Getting There

1. Passion and Perseverance Trump Initial Plans

You must do something that you are passionate about—and something that is “within your circle of competence,” as Warren Buffett puts it.

Passion as a Driving Force: Many successful individuals initially pursued paths different from their ultimate careers. However, a common thread is their eventual dedication to something they genuinely loved. This passion fuels the perseverance needed to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. For example, Leslie Moonves originally pursued acting, while Jillian Michaels was a talent agent before becoming a fitness guru.

Circle of Competence: Warren Buffett emphasizes the importance of operating within one's "circle of competence," meaning focusing on areas where you have a deep understanding and skill set. This doesn't limit exploration but encourages a strategic approach to pursuing passions. It's about aligning your skills with your interests to create a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Embracing Detours: The journey to success is rarely linear. Many individuals experienced unexpected detours and setbacks that ultimately led them to their true calling. These experiences often provide valuable insights and skills that contribute to their later success. The key is to remain open to new opportunities and adapt to changing circumstances.

2. Rejection is Redirection

If you never fail, it means you are not trying hard enough.

Rejection as a Motivator: Many successful people faced numerous rejections early in their careers. Instead of being discouraged, they used rejection as fuel to prove their doubters wrong. Matthew Weiner, creator of Mad Men, was rejected from every writing class in college, but this only strengthened his resolve to succeed as a writer.

Learning from Setbacks: Rejection and failure provide valuable learning opportunities. By analyzing what went wrong and adapting their approach, individuals can improve their skills and increase their chances of success in the future. It's about viewing setbacks as temporary obstacles rather than insurmountable barriers.

Persistence in the Face of Adversity: The ability to persevere through rejection is a key characteristic of successful individuals. They don't let setbacks define them but instead use them as motivation to keep pushing forward. This resilience is essential for navigating the inevitable challenges and obstacles that arise on the path to success.

3. Create Your Own Opportunities

I’m a big believer in creating your own opportunity if no one gives you one.

Proactive Approach: Waiting for opportunities to come your way is often not enough. Successful individuals take a proactive approach, creating their own opportunities and forging their own paths. This often involves thinking outside the box and taking unconventional steps to achieve their goals.

Taking Initiative: Anderson Cooper, unable to get a job at ABC, went overseas with a home video camera to shoot stories himself, eventually leading to a job as a correspondent. This demonstrates the power of taking initiative and creating your own opportunities when traditional paths are blocked.

Breaking Perceptions: Sometimes, you have to do something drastic to change people's perception of you. This might involve quitting a job, moving to a new location, or taking on a challenging project. The key is to disrupt the status quo and demonstrate your capabilities in a new light.

4. The Power of Mentors and Role Models

One of the best things you can do in life is to surround yourself with people who are better than you are.

Learning from Others: Mentors and role models provide invaluable guidance, support, and inspiration. By surrounding yourself with people who are more experienced, knowledgeable, or successful, you can accelerate your own growth and development.

Seeking Guidance: Many successful individuals sought out mentors early in their careers, learning from their experiences and insights. Warren Buffett credits Benjamin Graham, his old boss and mentor, as a major influence in his life.

Becoming a Mentor: The benefits of mentorship extend beyond the mentee. By sharing your knowledge and experience with others, you can reinforce your own understanding and contribute to the growth of the next generation. It's a way of paying it forward and leaving a lasting legacy.

5. The Importance of Communication and Interpersonal Skills

In graduate school you learn all this complicated stuff, but what’s really essential is being able to get others to follow your ideas.

Effective Communication: The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, is crucial for success in any field. This includes being able to articulate your ideas clearly, persuade others to your point of view, and build strong relationships.

Interpersonal Skills: David Boies emphasizes the importance of listening to people, which has proved valuable, particularly when cross-examining a hostile witness.

Building Relationships: Michael Bloomberg built many relationships by being early. You can call the chairman of the board of almost any company early in the morning. If he’s a good chairman, he’s there. The secretary’s not, so he’ll actually answer the phone. The best time to strike is when gatekeepers aren’t there!

6. Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone

I believe that defeat is life’s way of nudging you and letting you know you’re off course.

Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Successful individuals view failure as a valuable learning experience rather than a sign of inadequacy. They analyze what went wrong, adapt their approach, and use the experience to improve their chances of success in the future.

Resilience and Perseverance: The ability to bounce back from failure is a key characteristic of successful people. They don't let setbacks define them but instead use them as motivation to keep pushing forward. This resilience is essential for navigating the inevitable challenges and obstacles that arise on the path to success.

Defining Failure: Sara Blakely's father encouraged her and her brother to fail. He knew that many people become paralyzed by the fear of failure. They’re constantly afraid of what others will think if they don’t do a great job and, as a result, take no risks. Her father wanted them to try everything and feel free to push the envelope. His attitude taught her to define failure as not trying something she want to do instead of not achieving the right outcome.

7. The Value of Hard Work and Persistence

Eighty percent of success is just showing up.

Dedication and Effort: Success requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve your goals. There are no shortcuts to success, and those who are willing to work the hardest are often the ones who achieve the greatest results.

Consistency and Discipline: Michael Bloomberg never missed a day of work in his life! After he was fired from Salomon, he still had about two months left before he was actually going to leave the firm, but he still never missed a day. In fact, he made sure that he worked six days a week from as early in the morning until as late as he could.

Overcoming Obstacles: John Paul DeJoria was fired from three jobs and lived in his car on two dollars and fifty cents a day before founding John Paul Mitchell Systems and, later, Patrón Spirits Company. This demonstrates the power of persistence in the face of adversity.

8. The Significance of Giving Back

Success unshared is failure.

Social Responsibility: Many successful individuals emphasize the importance of giving back to society and using their success to make a positive impact on the world. This can involve supporting charitable causes, mentoring others, or using their skills and resources to address social problems.

Making a Difference: John Paul DeJoria believes that if you’ve “made it” and don’t help others out along the way—if you don’t do something to make the planet a better place—you’re not successful at all; you are a failure.

Creating a Legacy: By giving back, individuals can create a lasting legacy that extends beyond their own personal achievements. This can involve inspiring others to follow in their footsteps or contributing to a cause that will benefit future generations.

9. The Power of a Positive Mindset

You have to go out of your way to view things in a positive light.

Optimism and Resilience: Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for navigating the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise on the path to success. This involves focusing on the positive aspects of a situation, believing in your ability to overcome obstacles, and maintaining a sense of hope for the future.

Positive Self-Talk: Sara Blakely was told by a mill owner in Charlotte, “Sara, I’ve decided to help make your crazy idea.” When she asked him why he had the change of heart, he replied, “I have three daughters.” I think he was both won over by my passion and had developed a soft spot in his heart from imagining his daughters in my shoes one day.

Gratitude and Appreciation: Cultivating a sense of gratitude for the good things in your life can help you maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. This involves taking time to appreciate the people, experiences, and opportunities that have contributed to your success.

10. The Importance of Self-Awareness and Adaptability

Being able to change directions when needed is essential in life, especially in science.

Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Self-awareness is the foundation for personal and professional growth. This involves understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations, and using this knowledge to make informed decisions about your career and life.

Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving world. This involves being open to new ideas, willing to learn new skills, and able to adjust your plans as needed.

Continuous Learning: J. Craig Venter emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and not letting others’ opinions define you. You really need to believe in yourself and not let others’ opinions define you.

Last updated: March 15, 2025