introduction

defining success
-success as quality of life
-what you do defines you
-finding a purpose
-having the right attitude
-the role of luck

finding your passion
-do what you love
-remember that passion isn’t prescribed
-money is not enough
-find something that moves you

setting your goals
- understand the psychological value of goal-making
- see the big picture
- break down your goal down into steps
- add or subtract steps when necessary
- expect change

getting started
- do something, anything
- synthesize
- invoke inspiration
- find a problem that needs a solution
- be opportunistic
- start even when starting is inconvenient

cultivating character
- find a source of power and conviction
- be in touch with yourself
- mine your past
- project yourself into the future
- experience another country or way of life
- be a generalist

being determined
- know the value of persistence
- don’t agonize over the details
- find someone to emulate
- combat frustration with optimism
- find someone to support you
- anchor yourself in your cause

being competitive
- use competition to improve yourself
- adapt to survive
- set yourself apart
- play by your own rules
- market yourself
- don’t obsess about competition
- compete with yourself most of all

working with others
- realize that you need others
- get them to identify with you
- don’t worry so much about getting credit
- get their respect
- watch your words
- handle difficult people with care
- have a healthy skepticism of authority
- don’t be afraid to depend on others
- make good friends

working hard
- understand the value of hard work
- determine what sacrifices you’re willing to make
- abandon expectation or expectations? of immediate reward
- striving as success
- add some variation to make it bearable – and fresh
- step back every once in awhile

develop good habits
- conquer yourself
- practice self-discipline
- determine your best working hours
- assign small daily goals for yourself
- don’t dwell on the negative
- trust your instincts
- be money conscious
- take care of your body

leading others
- pick the right people to work with you
- foster an environment of trust and openness
- get others to take ownership
- make your project “open source”
- solicit opinions
- be firm when necessary
- use humor

taking risks
- see your self as a risk-taker
- be an opportunist
- make desperation an asset
- be unconventional
- calculate your risks

projecting your image
- make a good first impression
- be smart
- be confident
- be direct
- don’t expect to be liked by everyone
- do what you say you’re going to do
- be funny
- get a reputation for being honest
- be responsible
- have at least one tremendous accomplishment to your name

getting feedback
- tame your ego
- keep it all in check
- beware excessive praise
- act on your feedback

being fearless
- abandon certainty
- overcome the fear of failure
- have a life altering experience – or learn to see life as if you had one
- be experimental
- gain confidence from past successes
- stand up for yourself
- be defiant

surviving setbacks
- accept failure if it comes
- act on your setbacks
- see the whole
- move your body
- realize that time changes perceptions

managing stress
- accept your doubt
- stop seeking perfection
- don’t avoid stress
- be philosophical
- find humor in your situation
- keep a journal
- meditate

staying successful
- measure your success
- keep developing your skills
- don’t let your success limit you
- use your momentum

selected sources

index