Most of can be guilty of thinking we know everything, but despite how successful we have been, there is always room to grow. Here are some snippets of wisdom from some seriously high-achievers that everyone can learn from:
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“Exercise humility and restraint” – Warren Buffet, Berkshire Hathaway:
A piece of advice Buffet got from a board-of-directors member, Thomas Murphy, was to refrain from telling people to go to hell because the option would still be there the next day. Sometimes it’s best to remain reserved and avoid making rash decisions that you’ll end up regretting.
“Never look back in regret” – Richard Branson, Virgin
A lesson from his mother, wasting time dwelling on failures instead of looking for the next project is something that he learnt to avoid from an early age. The results of which is a life filled with no bad experiences, just a bunch of learning curves.
“Embrace failure” – J.K. Rowling, Author
Probably the ultimate rags to riches story of our day, Rowling is no stranger to failure. In fact for a while, she considered herself to be the biggest loser she knew. With a short-lived marriage, no job, being a single mother, and being as poor as it was possible without being homeless.
“Say ‘yes’ to more things” – Eric Schmidt, Google
Not much explanation needed here. Just say yes to anything and everything. Saying yes opens doors that would forever remain shut if you said no. So the next opportunity that comes your way, at least consider it before saying no.
“Don’t follow your passion but something larger than yourself” – Steve Jobs, Apple
We’re all told from an early age to follow our passion. Jobs believed that true greatness comes from using your passion to give something back to the world. Working to create a positive impact in your community has a greater effect than just doing something you love.
“Have an experimental attitude” – Stewart Butterfield, Flickr
Very few people know what they want in their 20s, a stage where people are very serious. While they want to feel like they’ve accomplished things instead of trying things out. Having a more experimental attitude is important. In a certain sense, nobody ever has everything figured out.
“Scratch your own itch” – Chase Jarvis, Creative Live
Solving a problem that is near and dear to your heart is important. When times get tough, some random market opportunity may not seem as important if you’re not passionate about it. Going after problems that you have will ensure you stay with it.
“Build something 100 people love, not something one million people kind of like” – Brian Chesky, Airbnb
When going through Paul Graham’s Y Combinator program, Chesky was given this piece of advice. It can be very easy to get lost in big dreams, but ultimately your business is experienced on an individual level. Focus on one person and make it incredible for one person and that person will be invested in making your product go viral.
“Don’t take too much advice” – Ben Silbermann, Pinterest
Everyone’s an expert at everything, just ask a few people for their advice and see. That’s why this could be the most important lesson on this list. You have your own path, and if you try to follow too many other people’s footsteps, a meltdown becomes a bigger risk. Always follow what you believe is the best way to proceed.