https://blog.samaltman.com/how-to-be-successful
After observing many founders, I've noticed that they often start by chasing wealth but eventually aim to make an impact. Here are 13 keys to achieving extraordinary success.
-
Understand Compounding: Think of your career like a growing business. Aim for exponential growth, not just steady progress. Each year should make you more effective.
-
Believe in Yourself: Confidence is crucial. It’s not about ignoring criticism but having the courage to hold your own views. Balance self-belief with self-awareness. Listen to feedback, evaluate it, and decide if it’s worth acting on.
-
Think Independently: Original thinking is hard to teach. Start by understanding the basics and build new ideas from there. Test these ideas quickly in real life.
-
Improve Sales Skills: You need to convince others of your ideas. This requires a clear vision, strong communication, and charisma. Believe in what you’re selling and keep honing your sales skills.
-
Take Smart Risks: Most people overestimate risks and underestimate rewards. Once your basic needs are met, take small bets that could lead to big gains.
-
Focus: Working on the right things is more important than working long hours. Set your priorities and stick to them.
-
Work Hard: Combine intelligence with hard work to excel in your field. Early in your career is the best time to work hard because the benefits will grow over time.
-
Be Bold: Work on something exciting and meaningful. Follow your curiosity without second-guessing your goals.
-
Be Persistent: Believe you can make a difference. Stay patient and persistent in your pursuit of success.
-
Be Unique: Make yourself hard to compete with by building strong relationships, a personal brand, or expertise in multiple areas.
-
Build a Network: Help others as much as you can and share the benefits generously. Build a reputation for pushing people to achieve more.
-
Own Assets: Wealth comes from ownership, not high salaries. Invest in things that can grow in value, like businesses, real estate, or intellectual property.
-
Stay Self-Motivated: Do things to impress yourself and make a difference in the world. The most successful people are driven by their own standards and ambitions, not by others' expectations.