebranded bankruptcy as a genius business move. He walked away from his casino failures richer than before—while his investors got wiped out.

But if you ask him? He’ll tell you he won. And because he never acknowledged defeat, most people never saw him as a failure.

The inauguration crowd that “grew” on its own

One of the most blatant examples of this rule happened on Trump’s first day in office.

During his inauguration, news outlets published aerial photos comparing his crowd size to Obama’s 2009 inauguration.

And the difference was clear: Obama’s crowd was far bigger.

So what did Trump do?

He simply declared that his crowd was the largest in history. Even though the photos proved otherwise.

Rather than backing down, his press secretary doubled down on the claim. Suddenly, the conversation wasn’t about policies, the economy, or the future—it was about who had the biggest crowd.

And by the time the media finished arguing about it, Trump had already moved on.

The power of reframing reality

The lesson here isn’t just about Trump.

It’s about human psychology.

  • Entrepreneurs sell themselves as billionaires before they hit their first million.
  • Athletes visualize their victories before stepping onto the field.
  • CEOs project confidence in their startups, even when their companies are burning cash.

Because here’s the truth: Winning is often a matter of perception. And if you can control the perception, you can control reality.

When this works (and when it doesn’t)

Now, this rule is incredibly powerful—but it has two sides.

If you declare victory with conviction, you can:

  • Attract investors who believe in your vision.
  • Build momentum even when the odds are against you.
  • Create the feeling of winning—which often leads to actual success.

But there’s a dark side: delusion.

If you keep claiming victory even when reality is crumbling, eventually, the truth catches up.

  • Investors stop believing in you.
  • Employees lose faith.
  • Your empire collapses.

So the real question isn’t just, “Does this work?”—because it clearly does.

The real question is: How far would you take it? Because once you start bending reality, it’s easy to lose sight of the truth altogether.

And that leads us to Trump’s final rule—his true superpower.

Rule #4: Relentless optimism

Roy Cohn taught Trump how to attack and deny, but the fourth and final rule in Trump’s personal growth playbook comes from a very different source: Norman Vincent Peale, the pastor who shaped Trump’s core belief system.

Peale’s philosophy, outlined in The Power of Positive Thinking, was radical self-belief taken to the extreme. His mantra? “If you think it, it will be so.” In other words, reality bends to the will of those who believe hard enough. And Trump has lived by this principle his entire life.

The power of positive illusions

This explains why Trump’s many financial collapses never seemed to faze him. Even when his Atlantic City casinos went bankrupt, he walked into meetings projecting absolute confidence—so much so that banks kept lending him money. He convinced investors that failure wasn’t real because, in his mind, it simply wasn’t an option.

And it wasn’t just business—this mindset shaped his entire approach to politics. Take his presidential campaign in 2016. Pundits laughed at the idea of a reality TV star with no political experience winning the White House. The media dismissed his campaign as a joke. And yet, Trump acted as if victory was inevitable from day one. His supporters felt his confidence, and that belief became contagious.

Failure? What failure?

Most people, when they suffer a public failure, go into damage control. They issue apologies, explain their mistakes, and try to win back credibility.

Not Trump.

When something doesn’t go his way, he simply acts like it never happened. His businesses collapse? “That was a smart business move.” His administration fumbles a policy? “It was actually a huge success.”

And here’s the wild part—people buy it.

Psychologists call this “positive illusions”, a cognitive bias where people who maintain extreme optimism—even in the face of failure—end up influencing reality itself. When a leader truly believes they are winning, they can convince others to follow them—even if the facts say otherwise.

Trump’s ultimate psychological shield

One of the most fascinating things about Trump’s relentless optimism is how it serves as a psychological shield.

A former White House aide once described watching him walk into a meeting completely unprepared, bluff his way through, and leave convinced he had dominated the room. He had no self-doubt. No hesitation. Just pure, unshakable confidence.

And the thing is, this kind of mindset is scientifically proven to work. Studies have shown that leaders who project confidence—whether or not it’s justified—are perceived as more competent. Even when they fail, people see them as visionaries rather than frauds.

The real lesson: When optimism becomes delusion

So, does relentless optimism work? Absolutely. It keeps you moving forward. It makes failure feel like a temporary inconvenience rather than a real setback. It builds an aura of invincibility.

But there’s a fine line between optimism and delusion.

At some point, reality catches up. Investors pull out. Supporters grow skeptical. And if you’ve built your empire entirely on positive illusions, the crash can be catastrophic.

So, the real question isn’t whether Trump’s relentless optimism is effective. 

The question is: How far would you take it?

Final thoughts

Would you use these rules?

Trump’s rules—Attack Relentlessly, Deny Everything, Always Claim Victory, and Stay Relentlessly Optimistic—aren’t just political tactics. They are principles of influence, branding, and personal resilience that have been used by leaders, CEOs, and power players throughout history.

These rules have built billion-dollar empires, crushed opposition, and propelled him to the highest office in the world. They are also rooted in psychological strategies used by the most powerful figures throughout history—from military generals to corporate titans to media moguls.

But they also come with a cost.

When you attack relentlessly, you create enemies who never forget. When you deny reality, reality eventually catches up. When you always claim victory, you risk delusion. And when you stay relentlessly optimistic, you walk a fine line between confidence and blind arrogance.

Yet, these strategies work—at least for a time. And perhaps that’s why Trump, even in the face of indictments, bankruptcies, and political defeats, remains as influential as ever.

And here’s the thing. If you had asked me before that evening in March 2024 at Mar-a-Lago, I would have said—without hesitation—that I was anti-Trump. Not because of his policies, not because of his party, but because I had assumed he was a vengeful, hateful man. Someone so consumed by anger and ego that being in a room with him would be suffocating.

But that wasn’t the man I met. The Trump I saw was the exact opposite—charismatic, warm, full of high energy. And honestly? He was just fun to be around. Not the monster I had expected.

And it wasn’t just him.

I had also assumed that the MAGA movement was filled with narrow-minded conspiracy theorists, racists, and hateful and delusional people who saw the world in extremes. But the people I met in that room weren’t like that at all. They were kind. They were generous. They were intelligent. They operated from a different set of facts, yes—but they were open to discussion. They listened. They debated politely. They were willing to engage.

That night, I had to confront an uncomfortable truth about myself.

A lot of the conclusions I made about Trump and his followers came from one side of the media. And that had shaped my worldview into a rigid, binary perspective—where certain politicians were good and others were evil.

But life isn’t binary. Everything lies on a spectrum.

And in that spectrum are shades of gray—nuances that get erased when we let ourselves be polarized.

That night, I left with a newfound conviction: the moment you label one side as “good” and the other as “bad,” you stop seeing reality. You stop analyzing people for who they actually are, and instead, you judge them based on the version of them you’ve been fed.

I no longer see the world that way. And I don’t think anyone else should, either. Because the best way to truly see the truth about someone isn’t to assume. It isn’t to rely on what you’re told. It’s to analyze them yourself—to look at them with an open mind, to see both their light and their shadow, and to recognize that we all exist somewhere in between.

So, the real question isn’t just whether these rules work.

The real question is: Would you use them? 

If you would or wouldn’t, let me know in the comments below.

Because at the end of the day, power isn’t about being right—it’s about knowing how to play the game.

If you found this interesting, invite your friends to subscribe to our newsletter.

Vishen Lakhiani signature

Comment by Vishen:

I want to be clear, this newsletter is not meant to be political – America is divided on their voting choices and I won’t bring politics into Mindvalley. But I have been clear since 2016 on my stance on Trump. He is not the right man to lead America and has too many flaws of character. Even the day before the election I went on Instagram live to endorse Harris (on my insta, not Mindvalley). I still hold the view that Trump should not have won. But my job is to bring unity and not get political on Mindvalley. This article is designed to provoke thought and to show that in politics today – Machiavellian and Sun Tzu principles oftentimes trump spiritual laws. For each rule I’m not suggesting one adopt them – I’m only shining light on the belief system behind them.

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Vishen is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, New York Times best-selling author, and founder and CEO of Mindvalley: a global education movement with millions of students worldwide. He is the creator of Mindvalley Quests, A-Fest, Mindvalley University, and various other platforms to help shape lives in the field of personal transformation. He has led Mindvalley to enter and train Fortune 500 companies, governments, the UN, and millions of people around the world. Vishen’s work in personal growth also extends to the public sector, as a speaker and activist working to evolve the core systems that influence our lives—including education, work culture, politics, and well-being.

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527 Responses

  1. This man is a felon, a rapist, a racist, sexist, a bully, and is not “positive”, but relentlessly negative, hateful, and vindictive to anyone who doesn’t bow down to him, who doesn’t serve his needs in some way. The write-up above of Trump’s attributes is incredibly out of touch and I’m really wondering what kind of threat you’re under that you would change your tune so drastically on his behavior. Something with Elon, perhaps? Very disappointing!

  2. Yeah… canceled my membership. I find your admiration for Donald Trump and attempt to gaslight me into thinking that your reflection on his “success” as merely a study in human behavior and/or an exploration into meeting one’s potential disgusting. Obviously, your obsession with wealth has gotten the best of you. It is sad and disappointing, as I find the courses interesting and was hoping to be a member for a long time. Lying is lying, cheating is cheating, stealing is stealing and showcasing that you are proud to “apply” these traits (and worse) is an affront to humanity – which is what Trump is all about. It’s that simple; to present it as anything other than what it is means you have either allowed yourself to be brainwashed or are trying to brainwash your members. No thank you. I would be appalled to be a part of this organization if this is the direction you want to take and feel for the instructors who have devoted themselves to promoting truth/honesty/integrity in body, mind and spirit. Without these very basic elements of decency, you have nothing – regardless of how much monetary wealth you boast. Bottom line: to compromise these essential qualities of humanity just makes you a rich asshole. Get back to the light, Vishen.

  3. Dear Vishen, your response in the comments sections seems to further support your views and cement the importance of the critiques made and makes no attempt to be in conversation on this matter which you chose to highlight. This all seems be a demonstration of your spiritual bypass. You may want to read “Spiritual Bypassing: When Spirituality Disconnects us from What Really Matters” by Robert Augustus Masters

  4. Having admired you and your work for a long time – it is time for me to move on. This is so tone-deaf with all of the harm caused by Trump (again) in the short time that he has been in office, let alone the long-term devastation that his actions will cause to many people in America and globally. Please Vishen, READ THE ROOM. Unless, you are now hanging out with the the Tech-Bro Oligarchs? Nuff said.

  5. Rarely do I comment but this one warrants a response. You asked. The answer is No! I would not use them at the expense of human kind. You can label each rule any way you would like, but when the bottom line is deception, either to self or the population at large, they are not employable for me. You can bend your own reality, something that you teach very well, but when that bending turns into gaslighting, the answer is no. When attack means to turn harmless countries into enemies, no. When optimism becomes the holy grail for one to believe whatever they want, fine, but to impose that on others and create your own unstoppable power at the risk of hurting innocent people who are trying to be optimistic about their own lives, no. To always claim victory in the face of facts that speak so differently and that only confuses people to the point that they don’t even know what to believe anymore, so much so that they turn against their own, the answer is no. All of the tactics described here manipulate and deceive, so no matter how objective you would like me to see your article, the answer to your question is no. Now what I will say is this. You have captured the essence of being a news disrupter and a controversial reporter, methods to garner more engagement and readership. Given that, what is your answer to your own question? Better yet, answer my question: And your thoughts behind this article lift the Mindvalley membership spirits and well-being HOW? One final note. Please re-read this comment and you will see that I am not attaching any of the rules or the characteristics of such to any one’s name. Remaining neutral enough to read what you are saying and forming my own opinion, void of who these rules are attached to, since you named several people in your article.

  6. I agree with so many of the comments here and am appalled by your profile of this “personal brand” dynamic… Frederick above stated it well so I copied his comment: “I agree with most of this in why it works for him. That said what about the facts? He is a pathological liar, he will exploit anyone for his own personal gain, and has no interest in humanity whatsoever…are those now “positive” virtues? is this really a personality model we should aspire too?! One thing that I have learned in my life experiences (60+) is that “Integrity” and “Character” are the highest personal virtues that an individual can live up to, and what you have just outlined as a strategy for success appears to be completely void of either. The President of the United States stands as a role model for the nation and, sadly, your proposed ideology is a recipe for the decay of all morality and decent values in this country…for humanity’s sake shouldn’t this world be heading in the opposite direction? Perhaps you might want to rethink putting such an admittedly shameless, blatantly deceitful, and corrupt individual on a pedestal to be admired?!”

    “The idea of denial and attack are not ideas I wish to adopt. I am all about empowerment but not at the cost of others. If these concepts you present are what Mindvalley will encourage then this is no longer the group for me. I am not interested in belittling others for my advancement. Power is not the end all. I believe in uplifting the whole community and hearing others. And not to recognize or care about others is abhorrent. It is sad to hear you approve and encourage such tactics.” Amen.

    “How to play the game: stopping funds, killing people, firing competent people at jobs, hating women…….?
    Do you really propose [that we should be] thinking of becoming ….non-human, some narcissistic creature without pity or a little bit of empathy?
    My answer is: no.”

    I agree and have canceled my subscription.

  7. As someone who has discovered the lies that mainstream media puts out consistently come from their common ownership by BlackRock (Deep state etc), I am disappointed that you continue to believe them, rather than the large number of independent researchers/journalists. And yet, you did manage to present some neutral/positive impressions. Good work, Vishen.

  8. I see you used Trump in order to give us real world examples.
    Let’s take trump out of the discussion and purely look at the tactics.
    Examine the tactics and what you have is narcissism and gaslighting. Does it win? Absolutely in the short term.
    Have you ever been the victim of narcissism? I have and I’ll tell you what happened. I lost respect for the person. I ended up lying to them. I’d tell them what they want to hear and then do it my way.
    These tactics won’t work in the long run because your minions will end up undermining you.

  9. Sad, sad, ohhh so sad.., I truly believe you were always a MAGA and now found a way to try and convince others. You excitedly talk about Drumpfs (real name) tactics but never once mention he has no morals, sympathy, or empathy, the list goes on and on. Sides with white nationalists, reves up anger and hate, encourages attacks, pleased when opponents are physically hurt. How is this kind of sick mind good for anything? And yet he would be afraid to stand alone against anyone, he has always been protected with some sort of security so he can be a bully without getting physically hit back, now he has that protecion for life. You fail to mention that one of the real reasons followers (opposite of wealthy, wealthy favor the tax breaks) is because he tells them all the bad things he will do as if those will fix their problems, and it curiously makes them happy. You will never lose your job or health insurance, you’re not even in the US, unaware of the hardships coming our way. You’ve not shared any insight that is not already known, it’s clear as day that he attacks, denies, and lies, we don’t need the back story it’s in our faces. When he gets what he wants, he becomes falsely warm, friendly, etc., bullshit, just like a spoiled child wiping his tears. Hitler types always fall…”Give someone enough rope…” Shame on you for settling for such brutal behavior that you will never feel the brunt of.

  10. Thanks for sharing..reading the reactions and comments is revealing! As for me, I would reframe some of the qualities into : find your internal set of guiding principles (mine is nonaggression and mutual consent), always keep focused on solutions and adaptation rather than dwelling in mistakes, reframe failures into lessons, cultivate strong alliances based on mutual benefits, celebrate progress, and do not pander to approval seeking. Tell the truth as you see it and opening engage in continual discovery.

  11. I stopped being impressed with your outfit a while ago but I still like to see what you’re up to and wish you continued success if it’s helping people. Then it started to seem anodyne and woo woo. I’m glad things worked for you, but the lack of depth in much of what you present is beyond clear to some of us. I guess you have been swept up by the Svengali that is trump, such that you seem like you’re venturing into his cult, not just your own. You’re attracted to power. I get it. Failing to recognize the people that he really hurts along the way with his antics that are antisocial is more problematic than saying that ‘delusion’ is a problem. When you gaslight people, that is what people with personality disorders do. When you have your own reality, that is what we often call a psychotic state. The reason that some people get away with it is – they have more money, (which you were starting to now really accumulate, good for you.) But you’re really missing a beat and if you can’t even see it, that just validates you really don’t have insight. And if you follow in the steps of trump, it gives me pause because you may hurt people along the way as well. How many people were in his corner who are now burned? He stole from a Charity ffs! How does a good businessman bankrupt casinos? Seriously? Seriously. I used to take you seriously but now you’re turning into …I don’t even wanna say but it’s sad and kind of pathetic, you can do better.

  12. Who do you want to be? Base an idea of success on an unloving, uncaring philosophy is not a human I want to befriend let alone lead my country. I did not base my perception of Trump on opinions I read or heard on the media. I base my opinion of him by the lies I hear from his own mouth and the photographs and videos I see posted on the media. I am not naive enough to believe that all is black and white or that most people are not influenced by light as well as shadow. To say that a person that lies to promote their own power and the people that support those lies (alternate facts was the words used in 2016) should not be judged for what they profess to the world because they are kind and polite at a party is beyond my idea of being open to what they represent. That you would discern who these people are by how they conduct themselves in a social situation at Mar a lago rather than by the policies they employ or the lack of diplomacy or kindness they fail to extend to others that believe differently allows you to be another follower to that brand of deception .

  13. What about Grace? What about treating yourself and others with dignity? Is Love just a weakness?
    Busy surviving Mr Cohn lost a few things while underway

  14. Although I appreciate the philosophy of being open minded and exploring all the information at hand, the fact that you are leaning into the deceitful way Trump has built his empire goes against morality. You can build an empire and grow personally without attacking the world and stripping away integrity.
    I’ve been a paid member for some time but after this perspective you’ve just shared I will be stepping away from Mindvalley. Unsubscribe.

  15. Thank you for acknowledging trump for being human. So many like yourself are colored by the insane attacks by the extreme left and the media. I learned a long time ago to weigh the things I like about someone and the things I don’t like. If the things I like mainly outweigh the negative then I ignore the negative and realize that is their flaws and I’m ok with it. If the opposite is true then I disengage from them. I don’t like that you don’t like trump, but I like what you do and contribute more so I ignore the trump issue because you are entitled to your opinion. Thank you for all that you do

  16. Very dissapointing. Vishen, you state the only downside is delusion and as a consequence your investors leave. What about criminality, illegality, abuse, lies, discrimination, etc.? The end doesn’t justify the means. What about the betterment of mankind? Using these for the highest purpose, not for your own personal benefit with disregard to the rule of law and the rights and wellbeing of others? Very concerning. I find it really hard to support MindValley after this statement. It’s a hard choice, because there are other authors there that don’t think this way and provide real value. But we know this is your company, Vishen. How can we support you anymore?

  17. The Personal Growth Playbook of Vishen’s Blog Post

    When destructive power is repackaged as a personal growth tool, the real danger isn’t in what is said—it’s in what is left unsaid.

    So let’s do exactly what Vishen did with Trump. Let’s strip away assumptions, step back, and analyze his own blog post—not as an opinion piece, but as a strategic exercise in communication and influence.

    Whether you admire Vishen’s insights, feel disappointed by his perspective, or simply enjoy dissecting influence strategies, there’s no denying that his latest blog post is a fascinating case study in framing power.

    If we strip away our personal feelings about Trump—just as Vishen asks us to do—what are we left with? A strategic communication playbook that normalizes destructive tactics by presenting them as neutral tools for success.

    So let’s step back from emotions for a moment.
    What if, instead of reacting, we simply observed Vishen’s own framework?
    What if we looked at this blog post not as a personal reflection, but as a case study in persuasion, positioning, and reality-shaping?

    Because here’s the truth: The way power is framed influences how we perceive it. And whether intentional or not, Vishen’s piece follows a clear strategic blueprint.

    Rule #1: Reframe Controversy as Insight

    Vishen doesn’t write about Trump’s leadership style as a moral or ethical issue—he turns it into a personal development case study. Instead of questioning the real-world consequences of Trump’s tactics, he presents them as effective tools for success.

    By positioning “Attack, Deny, Claim Victory” as principles anyone could use, he subtly removes the weight of accountability from them. Instead of being judged, these methods become observed. Instead of being condemned, they are analyzed for efficiency.

    This is a classic strategy: if something is controversial, make it sound useful. And in doing so, Vishen softens how people engage with the topic.

    Rule #2: Use Proximity to Power to Shape Perception

    One of the most striking parts of the post is Vishen’s emphasis on his personal connection to Trump’s world—his visit to Mar-a-Lago, his conversations with insiders, and the energy he felt in the room.

    This does two things:
    1. It establishes authority. (I was there. I saw the real thing. This isn’t just media perception.)
    2. It builds intrigue. (What is Trump really like behind closed doors?)

    This mirrors how powerful figures (including Trump himself) control narratives—by making access feel exclusive. If you weren’t in the room, your perception is incomplete. And by framing the experience as surprising (“He wasn’t the monster I expected”), Vishen creates cognitive dissonance in the reader: What if I’ve misunderstood Trump too?

    And who else uses this technique? Trump himself. By repeatedly claiming the media “doesn’t show the truth,” he makes his inner circle feel like the only ones who truly understand him.

    Rule #3: Normalize the Abnormal Through Strategic Objectivity

    Instead of questioning whether “Attack, Deny, Claim Victory” is ethical or responsible, Vishen treats it as simply a strategy that works.

    This is the most subtle but powerful move—because once something is framed as neutral and effective, it stops being seen as dangerous.

    Think about it:
    • If we analyzed “Stalin’s leadership mindset” purely through his strategic resilience, would that tell the full story?
    • If we framed “the psychology of cult leaders” as just influence mastery, would that reflect their true impact?

    Vishen removes the moral lens, making these tactics seem detached from their consequences. And that’s what makes them easier to accept, even admire.

    This is the difference between studying power critically and studying it with admiration or neutrality. The first asks: What does this mean for the world? The second asks: How can we learn from it?

    But learning from power without questioning its cost is not neutral. It is legitimization.

    Rule #4: End With a Thought-Provoking Question to Evade Accountability

    Vishen closes the piece by asking:

    “Would you use them?”

    This is a brilliant move—because it shifts responsibility to the reader. Instead of taking a stance, he creates an illusion of balance, making the post seem like an open-ended exploration.

    But here’s the trick:
    By making Trump’s methods the foundation of the discussion, he has already framed power in a certain way.

    If power is just a game, then questioning whether we’d play it is the only thing left to ask.

    And yet, the real question isn’t whether we’d use these rules.
    The real question is: Should these rules be normalized at all?

    Much like Trump, Vishen doesn’t distort facts outright—he shapes how they are framed, which in turn influences how people engage with them.

    The most powerful leaders, media figures, and influencers don’t just control narratives—they control how narratives are discussed.

    And that’s what makes this blog post so interesting. It’s not a direct endorsement of Trump. But it strategically removes the ethical weight of his methods, making them easier to accept, admire, or at least engage with in a more neutral way.

    And when power is framed as a personal growth tool rather than a force that affects millions, the danger is not in what is said, but in what is left unsaid.

    So, if we are truly questioning power, leadership, and influence, shouldn’t we also question the way these conversations are framed?

    Would You Use Them, Vishen?

    You ask whether we would use Trump’s rules. But now I ask you:

    Would you use the framing techniques in this blog post again?
    Would you strategically neutralize destructive tactics by making them sound like growth principles?
    Would you position power as an interesting case study rather than a force that shapes laws, rights, and lives?
    Would you present proximity to influence as insight, knowing that power distorts perception?

    Because if the answer is yes—then the real strategy in play here isn’t Trump’s at all.
    It’s yours.

  18. I love the article. I love your thinking and sharing of it in a way that made me sit up straight and read in a thoughtful manner. I have been asking myself for months, what is it that makes regular people so crazy when Trump is the subject of discord? I am grateful for this wrinting. I have a much better understanding of the DJT dynamic. I studied Norman Vincent Peele, and the direct results that come from positive thinking. I have often wondered what else does trump have going that I, as a sane once republican, don’t share with his base? I have a much clearer picture of him now, and I can see where the other party is terribly lacking! It isn’t about who is nice and a ‘good’ person, or who has higher morals or values, but who can drive the masses to commit to his vision, even if it is not real. It’s not even about right or wrong, it’s about who lives by these rules of engagement and stays committed to them. I do beleive they will ultimately be his undoing, though. When he is gone, the movement will be gone also. No one will be there to pick up the mantle and keep it moving. I’m glad of that!

  19. I read your experience and, ultimate, infatuation with Trump and MAGA.
    After living with, and being taken down by, a narcissist who, to everyone who met him, was the most charismatic, nicest, funniest and seemingly kindest man they had met, (To everyone but his target), I see this “hero” of yours differently. I see a psychopath.
    My destruction for my “husband’s” benefit, without remorse, was identical to what Trump is doing to this nation. For someone to see any part of it as good, or honorable or praiseworthy is unconscionable.
    If you think Trump is “good” in any way, think again. If creating an empire on the backs of others, without regard to their well-being and without remorse while using them for your financial gain, is your only focus, then I know who you are. In my opinion he would NOT be someone to revere. Ever.
    If, in fact, you do revere his methods, and I am watching, I will no longer follow you or hope to learn from you. And I will do everything in my power to dissuade others. Because at that point I will know who you are, what your true values are…and that we, your customers, mean nothing when held against your desire for brand, fame and access to billions of $.
    I have followed you for more than a decade. I am shocked…and so very sad at the emotional and psychological fall of someone I thought a great man.

  20. What an overly clever way to say utterly foolish things. Please refer to your spiritual gurus Vishen. You have been glamoured. Have a care for your soul when you are charmed by men who do not have mankind and the planet’s genuine welfare at heart. That does not mean we do not pray or meditate for their wellbeing, but we certainly don’t get all giddy schoolboy because someone has mastered the art of trampling over others to teach the top. There are universal laws which mean it never ends well for those with hate and revenge in their hearts.

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