Photo by PhillipCYou can spend several hours a day, several days a week reading various self-improvement blogs, websites, magazines, and books that offer up new twists on the same proven methods of success. As a freelance writer, or aspiring freelancer in any field, you're probably drawn to this stuff (as I am), but how much good does it really do you?
You might read a "Top 30" rules for success list in one place and at another, read something titled "You Must Do These 19 Things to Become Successful."
Many of these sources do give some really good information, but beyond a certain point, they're all just repeating each other, and often, themselves. And...the advice given is often blatantly obvious--did you really need the 37th self-improvement blogger to tell you that you need to do the best job you can or that you should make it a habit to be on time?
Do you really need a "top 10" list for everything in life?
It seems to me there are really three foundational principles for success that most of the myriad others stem from--these three seem to have worked for those who are really successful, such as the Michael Jordans and the John McCains of this world.
They're very simple, very obvious, and truly beneficial.
1. Do what's right: Be honest, treat others well, do top-notch work, keep a clear conscience.
2. Work hard: Do what you have to do when you have to do it the way that you're supposed to.
3. Pursue your passion: Whatever you're truly motivated by, do that, and do it with gusto.
Yeah, these are basic. But amidst all of the self-improvement and lifestyle-design gurus advising you to follow their "25 top success tips" this week and their "30 biggest success hacks" next week, you might be better off and actually have time to accomplish real success if you minimize the reading of never-ending advice and simply do what's right at all times, work hard at whatever you do, and pursue your passion in both work and play.
What do you think? Is this too simplified or do we truly need to follow a new top 10 list of success tips every single week?
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7 comments:
Interesting as usual. I saw your post on copyblogger. I loved it!
As always, you continue to amaze. Don't let those negative commenters get to you.
Keep up the wonderful work!!!
Lovely post, Jesse.
These 3 are really foundational quidelines. My sense is that if we follow our passion 'with gusto', ultimate success is inevitable.
Thank you for your inspiring posts!
cheers
Mary
Mary,
Glad you enjoyed the post.
I think it's easy to get caught up (I do) in all kinds of "new" principles for success, given in formulaic top ten lists and so on--but, it really is pretty simple.
What's harder is actually doing what we know we should do.
Thanks for the comment.
At last a common sense approach to writing and creating. A breath of fresh air. like yourself, if I'm reading you correctly, how much bullshit do we need from people that should know better.
Thanks also for not welcoming me to your post congratulating me on being the trillionth visitor.
I believe that if one sticks to value, benefit in reading, perceived honesty and knowledge then in the long run success ( whatever that is; (I believe its the freedom to do what you want when you want) will come to you.
My own experience is; that while I am having fun and getting as much joy as I can everyday, then my punters want what I have.
Thanks again for your article.
The Baldchemist
Baldchemist,
Thanks for the good words. I'm glad you enjoyed the article.
Being honest and presenting value are keys to success, you're right.
Thanks for stopping by.
This is so straightforward, and yet flawless...if we actually followed just these three rules not only would we be happier, we'd probably find greater success in our endeavors.
Great blog! Thank you!
-suzanne
Suzanne,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I agree--success is usually borne out simple principles.
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