“Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really: Double your rate of failure.” Thomas J. Watson:
Some of the most successful people in history often provide surprising insights that subvert conventional wisdom about success. Here are several counterintuitive lessons from the lives of extraordinarily successful individuals:
1. Failure as a Stepping Stone:One of the most unexpected lessons is that failure is not just inevitable but also beneficial. J.K. Rowling, before publishing the globally renowned Harry Potter series, faced numerous rejections from publishers. She uses her story to highlight how failure was key to her learning process and eventual success. This idea that early failures can set the foundation for later successes is compelling and shifts the negative perception of failing.
2. The Value of Solitude:In a world that prizes connectivity, the power of solitude is often underestimated. Bill Gates is known for his “Think Weeks,” during which he isolates himself to think deeply and read new ideas without distraction. These periods of solitude have helped to spark some of the innovative decisions and insights that Microsoft capitalized on. Solitude can enhance creativity and decision-making, crucial skills for any leader.
3. Turning Adversity into Advantage:Oprah Winfrey turned her troubled childhood and early adversities into drivers for her empathetic approach to communication and business. Her ability to relate to others’ pain and struggles became a significant asset in building her media empire and beloved brand. This shows how personal hardships can be transformed into unique strengths in your career or business.
4. Limiting Work to Enhance Productivity:It might seem intuitive that more work hours equal more productivity, but Carlos Slim, one of the world’s richest men, advocates for a three-day workweek. He suggests that less work can lead to more productivity and a better quality of life, which in turn can increase work performance. This perspective challenges the modern work ethic that more hours always lead to better outcomes.
5. Questioning Expertise:Elon Musk is noted for his approach to solving problems from first principles rather than by analogy. This method involves breaking down complex problems into their basic elements and rethinking them from the ground up. It’s a lesson in the value of critical thinking and innovation over traditional expertise, emphasizing that in some cases, being an expert can limit creative solutions if one relies solely on established norms.
6. The Importance of Non-Conformity:Steve Jobs’ entire career could be viewed as a continuous streak of non-conformity; from the invention of the first Apple computers to the unique designs of the iPod and iPhone. Jobs often spoke about the importance of thinking differently and not being “trapped by dogma,” which involves living with the results of others’ thinking. By not conforming, he was able to innovate in ways others could not foresee.
7. Using Detractors as Fuel:Criticism and doubt from others are often seen as discouraging, but under the right mindset, they can become a powerful motivator. The writer Stephen King was initially devastated when numerous publishers rejected his first novel, “Carrie.” However, he used that criticism as fuel to continue refining his craft, and he eventually became one of the most successful novelists of all time.
These lessons reaffirm that success is not just about relentless hard work, strategic networking, or even sheer talent. It’s also about how you interpret and respond to your experiences, failures, solitude, societal norms, and even the opinions of others. Each of these successful individuals shows that thinking outside the box about what success means can indeed lead to monumental achievements.
Motivational Quotes About Success
1. Winston S. Churchill:
“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”
2. Oprah Winfrey:
“Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.”
3. Albert Einstein:
“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
4. Michael Jordan:
“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
5. Steve Jobs:
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.”
6. Maya Angelou:
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
7. Thomas J. Watson:
“Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really: Double your rate of failure.”
8. Arianna Huffington:
“We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”
9. Mark Twain:
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
10. Michelle Obama:
“Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
Resources to Learn More about Success
1. Books:
• “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell
• “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth
• “The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield
2. Online Courses:
• Coursera offers courses like “Learning How to Learn” which aids in acquiring techniques to better absorb and apply knowledge.
• Udemy has numerous courses on time management, productivity, and personal development which are key components of success.
3. Podcasts:
• “How I Built This” with Guy Raz – insights from founders about the journeys of building successful businesses.
• “The Tim Ferriss Show” – where Tim interviews world-class performers from eclectic areas to extract the tactics, tools, and routines you can use.
4. TED Talks:
• Angela Lee Duckworth’s talk on “Grit: The power of passion and perseverance”
• Simon Sinek’s “How great leaders inspire action,” discussing how leaders can inspire cooperation, trust, and change.
5. Documentaries:
• “Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates” on Netflix explores the mind and motivations of the successful founder and philanthropist.
• “Becoming,” also on Netflix, follows Michelle Obama on her tour and delves into her life, hopes, and connection with others.
6. Workshops and Seminars:
• Many local chambers of commerce, universities, and community centers offer workshops on leadership, entrepreneurship, and other skills related to achieving success.
7. Webinars and Live Streams:
• Many thought leaders and educators offer free webinars and live streams discussing various aspects of success and personal development.
These resources provide a well-rounded foundation for learning about success from multiple perspectives, including psychological factors, practical strategies,
