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.
- Attack, attack, attack
- Admit nothing, deny everything
- Always claim victory
And then, years later, Trump added his own fourth rule—one that would become his ultimate superpower.
- 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.
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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.
509 Responses
NO!!!!!!!!!!! I would not use those rules. Using those rules is BAD KARMA
Greetings Vishen,
That was an interesting observation and analysis of Trump.
What you call Trump’s psychological shield and relentless optimism could also be aptly described as Narcissistic don’t you think?
The extreme skewed reality that he creates for himself appears to me to be a form of mental illness-in my view.
Where is the balance? Where is the compassion? His relentless extreme behavior will definitely go down in history. I can only hope that what he is modeling does not become a standard for future politicians.
Just observing you observing. Lindy
Vishen, your recent blog post regarding your experience at Mar-a-Lago and your analysis of Donald Trump’s perceived ‘rules’ has understandably generated significant controversy. While your stated intention was to explore these principles from a perspective of personal growth and influence, the context in which they are presented is deeply problematic for many.
Several concerns arise:
Normalization of Harmful Tactics and their Real-World Consequences:
The ‘rules’ you outlined—”attack, attack, attack,” “admit nothing, deny everything,” “always claim victory”—have been demonstrably used to spread misinformation, undermine democratic institutions, and incite division.
These tactics have contributed to a climate where marginalized groups, including people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, feel increasingly threatened.
It’s not just about abstract tactics; these strategies have real-world consequences. For example, the denial of basic human rights at detention facilities has led to documented cases of deaths due to lack of water, food, and medical attention.
The rise of concentration camp like conditions in facilities such as those reported in areas such as within the US southern border, or in El Salvador, or Cuba, illustrates the dark side of these tactics.
It is vital to acknowledge, that marginalized groups have been the target of increased hate crimes, and discrimination.
The Setting and its Implications:
Mar-a-Lago is not a neutral space. It is a symbol of power and privilege, and it is associated with a political movement that many perceive as hostile to their fundamental rights.
Your presence there, and your subsequent description of the event, can be interpreted as tacit approval of this movement and its ideology.
The Impact on Marginalized Communities:
Many individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, are experiencing heightened anxiety and fear due to the current political climate.
Your blog post, regardless of your intent, can be seen as insensitive to these concerns and as a dismissal of their lived experiences.
The danger of misinformation:
The blog post mentions that people at the dinner where sharing misinformation, and conspiracy theories. It is dangerous to give a platform to misinformation.
It is important to remember, that there are statistics that show the rise of hate crimes, and the effects that the political climate has on marginalized groups.
Hate Crimes:
According to the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics, hate crimes targeting specific groups have shown fluctuations in recent years. For example, in 2020, the FBI reported 7,759 hate crime incidents. It’s crucial to consult the most recent FBI data for updated figures.
The Department of Justice, also releases reports on hate crimes.
Discrimination:
Organizations like the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) provide data and reports on discrimination against racial, religious, and LGBTQ+ groups.
These organizations document instances of discrimination in housing, employment, and other areas.
Impact on Mental Health:
Studies have shown that exposure to discrimination and hate speech can have significant negative impacts on the mental health of marginalized individuals.
Organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) provide resources and research on this topic.
By ignoring or minimizing these very real consequences, a blog post that only talks about the “rules” and “mindset” is viewed as dangerously out of touch. It gives the impression that those who push those damaging principals can be studied, without moral consequence. To speak of the principals, is to ignore the people that are dying because of those very principals.
While you may have intended to foster open-mindedness, it is crucial to recognize the potential harm in presenting these ideas without a clear and unequivocal condemnation of their destructive applications. It is vital to create a space that is inclusive and safe for everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable
Vishen, your recent blog post regarding your experience at Mar-a-Lago and your analysis of Donald Trump’s perceived ‘rules’ has understandably generated significant controversy. While your stated intention was to explore these principles from a perspective of personal growth and influence, the context in which they are presented is deeply problematic for many.
Several concerns arise:
Normalization of Harmful Tactics and their Real-World Consequences:
The ‘rules’ you outlined—”attack, attack, attack,” “admit nothing, deny everything,” “always claim victory”—have been demonstrably used to spread misinformation, undermine democratic institutions, and incite division.
These tactics have contributed to a climate where marginalized groups, including people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, feel increasingly threatened.
It’s not just about abstract tactics; these strategies have real-world consequences. For example, the denial of basic human rights at detention facilities has led to documented cases of deaths due to lack of water, food, and medical attention.
The rise of concentration camp like conditions in facilities such as those reported in areas such as within the US southern border, or in El Salvador, or Cuba, illustrates the dark side of these tactics.
It is vital to acknowledge, that marginalized groups have been the target of increased hate crimes, and discrimination.
The Setting and its Implications:
Mar-a-Lago is not a neutral space. It is a symbol of power and privilege, and it is associated with a political movement that many perceive as hostile to their fundamental rights.
Your presence there, and your subsequent description of the event, can be interpreted as tacit approval of this movement and its ideology.
The Impact on Marginalized Communities:
Many individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, are experiencing heightened anxiety and fear due to the current political climate.
Your blog post, regardless of your intent, can be seen as insensitive to these concerns and as a dismissal of their lived experiences.
The danger of misinformation:
The blog post mentions that people at the dinner where sharing misinformation, and conspiracy theories. It is dangerous to give a platform to misinformation.
It is important to remember, that there are statistics that show the rise of hate crimes, and the effects that the political climate has on marginalized groups.
Hate Crimes:
According to the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics, hate crimes targeting specific groups have shown fluctuations in recent years. For example, in 2020, the FBI reported 7,759 hate crime incidents. It’s crucial to consult the most recent FBI data for updated figures.
The Department of Justice, also releases reports on hate crimes.
Discrimination:
Organizations like the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) provide data and reports on discrimination against racial, religious, and LGBTQ+ groups.
These organizations document instances of discrimination in housing, employment, and other areas.
Impact on Mental Health:
Studies have shown that exposure to discrimination and hate speech can have significant negative impacts on the mental health of marginalized individuals.
Organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) provide resources and research on this topic.
By ignoring or minimizing these very real consequences, a blog post that only talks about the “rules” and “mindset” is viewed as dangerously out of touch. It gives the impression that those who push those damaging principals can be studied, without moral consequence. To speak of the principals, is to ignore the people that are dying because of those very principals.
While you may have intended to foster open-mindedness, it is crucial to recognize the potential harm in presenting these ideas without a clear and unequivocal condemnation of their destructive applications. It is vital to create a space that is inclusive and safe for everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Perhaps you can do an in-depth exploration of Hitler’s attributes and rise to power and explain how we can be objective observers and not be judgmental. That would be as relevant to me as this piece.
Dear Vishen,
I appreciate your work in personal transformation, but I believe Positive Thinking, as popularized by Norman Vincent Peale, has unintended consequences. While empowering on an individual level, it can foster denial of systemic issues, replacing strategy with wishful thinking. This mindset, deeply ingrained in American culture and leadership (e.g., Trump), has made the U.S. vulnerable to disinformation, governance failures, and geopolitical manipulation.
Meanwhile, Russia and China operate through realism, long-term planning, and psychological warfare. They exploit the West’s tendency to dismiss inconvenient truths, using propaganda to destabilize democracies. The current erosion of the rule of law, scientific integrity, and the U.S. political and education systems follows a clear Russian-Chinese agenda—one designed to weaken critical thinking, fracture institutions, and render the U.S. incapable of strategic resistance. When belief overrides analysis, it becomes a tool of control, not empowerment.
Mindset matters, but true transformation requires both vision and hard reality. Optimism without strategy leads to collapse. If we want to evolve, we must ask: Are we creating a better reality—or ignoring the one we’re in? Looking forward to your thoughts on bridging empowerment with strategic intelligence.
Dear Vishen,
I appreciate your work in exploring consciousness, personal growth, and transformational thinking. Your approach has empowered many to rethink their reality and potential. However, I’d like to share a critical perspective on how certain philosophies—especially those rooted in Positive Thinking as popularized by Norman Vincent Peale—have not only shaped individual mindsets but also contributed to systemic vulnerabilities, particularly in the United States.
As you know, Peale’s philosophy teaches that one’s mindset creates reality and that negativity is an obstacle to success. This idea, while empowering on a personal level, has also influenced political and social structures in ways that make societies blind to systemic threats. When belief overrides analysis, when optimism replaces strategic thinking, and when uncomfortable truths are dismissed as “limiting beliefs,” the result is not empowerment—it’s vulnerability.
In the U.S., Peale’s ideology profoundly influenced figures like Donald Trump, who was a lifelong follower. His administration often operated on the assumption that problems could be willed away, that expertise was overrated, and that faith in one’s own success was more important than facts or strategy. This type of thinking—widespread in American culture—has led to systemic failures in governance, science, and foreign policy.
Why does this matter geopolitically?
While the U.S. embraces a culture of manifestation and positive illusions, geopolitical rivals like Russia and China operate in the realm of strategy, realism, and system-based analysis. Their long-term planning is rooted in understanding reality as it is, not as they wish it to be.
This contrast has profound consequences. While Russia and China use disinformation and weaponized narratives to weaken the West, Americans—conditioned by “Positive Thinking” to reject bad news—fall directly into these traps. Rather than confronting challenges, many choose to deny them, reframe them, or assume that solutions will magically appear.
Russia & China’s Approach vs US approach:
Systemic, long-term planning vs Short-term emotional decision-making
Strategic analysis of threats vs Dismissal of inconvenient realities
Psychological operations & disinformation
vs High susceptibility to propaganda
Science as a national security asset vs Science politicized and distrusted
I believe in the power of mindset, but it must be balanced with rational inquiry, deep strategic thinking, and systemic awareness. True transformation—whether personal or societal—requires both inner mastery and an unflinching engagement with reality. Manifestation without analysis leads to delusion. Optimism without structure leads to collapse.
If we are to evolve as a civilization, we must recognize when belief becomes a tool of control rather than liberation. We must ask: Are we designing a better reality, or are we being conditioned to ignore the one we’re in?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can bridge personal empowerment with strategic intelligence—so that our reality is not just imagined, but also fortified against those who seek to manipulate it.
Best,
Mark K
Dear Vishen,
I appreciate your work in exploring consciousness, personal growth, and transformational thinking. Your approach has empowered many to rethink their reality and potential. However, I’d like to share a critical perspective on how certain philosophies—especially those rooted in Positive Thinking as popularized by Norman Vincent Peale—have not only shaped individual mindsets but also contributed to systemic vulnerabilities, particularly in the United States.
As you know, Peale’s philosophy teaches that one’s mindset creates reality and that negativity is an obstacle to success. This idea, while empowering on a personal level, has also influenced political and social structures in ways that make societies blind to systemic threats. When belief overrides analysis, when optimism replaces strategic thinking, and when uncomfortable truths are dismissed as “limiting beliefs,” the result is not empowerment—it’s vulnerability.
In the U.S., Peale’s ideology profoundly influenced figures like Donald Trump, who was a lifelong follower. His administration often operated on the assumption that problems could be willed away, that expertise was overrated, and that faith in one’s own success was more important than facts or strategy. This type of thinking—widespread in American culture—has led to systemic failures in governance, science, and foreign policy.
Why does this matter geopolitically?
While the U.S. embraces a culture of manifestation and positive illusions, geopolitical rivals like Russia and China operate in the realm of strategy, realism, and system-based analysis. Their long-term planning is rooted in understanding reality as it is, not as they wish it to be.
This contrast has profound consequences. While Russia and China use disinformation and weaponized narratives to weaken the West, Americans—conditioned by “Positive Thinking” to reject bad news—fall directly into these traps. Rather than confronting challenges, many choose to deny them, reframe them, or assume that solutions will magically appear.
Russia & China’s Approach vs US approach:
Systemic, long-term planning vs Short-term emotional decision-making
Strategic analysis of threats vs Dismissal of inconvenient realities
Psychological operations & disinformation
vs High susceptibility to propaganda
Science as a national security asset vs Science politicized and distrusted
I believe in the power of mindset, but it must be balanced with rational inquiry, deep strategic thinking, and systemic awareness. True transformation—whether personal or societal—requires both inner mastery and an unflinching engagement with reality. Manifestation without analysis leads to delusion. Optimism without structure leads to collapse.
If we are to evolve as a civilization, we must recognize when belief becomes a tool of control rather than liberation. We must ask: Are we designing a better reality, or are we being conditioned to ignore the one we’re in?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can bridge personal empowerment with strategic intelligence—so that our reality is not just imagined, but also fortified against those who seek to manipulate it.
Best,
Mark K
Vishen, your lens on Trump’s legacy mirrors mine—he’s a tragic, heinous figure history will unravel. I can’t forgive how his election fraud lies bred hate and division, spilling into January 6th chaos. Yet our greatest innovators coped with his mess, turning his deregulation bent into opportunity. Why? I track them closer than most. Voices like Brian Armstrong and Ben Horowitz on X and YouTube reveal a fight for hope—hope Biden’s crew nearly crushed, excluding Elon from their EV summit and choking blockchain with Chokepoint 2.0, all while GOP gridlock stalled progress. Few notice this stifling. Governments grapple with exponential change, but our innovators see it: leadership demands tech preeminence. Lose that edge, and breakthroughs slip to rivals—we don’t just stall; we surrender the future.
I was shocked by your newsletter and so disappointed in you. You used denying actual support for him as a thin excuse to go to his house, hang out with his followers, and be impressed to be in his company with the glamour of his stolen wealth. (“my friends are doing it too” is not an excuse an evolved adult would use) Sounds like you “drank the koolaid” if you can call his minions “warm” people. Of course they were polite, did you expect they would hiss and spit at a party? These “warm people” are destroying us, causing people to die. Hope you had a great time at the party ! But, “when you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas.” After being in their group, you chose to use his name to stir up your own base. I’ll never look at your videos again without wondering if you’re using his tactics on any level, or simply using his name for clickbait. Either way, I’m really sorry you tainted Mindvalley, and your image, with this.
I just wonder, besides the non political comment of Vishi, still think it is necessary to ‘explain’ Trumps mind: again the only thing to undertand is that the state of mind of Trump is that of an seriously mental ill person: a narcissist malicious Sociopath of the finest sort. He is not just not neurotic and the only thing you support with your explanation
and ‘different’ look behind the scene, just supports Trumps grandiosity getting more and more extreme. Vishi wiht al your mind-healers don’t you realise that to normalize Trump you make things worse, not only for this felon, as result of his mentally sick state of mind you’re not ‘helping’ Trump and certainly not the world’s state of mind. Please think and consider for what you and your company stand for, that can’t be the normalising or Trump’s state of mind, if you don’t want that his state of mind of a mentally ill is infecting more then already half of Americans are suffering from
Trump didn’t change, didn’t grow, didn’t develop; he is just a criminal, a malicious artistic sociopath. In that sense, he is authentic, has charisma, and is quite simple to read. His mental illness, fortified by his dementia, makes his behavior even more outrageous; maybe the form or sort of eruptions are too foreseeable, but certainly, the course of his mentally ill state of mind is quite predictable: he gets more and more nuts and (self)destructive.
From a nonpersonal distance, ‘useful’ as this area is coming to its (natural) end; everything comes and goes and is therefore unavoidable. He is infecting millions of people with his sick mind (as psychiatrists already predicted and warned for in 2016, they all got fired and defunded). His behavior is unjustifiedly normalized, and you want to promote and advertise this mentally ill person as an example of extraordinary Personal Growth. His mind set is that of a maiciousl sociopath. The only thing which is growing is his dementia.
What’s the matter with you? Do you all get infected as well?
I just listened to an interview with Charlie Rose and Michael Wollf. Michael Wollf did a quite accurate description of Trump’s state of mind and character. He wrote a chronicle of this creature, most interestingly his latest book, ‘All or Nothing’. You should READ it and then consider whether it is a good idea to propagate Trump’s ways as an enrichment of being.
Thanks
Vishen, you seem to approach the analysis of the personality of Trump as some “fascinating” theoretical arm chair exercise or thought experiment which might be easy to do sitting in your fancy hotel room in Dubai running an aspiring personal growth platform. This attitude unfortunately puts you out of touch with reality.
This political leader, along with his billionaire buddies both domestic and overseas, is making consequential decisions with real-life impacts on people all around the world for decades to come. What you seem to be completely oblivious to is that the views you are putting out there are influencing the people following your newsletter, current and future – and by avoiding to take a moral stance on whether the ends justify the means you are absolutely endorsing Trump’s behaviours which are narcissistic, amoral, and dangerous to humanity. Are you even aware that you are promoting narcissism as a path to success? This person stands for everything I assumed Mindvalley was diametrically opposed to. The world needs to be made aware of the dangers of narcissism not being encouraged to adopt it.
In light of your lack of insight & awareness around your own position in life and in this community with potentially harmful effects, I cannot continue my subscription unfortunately.
Regardless of how this article is framed by Vishen – as taking an ‘exploratory perspective on Trump’ – it still reads as an encouragement and promotion of adopting Trump’s “traits for success” which is not only questionable but incredibly dangerous. Anyone with a basic grasp of narcissism can recognise that what Vishen touts as “highly effective strategies for success” are nothing more than the hallmarks of a narcissistic personality disorder – self-aggrandisement, gas lighting & distortion of reality, attacking and putting down others to elevate his own fragile ego, a complete absence of taking any self-responsibility, charismatic manipulation during the courtship phase to bring you into their web of coercive control to then use/control you for their agenda.
Vishen may have fallen victim to the narcissist’s common talent of “making him feel special and loved” when he attended his event at Mar-A-Lago. And it is frankly shocking to see him promote narcissistic behaviours as a path to success.
I understood that Vishen’s whole angle was about personal growth on the basis of self awareness and compassion and bringing collective good to the world. Narcissism may bring about success, however only if it is very narrowly defined as “personal success” as opposed to “collective success” and only if it is defined as “financial success” as opposed to “joy and authentic loving relationships”.
I am supremely disappointed and lost for words as to this article by someone in the “personal growth” field – it lacks any balanced perspective as to the costs of narcissism to one’s self and those affected by it. No matter how “fascinating” Vishen may find it, given the size of his readership and potential influence, he has a responsibility for what views he puts out there that will influence people. I really don’t know how he can come back from this. My view of him has changed.
Here’s how I see our current political environment:
Visualize a bus full of people traveling down a dirt road. As they travel along it starts to rain and the road gets muddy. Half the passengers encourage the driver to continue carefully, the other half start yelling at the driver for getting them into a slippery situation, and yell at the other passengers for being supportive. Eventually their anger gets physical and someone starts pushing the driver. The driver gets distracted and the bus gets stuck. The driver tells the passengers they will need to get out and push. Half the passengers get out and move to back of the bus, the other half gets out and stands across the road yelling at the driver for getting them stuck and at the other passengers for being supportive of the driver. After a few minutes while one group pushes the bus trying to get it unstuck, the other group continues to yell and complain until eventually one of them allows their anger to set in and begins throwing rocks at the bus and the group pushing. Within minutes the yelling group are throwing rocks breaking the windows of the bus and bruising the pushing group. Suddenly the bus breaks free and is ready to continue down the road. Now you would think that the yelling group might quiet down and say thank you, but now they rush to get back onto the bus, complaining about how much time it took and pushing their way onto the bus first. As they enter they find broken glass on the side where they had smashed the windows so they quickly fill the seats with no glass or broken windows while yelling at the driver to get going and yelling at the other passengers for taking so long to get them unstuck. The loud and yelling group feel some kind of pride for being the first back on the bus and bolster each other up while somehow taking credit for being back on the road. The point is clear, had all the passengers simply been supportive of the driver and encouraged the safe operation of the bus they might never have gotten stuck. If they had gotten stuck a fully cooperative effort would have gotten them back on the road more quickly with no broken glass. So ask yourself, which passenger are you?
…”The real question is: Would you use them? ”
[Well, this article left me feeling like humanity just might be truly doomed. Priorities seem to be leaning towards defeating our own true and highest transcendence… I feel the real question here is would YOU use these rules? If so, then you are just like him and everyone will know who to include in the group of people that are NOT to be believed. ]
I have always thought of you and this program as a force for good, truth, and positivity. Now , I believe I was totally wrong. With you endorsing lying or as you put it….reframing reality. Total let down!
My apologies for not saying thank you in my first post. I was so taken aback by the responses of others that I lost my train of thought. I appreciate Vishen’s attempt to open a more neutral perspective and am grateful for what he has provided his subscribers over the years. I am little disappointed that so many of you completely missed the point of his dialogue. I thought that of all the groups of people on the planet who might speak their truth calmly and allow others their opinions it would be MindValley subscribers. I was surprised by the closed minds. To them I would say; Take a moment to look at the person next to you, or across from you. Notice they are different, their nose, eyes, ears, hair, everything is different. Does that make them good or bad, better or worse? Nope, just different. Just because one person speaks their truth quietly and calmly, does yelling and throwing a tantrum make your beliefs more true? If President Lincoln had coward and given into the ranting and raving of his opposition how different would our nation be? In this country the leaders are selected by majority vote. In this case the majority spoke their opinion. Live with it. Had the majority voted another way, the other half would have to live with it. Be more accepting of others as you would expect them to be if things had turned out differently.
If you want to get the most out of the next four years, stop listening to the various media outlets who’s job it is to distort information. It is their profession to control your emotions and the better they do it, the more they earn. Turn off the chatter, tune into some beautiful, non-vulgar music and enjoy some time with nature. Plant a flower, go for a walk, just sit and enjoy a sunset. Allow your vibration to settle and be calm. I have not watched a news program for at least six years and as far as I can tell I am no worse off. In fact on the rare occasion that I am in a public space where the news is on, I feel an emotional shift and my vibration changes for the worse. I’m not advocating ignorance, I stay informed, but I do not allow myself to be inundated and if I begin to feel a negative emotional shift, I change my activity and move on. My being angry would only add to the global negativity, and accomplish nothing for the good of humanity.
Wise attitude. Thank you.
Over the past year or so, I have noted a shift in Vishen’s interests. Anyone who was at the last summit would have noted – Vishen’s segment was focused on AI and surviving financially in the future, and when attendees vocalized their disappointment in his chosen topic, he lost his cool a little, telling people that if they weren’t interested in this they could “go meditate in a corner”. Similarly, in his 6 phase meditation course, he touts its practicality noting that you won’t have to “find your divine feminine” and ridiculing manifesting and several other concepts – literally mocking practices and teachings that exist throughout Mind Valley. It has been clear to me that Vishen’s focus has shifted to power, money, and hustle-culture. Some of the newer offerings reflect this shift. I don’t hate him for it – everyone gets to chart their own course through their lives, and he is clearly doing so. I have known for months that I would eventually have to give up my membership. This post to me was more of the same. I will take what I need from Mind Valley and move on. I envision that another platform will arise, one that is focused on spiritual growth and alignment and love.
Hello – As a licensed marriage & family therapist for over 25 years, I can say that the majority of narcissists & abusers are charming and polite until held accountable. Their main goal is gain whatever it is they deem they want at the expense of anyone who attempts to block them – the only loyalty is to the self – and they will sacrifice family & friends to achieve it. Trump does not use optimist thinking – he uses gaslighting and promotes chaos, confusion & fear. I am concerned about the tone of your newsletter – it has a skew of admiration – which is unfortunate. You are attempting to neutralize a tyrant who abuses his power. I come to mind valley to find some hope and strategies to fight the abuses of power. I am not sure why you would ask if anyone using this platform would use those tactics – it seems the opposite of what I thought this organization is all about.
Not quite sure this makes any sense. You are just depicting how delinquents build their empire and manage to escape. Or imperialists crashed entire civilizations. Yes, it works. So what? You forgot the need for a pinch of ethics or empathy. Smiling and being charming has nothing to do with empathy. It is just a need to be liked, because it is more effective. So, all on all, indeed if we are just after success, all this work. Pity that is will be at very high cost for everyone else. Talk to Trump contractors or anyone else who has dealt with him beyond a reception. I hope this post was only a sort of social experiment and you will feedback something interesting.