The (Not So) Surprising Secret to Success

Throughout my journey of personal development, I’ve learned lots of stuff. I’ve achieved some levels of success, levels of which I feel very fortunate for having reached. But I really don’t enjoy the phrase, “I’m successful” — or even, “He’s successful.” The phrasing just feels rather final. And definite. By saying that–I’m successful–it feels as though I’ve completed my journey. And I haven’t. In fact, I’m far from “completion”–if such an end even exists.

But in this journey, I’ve had many experiences. Experiences which I enjoy blogging about and sharing all the stuff I’ve learned with our readers. Each week, I attempt to share my insight, limited knowledge and 23-year-old wisdom, so that you may learn lots of stuff in your journey as well. Because, remember… success is a journey. Not a result.

Anyway…

My article last week covered two dozen ways that you might be unknowingly sabotaging your chances of success. I don’t like being too negative, but occasionally I feel like I need to give you all a wake-up call. If you’re already wide awake and walking the path, then pay no attention to my musings.

But if you’re struggling, then today is the day I give you the number one reason why I feel I’ve been able to get where I am today. And it’s the reason I expect to get where I want to go. I imagine it’s been written about before. (I’m being coy; it totally has been)… but let’s act like it’s new 😉

This is the reason my entrepreneurial endeavors have started well. This is the reason why my time spent in Corporate America was well worth it. This is the reason why the relationships in my life are fulfilling.

The secret to success is spending time with amazing people who are better than you at something.

I spend time with amazing people.

Okay, so it’s not just about spending time with amazing people. It’s about spending time with amazing people who are better than me.

Entrepreneurship. What do I do? Well, first, I partnered in the founding of Undergrad Success with someone who is more statistically analytical, a better networker, and more business savvy than me. Second, I befriended other entrepreneurs who have reached the levels of success I’d like to reach, those who have built 7-figure companies from the ground up. And third, I started consulting with a business partner who is easily the smartest person I’ve ever met. His mind dances circles around people.

Corporate America. I got lucky with this, but our other partner at Undergrad Success, Rim, was my co-intern at The Boeing Company my first summer there. She was an excellent project manager. She pushed me to meet deadlines. And she worked the extra hours when necessary. I not only became a better employee that summer, but I also learned how to lead effectively. I learned by example.

Fulfilling relationships. After a long-term relationship of mine ended, I was reeling in self-pity and sorrow. All of my relationships suffered, including the one I had with myself. What did I do? I found a coach who helped me get better. He mentored me (still does) and I started having fulfilling relationships. This was his expertise.

And that’s it…

Spend time with amazing people. Spend time with people who are just a little bit farther ahead than you. Spend time with people who are more successful than you. Spend time with people who are smarter than you… better leaders than you… more analytical than you.

I don’t care what your field of study is. It doesn’t matter if you’re a photographer, engineer, or psychology major. Spend time with amazing people who push you to learn.

Find these people and you might just be astonished at where you end up.

Spend time with amazing people–and eventually–you reach their level.

Kinda funny how that works…

See you next Thursday.

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