The 10x rule ffirs indd I 3/14/11 10: 22: 47 AM ffirs indd II 3/14/11 10: 22: 47 am the 10x rule The Only Difference Between Success and Failure Grant Cardone John Wiley & Sons, Inc

1. Have a “Can Do” Attitude
People with a “can do” attitude approach every situation with 
the outlook that no matter what, it can be done. They consis-
tently use phrases like “We can do it,” “Let’s make it happen,” 
“Let’s work it out”—and they always maintain that a solution 
exists. These people talk in terms of explanations and resolving 
issues and consistently communicate challenges with a positive 
outlook. They respond to even the most daunting or seem-
ingly impossible situation in a “can do” manner. This attitude 
is more valuable than a superior product and a lower price 
and is one of the only ways you’ll be able to accomplish 10X 
massive actions. If you are not willing to approach everything 
with the attitude that it can be done, then you won’t truly be 
thinking in 10X. You must believe and convey to others that 
a solution does indeed exist—even if you’re going to have to 
work a little harder to fi nd it. Incorporate this kind of “can do” 
outlook into your language, thoughts, actions, and responses 
to everyone you know. Help your entire company develop 
this kind of attitude by drilling it into them on a daily basis. 
Take even the most impossible request and fi gure out how 
C22.indd 160
C22.indd 160
3/4/11 3:26:54 PM
3/4/11 3:26:54 PM

---

Successful or Unsuccessful? 
161
you can answer with a “can do” attitude. Get yourself and 
your colleagues to the point where responses like “Can do, no 
problem—we will handle it!” become the norm—and nothing 
else is even accepted. 
2. Believe That “I Will Figure It Out”
This outlook goes hand in hand with the “can do” attitude. 
Again, it refers to the individual who is always looking to be 
responsible and solve a problem. Even if you’re not sure how 
to do something, the best answer is “I will fi gure it out”—not 
“I don’t know.” No one values a person who not only doesn’t 
have the information but doesn’t want to know the information.
This response does nothing for your credibility or competence. 
I don’t agree with the claim that you should tell people if you 
don’t know something. How does this help the situation? Do 
you really want to brag about your inability or think that the 
marketplace—or your customers—value honesty so much that 
they want you to admit they are wasting their time with you? 
You can admit that you’re unfamiliar with something—as long 
as you immediately follow that admission up with the promise 
that you will fi gure it out or fi nd someone who will. Throwing 
up your hands at a task will not move things forward. Com-
municate to yourself and others that you are willing to do what 
is necessary to fi gure it out! An alternative response to “I don’t 
know” is “Great question. Let me check into that and fi gure 
it out.” You are still being honest, but you’re inciting a solution 
instead of implying ineptitude.