How to Win

You’ve heard the saying, “Success leaves clues.”

Well, since I am 61 and have been a student of the game since I was 14, here are some of the clues that have helped me do what most people would consider “well in life”. And when I say “well”, I’m not necessarily referring to money, but more like resiliency, health, and the feeling of control over my life.

• Stay in my lane. I know what I am great at and what I suck at. I don’t try to be someone I am not.
• Fiercely self-disciplined.
• I hate “free”. I insist on paying for what I acquire, especially as it relates to knowledge.
• I am not a spectator. I’m either learning or doing.
• Generous with my time and my money, even when I shouldn’t be.
• I don’t let anything or anyone get in the way of my daily rituals.
• I put protecting and providing as my #1 purpose.
• I welcome a challenge. I’m not looking for the easy way out.
• I prefer discomfort over comfort, both physically and mentally.
• Nobody can offend me, even if they try.
• I’m super patient. Most goals are achieved in between 5 and 10 years.
• I prefer quality over quantity. Less and best is more.
• I’m a loyal friend and never burn bridges. I give credit when credit is due.
• Good manners are important to me.
• I never make a scene, even if justified to do so.
• I do my best to make everyone feel good… about themselves.
• I just work. For me, fun is overrated.
• If I must attend an event, I will always leave early.
• If someone is nice to me because they want something, I drop them.
• I put in more time learning about nutrition, exercise, and mental state hacks than anything else. Hands down.
• My staff is a part of my family and they know it. I am committed to them and will never leave them or ask them to leave.
• I know that I don’t know everything and that’s fine with me. The key is progress, self-awareness, and doing meaningful things.

Who you are has more to do with long-term success than what you know, who you know, or what you sell.