Twelve Truths About Success

The most successful people don’t face fewer obstacles than less successful people. They succeed in spite of the obstacles.

The most successful people don’t face any less adversity than their less successful counterparts; they just believe deeply that they can overcome the adversity and act accordingly.

Successful people don’t necessarily enjoy the unpleasant tasks that success requires any more than anyone else does. They just do them anyway.

The most successful people you know don’t have more opportunities than their less successful peers. They capitalize on the opportunities they do have, and they always look to create more.

The most successful people believe that there is a way to accomplish their goals, regardless of what those goals are. They are resourceful, and believe they can find a way.

The successful are lifelong learners. They don’t believe they ever know enough, and they are open to new—and challenging—ideas.

Successful people spend their time where they create value. They delegate, eliminate, or defer activities where they cannot create value.

Successful people keep the commitments that they make. They are careful not to make commitments that they cannot keep.

The successful are extraordinarily good listeners. They make other people feel like they are the only person in the room, regardless of rank.

Truly successful people are polite, kind, and considerate to people that can do nothing for them. This contributes to their success.

The most successful people you know don’t have any more to be happy about than you do. They just make the choice to be grateful.

If you think someone is successful because they have financial wealth alone, you are incorrect. Success isn’t measured by financial wealth alone. The most successful people will tell you this.