Elon’s Guide to Success

Recently Elon Musk became the world’s second richest man, according to Forbes magazine and I was fascinated to read on the BBC this week about his 6 secrets to success. When I see a successful person I always want to know why or how they did it and see if I can learn something. So, here they are:

1. It isn’t all about the money!

And I agree with that but I do think some of our drive has to be about money otherwise we never get financially free but it’s true that every successful person I’ve ever met has never had money as their primary aim – they’ve all had some other target – security for their families, a desire to do good or a personal mission that drives them. So don’t think about just the money – think about the why and what you will do with it. Give yourself a bigger purpose than just the relentless pursuit of pounds or dollars.

2. Pursue your passion

Now I definitely agree with that as I aim to live my life by following my passion, or life mission. Living a life doing something you don’t like will never make you successful in any way, nor make you happy. Find something you like doing and see if you can turn that into your driving force, or a business, or a hobby and for certain you’ll be more successful in many ways.

3. Don’t be afraid to think big

Absolutely! Thinking small never served anyone and research tells us that setting goals slightly above our usual range tend to be more successful. So think bigger than normal, stretch yourself and see how far you can really go.

4. Be ready to take risks

Now this is an odd one because although I agree about taking risks, I don’t see what I’ve done as in any way risky and that’s because I’ve always protected myself and my family by getting educated, gaining knowledge, doing research, being careful, spreading my money and risk and keeping a good eye on everything. My journey hasn’t felt a risky one and the more you know the smaller the risk.

5. Ignore the critics 

I totally, totally agree with this and there are so many people that will tell you that you can’t do something or that you’ll fail or that you’re useless, and in all honesty that says more about them than it does about you. Critics are hoping that you will be as inadequate as them – so ignore them!

7. Enjoy yourself!

I agree with this totally too. If you enjoy your journey or task you’ll keep at it for longer and you’re much more likely to be successful. It pains me to hear people who say that they do a job just for the pay packet and that they hate their job. This is no good for the person or their employer as neither will move forward in their joint endeavours and why spend your precious life doing something you don’t like – what a waste of your time and your life.  Find something you enjoy doing – and do it!

Frankly, I never thought I’d agree so completely with Elon Musk – but every successful person has something positive to say about how we can change our own lives for the better.