essay on secret of success in life

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Essay on “Secret of Success in Life.” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Secret of Success in Life.

Essay No. 01

No hard and fast rules have been in sight for a sure success in life inspire of enormous development of humanity during recent years. Since time immemorial, it has been the effort of man to achieve success in his undertakings. In olden days and yet today, man has resorted to many ways and means to get a clue of the ultimate way to success but still it eludes many enterprises in life. A successful man is not a rarity as we see may around boasting of their success in their life. A definition of success of life seems inevitable here. There is a great number of people who treat the material progress or being able to possess lot of money and worldly pleasures their purpose of success. But there are some who do not consider the flow of money or success in their financial matters as the real success. They have various other parameters to gauge success in their lives. Those who believe more in the ways of God than the ways of world consider spiritual success as the real aim of life. They take the material possessions as superficial matters which, they consider, do not get mean the ultimate joy. Or ultimate success in life, according to them, is to know the ultimate reality, beyond worldly pleasures, and wish for a better life beyond material world. Belief in Gods and godly people is the strongest ever, even now in the minds of people. The concept of prayers for worldly pleasures has been a recent development with people, who are apprehensive about the results of their undertakings. Looking for auspicious occasions and places to start anything new in life including some business undertaking, laying foundations of houses, buildings, factories and even marriages indicator man’s apprehension of a failure in life. Lack of confidence and belief in some deep rooted superstitions make a person resort to such means for a success.

The question, shall I succeed? Looms so large on the minds of people that many aspiring youth, despite their qualification and expertise for a particular adventure fall back for fear of a failure. They go on looking for an occasion where they are made doubly sure of their success, but still apprehensive of their failure, they are not able to reach the goals of success as desired by them.

The situation, indicated above, is enough pointer to the fact that the first secret of success in life is confidence. Lack of confidence in ones abilities for a particular activity is the first sign of failure. A person who has attained sufficient knowledge and experience of a particular work is not expected to fail as he knows all the ways and means of coming out of a particular situation and doesn’t allow things reach the extent of no return. A person confident of one’s success is not demoralized by failures in his way to success. He considers these failures as the steps of his success and occasions to see through his short comings. Such people welcome these failures as they know that a smooth way to success cannot give them the experience of meeting and facing them. People fully confident of their success, plan their each step and are never led by emotions or timely thoughts. Their point of success is always in their sight and no negative thought or action can mislead them from their path.

But it is always hard, for people, to gain a strong confidence as many pulls and pressures come in the way which deviate them from their path. Proper thought and planning help people gain courage to face the infirmities of life. Anyone who wishes and aspires for a divine help at the time of adversity is the function of a weak mind and infirm character. Such unsuccessful people blame their destiny and infirm character. Such unsuccessful people blame their destiny and not their poor initiative for their poor performance. Successful people have a clear insight into proper occasions and people whom they bank upon, to act upon a particular situation. They have no regrets if they face timely failures even, and they do not get demoralized and continue with their efforts and hit the jackpot pleasantly.

The other important secret for success in life is to have an open mind. People with closed bent of mind look everything with suspicion around them. They never try to discover the ideas of people about experiences in life and consider their own self far better experience in life than others. They take every decision guided by their own inner thinking and assessment of the situation. Such people are sometimes encouraged by being partly successful in a particular attempt and go on taking things in the same perspective. This line of action is prevalent with a number of people and they always live a low moderate life and consider the better success of people around a low moderate life and consider the better success of people around them, a result of their good fortune or a bounty from above, It is always beneficial for people to look into and have a keen desire to discover the secrets of success of others by reading about them or trying to understand their lives. Great people have never been men of close mind. The spider succeeded in his tenth attempt to reach its cobweb, wherefrom he had fallen down. Bruce gave a touch fight to his enemies, the tenth time and was crowned with success. Small and simple things and people need not be considered insignificant in this struggle for life. It was ultimately Mahatma Gandhi who succeeded in driving away the British from this land. There was no dearth of great leaders before Gandhi in India. They were all capable to forcefully make the Bruisers feel that their days in India were numbered. But with the masses of India and emerged out of them and succeeded in cutting at the end of the month the basic roots of slavery in this country which had been dug deep byte foreign yoke.

Every successful person learns from each step and every subsequent step is guided by his previous one hand, there is, then no chance of any failure. A person with an inquisitive character is always guided by the circumstances around him and his each move is calculated as he leaves nothing to chance. He makes very less mistakes. He gains sufficient confidence of people around and becomes their leader. He thinks always ahead of time and neither success nor failure is a surprise to him. He anticipates all his successes and failures and is neither sad on his failure nor rejoices his successes. Such great men always rule the world and it is then said by everyone that he was born great of keeping his eyes and ears open; learning from every move, whatever he took.

Honest dealings in everything, wherever you put your hand in, are the next secret of success. There are many people around, who think that the days of honesty are gone. They presume that, one cannot be successful in the world of today if he is scrupulously honest. Honesty is a virtue of olden days” they feel, “in this dishonest world, an honest person cannot do anything, but suffer,” they argue. Such assessment of the situations is also the product of a weak mentality and poor performance in one’s life. A dishonest person can achieve some timely gratification at the hands of some people around him but ultimately his own conscience will tell him that he is in the wrong. A person with a clean heart and pure conscience is the only person who has gained confidence for doing anything successfully in life which is the first secret of success. Only an honest person is capable to keep[p his head above all around him as honesty and fearlessness are two sides of the some coin. You cannot be dishonest and fearless at the same time as the fear of your ill doings being exposed before your well wishers is always before you. You cannot undertake any kind of new enterprise for the fear of the people whom you have cheated earlier. You have to tell a hundred lies to hide your misdoings. Such people look everyone with suspicion and consider the success of others also a result of their dishonesty. To them the whole worked and the people around is a bunch \of ill dose’s and doing something good to anybody seems a crime to them. Nobody is friend to them except a few who are co-partners in their game. They easily shun his company when he is convicted or exposed.

Honesty or truthfulness is a virtue without any equal. It wins good friends and well wishers for you who never let you down in your adversity. Our gain a good reputation for you and you are believed by everyone. You feel contented with your own self which is the greatest source of happiness. There is no limit to the hoi that is gained by having well wishers of people around you. Material happiness or worldly pleasures seem insignificant to such people. They relish even the failures of life as they are also the result of their good actions. They don’t consider anybody their enemy as they are good bent upon doing good to all, whatever response they get. There remains a bit of difference between success and failure before them. They laugh is adversity and are never carried away by emotions. Hatred, anger and selfishness keep far away from them. They develop such strength of character that even the greatest temptation cannot subdue them. Success is at their feet. People bow before them and their godly features.

To some people, success is only which can be displayed in the form of good money, big cars and buildings, holdings parties and people to bless them to attain worldly pleasures in the form of these riches. They leave no stone unturned to seek ways and means to attain these worldly joys but in spite of having this all, true mental peace evades them and they continue living in misery. The glamour of modern life attracts them and they attempt tooth and nail to achieve a whatever money can buy but still the eternal peace of mind is lost forever them.

As such, the secret of success in life does not lie in collecting lot of wealth and purchasing all the luxuries of life as simplicity, honesty and the strength of character is the real wealth worth preserving. People do not remember the names of those who have succeeded in amassing big wealth but those who have made their name in spending their life for a noble cause involving good of the making as a whole. They have left a mark on the history by not making the masses comfortable through their general good for a general cause.

Essay No. 02

The Secret of Success

In the modem age, every man wants to make a quick buck. It is because we live in a materialistic world where money thinks, talks, acts and rules. A man without money has no status in life. This is the reason that those who cannot make money through honest means, resort to several corrupt practices to become rich overnight.

As we generally see in life, a corrupt man, however, clever he may be, is caught in the long run and he has to spend his life behind the bars. Such a man can hardly be called a successful man.

It is thus that a person who wants to be really successful in life, must adopt some fair means for the purpose. It is rightly said that nothing can be received without giving. One receives only in proportion to what one gives. So, sacrifice is the first and foremost requirement for achieving success.

A shopkeeper who adulterates food and other items or one who gives short measures loses his customers and ultimately goes bankrupt. On the other hand, a shopkeeper who is fair in his dealings attracts customers and grows rich in the long run.

A student who does not work hard and wants to get through various examinations by copying from books and other classmates, loses grip over all subjects and ends as a dullard and a failure in life. So, the real secret of success lies in hard work. There is no other miracle which can bring about success.

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Really amazing article … very nice … Thanks for sharing this!! 🙂 🙂

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Finding Success Starts with Finding Your Purpose

John Coleman

It’s never too early — or too late — to ask the big questions.

Many people work their whole lives to achieve material success only to find their happiness and sense of purpose wanting when that success comes. They often spend their later years looking for purpose in their lives in order to feel a sense of meaning. Searching for meaning late in your life is a missed opportunity. Success without significance — purpose, service, and meaningful relationships — is not really success at all. It’s important to properly reflect on how you can live a life imbued intensely not just with the superficial trappings of “success” but with deep purpose and joy in all we do — starting now. Ask yourself: What is the core purpose of my work and the ways in which it makes the world better? Who are the key relationships in my life, and how can I deepen them? What more can I do at work, at home, and in my community to serve others? How am I becoming better each day?

In 1995, Bob Buford wrote the bestselling book Halftime , which popularized the concept of “moving from success to significance” in the second half of life. Buford realized that many businesspeople work their whole lives to achieve material success only to find their happiness and sense of purpose wanting when that success comes. And he rightly encouraged those people to seek out meaning and impact in their later years.

JC John Coleman is the author of the HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose . Subscribe to his free newsletter, On Purpose , follow him on Twitter @johnwcoleman, or contact him at johnwilliamcoleman.com.

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Essay on Secret of Success

Students are often asked to write an essay on Secret of Success in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Secret of Success

Understanding success.

Success is a broad term, often seen as achieving goals. It’s important to remember that success is subjective and varies from person to person.

The Secret Ingredient

The secret to success is determination. It is the drive that keeps you going even when things get tough. It’s your inner strength and resilience.

Hard Work and Persistence

Hard work and persistence are crucial. They help you overcome challenges and keep striving for your goals. Without them, success is hard to attain.

Learning from Failure

Failure is not the opposite of success. It’s a part of the journey. Learning from failures and mistakes is another secret to achieving success.

250 Words Essay on Secret of Success

The essence of success, passion: the fuel of success.

Passion is the driving force behind any successful endeavor. It ignites the flame of determination, propelling individuals to venture beyond their comfort zones. It is the love for what one does that makes the journey worthwhile, transforming monotonous tasks into exciting opportunities for growth.

Persistence: The Backbone of Success

Success is rarely achieved overnight. It is the product of relentless persistence, the ability to face failures, and the courage to stand up again. Thomas Edison’s countless attempts to invent the light bulb exemplify this secret. His persistence, despite repeated failures, ultimately led to a revolutionary invention.

Learning: The Pathway to Success

Constant learning is an integral part of success. It involves a willingness to acquire new knowledge, adapt to changing circumstances, and embrace growth. It is through learning that one can innovate, solve problems, and advance in their chosen field.

Collaboration: The Bridge to Success

No one achieves success in isolation. Collaboration is key, offering diverse perspectives, fostering creativity, and facilitating problem-solving. It is through cooperation with others that we can achieve goals beyond individual capabilities.

To conclude, the secret to success lies in passion, persistence, learning, and collaboration. These elements, when combined, create a potent formula for achieving success. It is essential to remember that success is a journey, not a destination, and these secrets can guide us on this exciting voyage.

500 Words Essay on Secret of Success

Introduction: the multifaceted nature of success, the power of a growth mindset.

One secret to success lies in the power of a growth mindset. This concept, introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck, suggests that individuals who believe their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work are more likely to achieve success. A growth mindset fosters a passion for learning, rather than a hunger for approval. It encourages individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than as insurmountable obstacles.

Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone

Another key to success is the ability to embrace failure as a stepping stone. Failure is often seen as a setback, a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, successful individuals understand that failure is an integral part of the journey towards success. They view failure as an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to improve. By embracing failure, individuals are able to foster resilience, a crucial trait that allows them to bounce back from adversity and persist in the face of challenges.

Perseverance: The Fuel of Success

The role of effective goal setting.

Effective goal setting is also a critical aspect of success. Goals provide a sense of direction, a roadmap that guides individuals towards their desired destination. They serve as a source of motivation, propelling individuals forward in their journey towards success. Effective goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They provide a clear and tangible target, making the path to success more manageable and less daunting.

Conclusion: The Journey of Success

In conclusion, the secret of success lies not in a single factor, but in a combination of elements including a growth mindset, the ability to embrace failure, perseverance, and effective goal setting. Success is a journey, a continuous process that requires a commitment to personal growth and development. It is not a destination, but a journey that is enriched by the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the growth experienced along the way.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

How to Be Successful in Reaching Your Goals

9 Psychological Strategies to Get Ahead in Life

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

Build a Growth Mindset

Improve your emotional intelligence, develop mental toughness, strengthen your willpower, focus on intrinsic motivations, set achievable goals, nurture traits linked to high potential, cultivate strong social support, avoid burnout.

Success is often defined as the ability to reach your goals in life, whatever those goals may be. In some ways, a better word for success might be attainment, accomplishment, or progress. It is not necessarily a destination but a journey that helps develop the skills and resources you need to thrive.

At a Glance

There are many different tactics for how to be successful in life, but the strategy that works best for you may depend on what success means to you . If you think of success as doing well at work or earning a high salary, your professional goals and accomplishments will take priority.

While professional success can be one piece of the puzzle, it leaves out many other important areas of life. Family, romantic relationships, academics, and athletics are just a few areas where people may strive for success. Your definition of success may vary, but many might define it as being fulfilled, happy, safe, healthy, and loved.

While there is no single right way to be successful, you can improve your chances by building a growth mindset, improving your emotional intelligence, developing mental toughness, and strengthening your willpower, among other strategies.

Because goals are self-created, what people view as success can vary depending on their needs, goals, and situation. There may not be a perfect combination of ingredients that can guarantee success. Still, there are some basic steps you can follow that can improve your chances of being successful in life, love, work, or whatever happens to be important to you.

Guido Mieth / Getty Images

Research by psychologist Carol Dweck suggests that there are two basic mindsets that influence how people think about themselves and their abilities: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset .

People who possess a fixed mindset believe that things such as intelligence are static and unchangeable. Those with a fixed mindset believe that success isn't a result of hard work—it's simply a consequence of innate talents.

Because they believe that such talents are something people are either born with or without, they tend to give up more easily in the face of a challenge. They quit when things do not come easily because they believe that they lack the inborn skills needed to excel.

Those who have a growth mindset, on the other hand, feel that they can change, grow, and learn through effort. People who believe that they are capable of growth are more likely to achieve success. When things get tough, they look for ways to improve their skills and keep working toward success.

People with a growth mindset believe that they have control of their life, while those with a fixed mindset believe that things are out of their control.

What can you do to build a growth mindset?

Believe that your efforts matter . Rather than thinking their abilities are fixed or stuck, people who have a growth mindset believe that effort and hard work can lead to meaningful growth.
Learn new skills . When faced with a challenge, they look for ways to develop the knowledge and skills that they need to overcome and triumph.
View failures as learning experiences . People with growth mindsets don't believe that failure is a reflection of their abilities. Instead, they view it as a valuable source of experience from which they can learn and improve. "That didn't work," they might think, "so this time I'll try something a little different."

Get Advice From The Verywell Mind Podcast

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares an exercise that can help you introduce a healthy habit into your life or get rid of a bad habit that's been holding you back.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

Overall intelligence has long been believed to be one factor contributing to success in different areas of life, but some experts suggest that emotional intelligence may actually matter even more. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand, utilize, and reason with emotions. Emotionally intelligent people are able to understand not only their own emotions, but those of others as well.

To improve your emotional intelligence:

Pay attention to your own emotions . Focus on identifying what you are feeling and what is causing those feelings.
Manage your emotions . Step back and try to view things with an impartial eye. Avoid bottling up or repressing your feelings, but look for healthy and appropriate ways of dealing with what you are feeling.
Listen to others. This not only involves hearing what they are saying, but also paying attention to nonverbal signals and body language.

Mental toughness refers to the resilience to carry on and continue trying even in the face of obstacles. People who possess this mental strength see challenges as opportunities. They also feel that they have control over their own destiny, are confident in their abilities to succeed, and are committed to finishing what they start.

What can you do to improve your mental toughness and increase your chances of being successful in life?

Believe in yourself . Cut out negative self-talk and look for ways to stay positive and self-encouraging.
Keep trying . Even when things seem impossible or setbacks keep holding you back, focus on ways that you can develop your skills and keep soldiering forward. One of the key habits of successful people is always looking at setbacks or failures as learning opportunities.
Care for yourself . Staying strong also means that you treat yourself with kindness. Check in with yourself regularly to ensure you have the things you need to thrive.
Look for growth opportunities . Learning more about yourself and challenging yourself to try new things can provide opportunities for self-discovery.

In a long-running longitudinal study, psychologists followed a group of children who were identified by their teachers as highly intelligent. As they compared how these subjects fared throughout childhood and into adulthood, researchers found that those who ultimately were the most successful in life shared some key characteristics, including perseverance and willpower.

These characteristics tend to be part of an individual's overall personality, but they are also something you can improve. Delayed gratification , learning to persist in the face of challenges, and waiting for the rewards of your hard work can often be the key to success in life.

Strategies you can use to improve your willpower include:

Distraction . For example, if you are trying to lose weight but are having a difficult time staying away from your favorite snacks, distracting yourself during your moments of weakness can be an effective way to avoid giving in to temptation.
Practice . Willpower is something you can build, but it takes time and effort. Start by making small goals that require will power to achieve, such as avoiding sugary snacks. As you build your ability to use your will power to achieve such small goals, you may find that your willpower is also stronger when working on much larger goals.

What is it that motivates you the most? Do you find that the promise of external rewards keeps you reaching for your goals, or is it the more personal, intrinsic motivators that keep you feeling inspired? While extrinsic rewards such as money, awards, and praise can be helpful, many people find that they are most motivated when they are doing things for personal satisfaction.

If you are doing things because you enjoy them, because you find them meaningful, or because you enjoy seeing the effects of your work, then you are driven by intrinsic motivations. Research has shown that while incentives can be a better predictor of some types of performance, intrinsic motivators tend to be better at predicting performance quality.

While it is often the external motivators that get people started, it is the internal motivators that kick in and keep people going in order to maintain those new behaviors.

What can you do to boost your sense of intrinsic motivation?

Challenge yourself . Pursuing a goal that is achievable but not necessarily easy, is a great way to increase motivation to succeed. Challenges can keep you interested in a task, improve your self-esteem, and offer feedback on areas you can improve on. Choosing a slightly challenging task will help motivate you to get started—it feels exciting!
Stay curious . Look for things that grab your attention and that you want to learn more about.
Take control . It can be difficult to stay intrinsically motivated to pursue a goal if you don't feel that you have any real influence over the outcome. Look for ways that you can take an active role.
Don't fear competition . There might be other people trying to reach the same goals as you, but this doesn't mean you should give up. Don't compare your progress or journey to anyone else's. You can look to others for motivation and inspiration, but remember that we all have different paths.

Successful people know that they need to start by having attainable goals to achieve. These goals are not necessarily easy to reach, but by having something to aim for, you will be better able to move forward and overcome obstacles.

When setting goals :

Be as specific as possible : Choosing a goal like "I'm going to spend 20 minutes a day learning a new language" is more achievable than setting a general goal like "I'm going to learn French."
Break your goal into smaller steps : Even if you select a specific goal, it can often seem difficult to achieve. Try breaking it into smaller steps that allow you to focus on moving forward without becoming overwhelmed.
Reward progress : Recognize your successes along the way and allow yourself to enjoy your accomplishments.

One of the biggest reasons people don't follow through on their goals [is] because they aren't what THEY want to do. Make sure your goals align with your personal values and needs, not what you 'think' you should do.

Psychologists have long attempted to link specific traits or personality characteristics to success in life and work. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one widely used assessment that is often utilized by businesses to screen job candidates. However, research often fails to show that the MBTI actually correlates to performance.

According to some more recent research, there are certain traits that tend to be consistently tied to success. Researchers Ian MacRae and Adrian Furnham have identified six key traits that can play a role in how well people do at work. However, they note that there are optimal levels of these traits. Too little of these characteristics can hinder success, but so can having too much.

If you are trying to learn how to be successful in life, consider what you can do to nurture these key traits:

Conscientiousness

Conscientious people consider the effects of their actions. They also consider how other people will react and feel. You can nurture this trait by:

Thinking about the consequences of actions
Considering other people's perspectives

Accepting of Ambiguity

Life is full of situations that are not always clear. People with a great deal of potential for success are better able to accept this ambiguity. Rather than being rigid and inflexible, they are ready to adapt when the unexpected comes their way. You can learn to embrace ambiguity by:

Challenging your perspectives and considering opinions and ideas other than your own
Not fearing the unfamiliar
Being willing to change
Valuing diversity

Capable of Adjustment

In addition to being able to accept ambiguity, success often hinges on the ability to quickly adjust to change. You can nurture this ability to adjust by:

Reframing difficult situations, to see them as opportunities to learn and grow rather than simply obstacles to live through
Being open to change; when plans or situations change, step back and look at ways to cope

The world's most successful people often exemplify great courage. They are willing to take risks, even in the face of potential failure. Research suggests that courageous people utilize positive emotions to overcome fear. You can improve your tolerance of risk by:

Quelling negative emotions and focusing on more positive feelings
Balancing risk with common sense; being cautious and pragmatic can also pay off, depending upon the situation

People who are successful tend to be curious about the world around them. They are always eager to learn more, including new knowledge and skills. You can cultivate your sense of curiosity by:

Relating tasks to your interests: If you find filing boring, for example, look for a more efficient way to categorize the information to play to your strengths as an organizer.
Learning new things

Competitiveness

Successful people are able to utilize competition to motivate, but avoid falling prey to jealousy. You can nurture a healthy sense of competition by:

Focusing on your own improvements; rather than worry about being the best at something, pay attention to your progress
Being happy when others succeed

Some personality traits and types may be better suited for certain jobs than others. However, no specific personality trait can guarantee success, nor can being low in that trait doom someone to failure.

While there are differences in opinion on just how much personality can be altered , nurturing some of these high potential traits might help you develop skills that can serve you well in many different aspects of your life.

Doing things alone can be difficult, but having a strong social support system can make things easier. Different types of social support can be important for success.

Emotional support can provide the comfort, security, and empathy you need as you face challenges.
Esteem support can boost your confidence and encourage you to keep going.
Informational support can provide mentorship, advice, and other necessary resources to reach your goals.
Tangible support can help you in active and practical ways. This might involve someone helping you perform a task or taking care of the task for you.

Having even one close person in your life that you feel you can go to in any circumstance is more helpful for your relational well-being than having 10 friends who are surface level. It's about quality, not quantity.

Mentors, friends, co-workers, and family members can cheer you on when things get tough and even offer advice and assistance that can help you improve your chances for success.

Burnout can happen when you are exposed to chronic stress . It can seriously impede success and lead to exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance.

Reduced motivation makes it harder to stick to your goals and can make you feel apathetic and uninterested.

Self-care strategies, such as getting enough sleep and engaging in healthy eating, can relieve some stress. But addressing burnout often requires getting to the bottom of the issue that is causing the problem.

Sometimes, this might mean reassessing your goals. If your goals are creating too much stress or if you are trying to achieve too much too fast, it can be a recipe for burnout. Look for ways to reduce stress, whether that involves shifting your goals, changing your plans, or even doing something more significant like moving somewhere else or changing jobs.

Keep in Mind

There is no single measure of success, and certainly no single answer for how to be successful in life. Yet by looking at some of the habits of successful people, you can learn new tactics and strategies to implement in your own daily life. Cultivate and nurture these abilities, and over time you may find that you are better able to reach your goals and achieve the success you want in life.

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Urquijo I, Extremera N, Azanza G. The contribution of emotional intelligence to career success: Beyond personality traits . Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2019;16(23). doi:10.3390/ijerph16234809

Giles B, Goods PSR, Warner DR, et al. Mental toughness and behavioural perseverance: A conceptual replication and extension . J Sci Med Sport . 2018;21(6):640-645. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2017.10.036

Shoda Y, Mischel W, Peake PK. Predicting adolescent cognitive and self-regulatory competencies from preschool delay of gratification: Identifying diagnostic conditions . Developmental Psychology. 1990;26(6):978-986. doi:10.1037/0012-1649.26.6.978

Cerasoli CP, Nicklin JM, Ford MT. Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic incentives jointly predict performance: A 40-year meta-analysis . Psychol Bull . 2014;140(4):980-1008. doi:10.1037/a0035661

Pittenger DJ. Cautionary comments regarding the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator . Consult Psychol J Pract Res. 2005;57(3):210-221. doi:10.1037/1065-9293.57.3.210

Komarraju M, Karau SJ, Schmeck RR, Avdic A. The big five personality traits, learning styles, and academic achievement . Pers Indiv Differ . 2011;51(4):472-477. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2011.04.019

MacRae I, Furnham A, Reed M. High Potential: How to Spot, Manage, and Develop Talented People at Work . Bloomsbury; 2018.

Eagleson C, Hayes S, Matthews A, Perman G, Hirsch CR. The power of positive thinking: Pathological worry is reduced by thought replacement in generalized anxiety disorder . Behav Res Ther . 2016;78:13-18. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2015.12.017

Maslach C, Leiter MP. Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry . 2016;15(2):103–111. doi:10.1002/wps.20311

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By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Greater Good Science Center • Magazine • In Action • In Education

What are the Secrets to a Happy Life?

At 19 years old, Godfrey Minot Camille was a tall redheaded boy with a charming manner who planned to enter medicine or the ministry. In 1938, Camille enrolled in a study that would follow him for the rest of his life, along with 267 other Harvard College sophomores deemed by recruiters as likely to lead “successful” lives.

Only gradually did the study’s staff discover that the allegedly “normal” Godfrey was an intractable and unhappy hypochondriac. On the 10th anniversary of his joining the study, each man was given an A through E rating anticipating future personality stability. When it was Godfrey’s turn, he was assigned an “E.”

But if Godfrey Camille was a disaster as a young man, by the time he was an old one he had become a star. His occupational success; measurable enjoyment of work, love, and play; his health; the depth and breadth of his social supports; the quality of his marriage and relationship to his children—all that and more combined to make him one of the most successful of the surviving men of the study. What made the difference? How did this sorry lad develop such an abundant capacity for flourishing?

These are the kinds of questions that can only be answered by a study that follows participants over the course of a lifetime, and the study in which Camille participated—known as the Grant Study , because it was originally funded by entrepreneur and philanthropist William T. Grant—is now the longest longitudinal study of biosocial human development ever undertaken, and is still on-going. Through reviews of Camille’s and his Harvard peers’ medical records, coupled with periodic interviews and questionnaires exploring their careers, relationships, and mental well-being, the study’s goal was to identify the key factors to a happy and healthy life.

I arrived at the Grant Study in 1966. I became its director in 1972, a position I held until 2004. The single most personally rewarding facet of my involvement with the Grant Study has been the chance to interview these men over four decades. I’ve found that no single interview, no single questionnaire is ever adequate to reveal the complete man, but the mosaic of interviews produced over many years can be most revealing.

This was certainly the case with Camille, whose life illuminates two of the most important lessons from the 75-year, 20-million-dollar Grant Study. One is that happiness is love. Virgil, of course, needed only three words to say the same thing, and he said it a very long time ago— Omnia vincit amor , or “love conquers all”—but unfortunately he had no data to back them up. The other lesson is people really can change. As we see in the example of this man’s life, they really can grow.

Up from a bleak childhood

Camille’s parents were upper class, but they were also socially isolated and pathologically suspicious. A child psychiatrist who reviewed Camille’s record 30 years later thought his childhood one of the bleakest in the Study.

Unloved and not yet grown into a sense of autonomy, Camille as a student adopted the unconscious survival strategy of frequent reports to the college infirmary. No evidence of tangible illness was found at most of his visits, and in his junior year a usually sympathetic college physician dismissed him with the disgusted comment, “This boy is turning into a regular psychoneurotic.” Camille’s constant complaining was an immature coping style. It didn’t connect with other people, and it kept them from connecting with him; they didn’t see his real underlying suffering and just got angry at his apparent manipulations.

After graduation from medical school, the newly minted Dr. Camille attempted suicide. The Study consensus at the time of his 10-year personality assessment was that he was “not fitted for the practice of medicine,” and, unloved as he was, he found taking care of other people’s needs overwhelming. But several sessions with a psychiatrist gave him a different view of himself. He wrote to the Study, “My hypochondriasis has been mainly dissipated. It was an apology, a self-inflicted punishment for aggressive impulses.”

Then, at age 35, he had a life-changing experience. He was hospitalized for 14 months in a veterans’ hospital with pulmonary tuberculosis. Ten years later he recalled his first thought on being admitted: “It’s neat; I can go to bed for a year, do what I want, and get away with it.”

“I was glad to be sick,” he confessed. His illness, a real one, finally ended up giving him the emotional security that his childhood—along with his hypochondriacal symptoms and subsequent careful neutrality—never had. Camille felt his time in the hospital almost like a religious rebirth. “Someone with a capital ‘S’ cared about me,” he wrote. “Nothing has been so tough since that year in the sack.”

Released from the hospital, Dr. Camille became an independent physician, married, and grew into a responsible father and clinic leader. His coping style changed as the decades passed. His transitional reliance on displacement (the unconscious avoidance of emotional intensity) was replaced by the still more empathic involuntary coping mechanisms of altruism and generativity (a wish to nurture others’ development). He was now functioning as a giving adult. Whereas at 30 he had hated his dependent patients, by 40 his adolescent fantasy of caring for others had become a reality. In vivid contrast with his post-graduation panic, he now reported that what he liked most about medicine was that “I had problems and went to others, and now I enjoy people coming to me.”

When I was 55 and Camille was almost 70, I asked him what he had learned from his children. “You know what I learned from my children?” he blurted out, tears in his eyes. “I learned love!” Many years later, having seized a serendipitous opportunity to interview his daughter, I believed him. I have interviewed many Grant Study children, but this woman’s love for her father remains the most stunning that I have encountered among them.

At age 75, Camille took the opportunity to describe in greater detail how love had healed him:

Before there were dysfunctional families, I came from one. My professional life hasn’t been disappointing—far from it—but the truly gratifying unfolding has been into the person I’ve slowly become: comfortable, joyful, connected, and effective. Since it wasn’t widely available then, I hadn’t read that children’s classic, The Velveteen Rabbit , which tells how connectedness is something we must let happen to us, and then we become solid and whole. As that tale recounts tenderly, only love can make us real. Denied this in boyhood for reasons I now understand, it took me years to tap substitute sources. What seems marvelous is how many there are and how restorative they prove. What durable and pliable creatures we are, and what a storehouse of goodwill lurks in the social fabric. . . I never dreamed my later years would be so stimulating and rewarding.

That convalescent year, transformative though it was, was not the end of Camille’s story. Once he grasped what had happened, he seized the ball and ran with it, straight into a developmental explosion that went on for 30 years. A professional awakening and a spiritual one; a wife and two children of his own; two psychoanalyses, a return to the church of his early years—all these allowed him to build for himself the loving surround that he had so missed as a child, and to give to others out of its riches.

At 82, Godfrey Minot Camille had a fatal heart attack while mountain climbing in the Alps, which he dearly loved. His church was packed for the memorial service. “There was a deep and holy authenticity about the man,” said the Bishop in his eulogy. His son said, “He lived a very simple life, but it was very rich in relationships.” Yet prior to age 30, Camille’s life had been essentially barren of relationship. Folks change. But they stay the same, too. Camille had spent his years before the hospital looking for love, too. It just took him a while to learn how to do it well.

How to flourish

In 2009, I delved into the Grant Study data to establish a Decathlon of Flourishing—a set of ten accomplishments that covered many different facets of success. Two of the items in the Decathlon had to do with economic success, four with mental and physical health, and four with social supports and relationships. Then I set out to see how these accomplishments correlated, or didn’t, with three gifts of nature and nurture—physical constitution, social and economic advantage, and a loving childhood.

The results were as clear-cut as they were startling.

We found that measures of family socioeconomic status had no significant correlation at all with later success in any of these areas. Alcoholism and depression in family histories proved irrelevant to flourishing at 80, as did longevity. The sociability and extraversion that were so highly valued in the initial process of selecting the men did not correlate with later flourishing either. In contrast with the weak and scattershot correlations among the biological and socioeconomic variables, a loving childhood—and other factors like empathic capacity and warm relationships as a young adult—predicted later success in all ten categories of the Decathlon . What’s more, success in relationships was very highly correlated with both economic success and strong mental and physical health, the other two broad areas of the Decathlon.

In short, it was a history of warm intimate relationships—and the ability to foster them in maturity—that predicted flourishing in all aspects of these men’s lives.

We found, for instance, that there was no significant difference between the maximum earned incomes of the men with IQs of 110–115 and the incomes of the men with IQs of 150-plus. On the other hand, men with warm mothers took home $87,000 more than those men whose mothers were uncaring. The men who had good sibling relationships when young were making an average of $51,000 more a year than the men who had poor relationships with their siblings. The 58 men with the best scores for warm relationships made an average of $243,000 a year; in contrast, the 31 men with the worst scores for relationships earned an average maximum salary of $102,000 a year.

So when it comes to late-life success—even when success is measured strictly in financial terms—the Grant Study finds that nurture trumps nature. And by far the most important influence on a flourishing life is love. Not early love exclusively, and not necessarily romantic love. But love early in life facilitates not only love later on, but also the other trappings of success, such as high income and prestige. It also encourages the development of coping styles that facilitate intimacy, as opposed to the ones that discourage it. The majority of the men who flourished found love before 30, and the data suggests that was why they flourished.

We can’t choose our childhoods, but the story of Godfrey Minot Camille reveals that bleak ones do not doom us. If you follow lives long enough, people adapt and they change, and so do the factors that affect healthy adjustment. Our journeys through this world are filled with discontinuities. Nobody in the Study was doomed at the outset, but nobody had it made, either. Inheriting the genes for alcoholism can turn the most otherwise blessed golden boy into a skid row bum. Conversely, an encounter with a very dangerous disease liberated the pitiful young Dr. Camille from a life of loneliness and dependency. Who could have foreseen, when he was 29 and the Study staff ranked him in the bottom three percent of the cohort in personality stability, that he would die a happy, giving, and beloved man?

Only those who understand that happiness is only the cart; love is the horse. And perhaps those who recognize that our so-called defense mechanisms, our involuntary ways of coping with life, are very important indeed. Before age 30, Camille depended on narcissistic hypochondriasis to cope with his life and his feelings; after 50 he used empathic altruism and a pragmatic stoicism about taking what comes. The two pillars of happiness revealed by the 75-year-old Grant Study—and exemplified by Dr. Godfrey Minot Camille—are love and a mature coping style that does not push love away.

Above all, the Study reveals how men like Dr. Camille adapted themselves to life and adapted their lives to themselves—a process of maturation that unfolds over time. Indeed, I have always regarded the Grant Study as an instrument that permitted the study of time, much as the telescope uncovered the mysteries of the galaxies and the microscope enabled the study of microbes.

For researchers, prolonged follow-up can be a rock upon which fine theories founder, but it also can be a means of discovering robust and enduring truth. At the outset of the Study in 1939, it was thought that men with masculine body types—broad shoulders and a slender waist—would succeed the most in life. That turned out to be one of many theories demolished by the Study as it has followed the lives of these men. To benefit from the lessons both of the Grant Study and of life requires persistence and humility, for maturation makes liars of us all.

About the Author

George e. vaillant.

George E. Vaillant, M.D., is a psychoanalyst and a research psychiatrist, one of the pioneers in the study of adult development. He is a professor at Harvard University and directed Harvard's Study of Adult Development for thirty-five years. His 1977 book, Adaptation to Life , is a classic text in the study of adult development. He is also the author of Aging Well , The Natural History of Alcoholism , and Triumphs of Experience , from which this essay is adapted.

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Secrets to Success: 7 Secrets of Wildly Successful People

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Here at Science of People we’re constantly being asked: “How can I become more successful?” We set out to answer that question by scouring research to uncover secrets to success of the most successful people.

Let’s see how they optimize their lives and accomplish their goals .

#1 It’s Not About IQ

The smartest people are the most successful, right? Not quite… Anders Ericsson, a professor of psychology at Florida State University, says that it might actually be an advantage not to be a genius.

Here’s why:

When he studied elite chess players, he found that there is no correlation between IQ and success. In fact, players with lower IQs were often more successful. This is shocking, but not when you consider the reason why.

The players with lower IQs felt like they were at a disadvantage because of their lack of extraordinary intelligence so they worked harder to master their skills. Meanwhile, many of the the naturally smart players lost because they figured they didn’t have to try very hard to win. They failed because effort beats IQ.

Angela Lee Duckworth noticed the same thing when predicting the success of individuals in a variety of contexts. She gave a great TED talk about how grit – the willingness to consistently work hard through difficult scenarios – not IQ, is the most accurate indicator of success.

Check it out:

The other key that sets successful individuals apart is their ability to understand people. A study conducted by the Carnegie Foundation found that 85% of a person’s success is based on their interpersonal skills. Because of this, we know that PQ (people intelligence) is more important than IQ.

Ask yourself: How well do you work with others? If your answer is not very well, then your focus needs to be on improving your social skills and building better relationships.

Luckily, you’re finding this out about yourself while on Science of People and we have lots of great resources that will give you the tools you need to increase your PQ.

#2 Success is Relative

The founder of Wikipedia, Larry Sanger, created it as a nonprofit. Salman Khan, founder of Khan Academy, relies mostly on donations.

What does success mean to you? Success doesn’t always equal money or fame.

You define your own success.

Whatever gives you the most personal fulfillment is your own success story.

In my amazing interview with Guy Raz, author of the new book How I Built This , we talked about what exactly goes into making the recipes of success.

I highly recommend checking out our interview together. I learned TONS from this success expert—and I’m sure you will, too!

#3 Become a Master at 10,000 Hours

Another key to success is consistent practice. In Outliers , Malcolm Gladwell studied successful people and found that the world’s top experts are not naturally skilled or talented. They simply practice several hours every week until they reach the 10,000 hour mastery point.

The theory is that once someone practices a task for 10,000 hours, they become an expert because they’ve invested enough time to develop an extraordinary ability to perform the task.

Sounds like a lot of work, right? It is and that’s why it sets apart the most successful people from those who never move past mediocre skill levels. People who are committed to greatness have the discipline to put in the hours it takes to achieve mastery.

Are you setting aside time to be an expert at what you do?

Remember: just like you’re not going to become an expert overnight, you don’t have to dramatically change your life to become one either. Making a simple commitment to spending a few extra hours per week improving your skills can put you on the path to success. Just don’t stop practicing.

#4 Learn to Read Hidden Emotions

As you spend more time improving your technical skills, don’t forget to also master your people skills . One of the most effective strategies to understand people is to learn how to read microexpressions . They are unconscious facial expressions that reveal inner emotions.

Today I want to teach you how to recognize contempt, because it is the sneakiest.

Here’s what contempt looks like:

#5 Succeed at Failing

The most successful people embrace the possibility of failure. Why? Because failing means learning and learning is the only way to improve. It’s how you react to failure that determines if it is negative or not.

Dan Coyle, bestselling author of The Talent Code , says that if you’re setting great goals, you should only succeed in 50-80% of your attempts. It sounds counterintuitive, but just knowing you might fail increases your likelihood of success because your fear will motivate you to work harder and develop more creative solutions when obstacles arise.

When you do fail, do a post-mortem on your failures. Critically evaluate what caused the failure and brainstorm ideas for how you can avoid doing the same thing again. Record your ideas in a failure file so you can turn your mistakes into learning.

#6 Find a Mentor Who Will Hold You Accountable

So far we’ve looked at how success is a lot of work – and it is – but what we’ve yet to touch on is that you don’t become successful on your own.

Have you ever heard the saying: “ If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ?

It’s a great way to describe success because you can’t accomplish amazing things without the help of other people.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Tweet

Regardless of whether you’re trying to be a more successful parent or a more successful CEO, you need to find at least one person to be your mentor and accountability partner.

Having a mentor allows you to learn from experiences of someone who has gone through many of the same struggles you are dealing with and is succeeding at levels that you hope to achieve. It doesn’t matter who they are as long as they inspire you and push you to become better.

#7 Powerful Body Language Will Fuel Confidence

You could practice hundreds of hours a month, have the best best mentor in the world and be a master at understanding other people but unless you’re able to physically exude confidence, you’ll struggle to be successful.

Winners, leaders and alphas have winning body language. This means they take up physical space. Why? When we take up space we feel like we belong in our space. This sense of belonging gives us the pride to believe that we can be successful .

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that when athletes win a race, the more expansive their body language and when athletes lose a race, the more defeated their body language. Want to look like a winner? Roll your shoulders back, firmly plant your feet, open your chest and keep your head up. The more confident your body looks, the more confident you will be perceived as. This is called high body power—taking up space with your body.

Popular Guides

64 thoughts on “secrets to success: 7 secrets of wildly successful people”.

I am impressed

Great. It blessed my life and enhance my research.

I felt revised as I read through these secrets. God bless you.

Thanks very much

Thanks so much I really really enjoin

This is great lesson I have learned, i’m grateful.

Thank you for providing such relevant topic

Tnks so much, I have learned a lot from this content. With what I have seen here, I must be a successful person. Tnks once again.

This is one of the best motivational page I have ever read in my life Bravo to you Vanessa

Thank you for the wonderful newsletters! I am learning so much by reading them.

No.4 ( Learn to read hidden emotions) is great, Vanessa, well done.

I just received word this year that the traditional “10,000 Hours” theory is either debunked, altered, or at least seriously challenged. I think I remember the source. This dude Joshua Voiles has an “Artist Acceleration” program, to increase music artistry development speed, and, like Vanessa The Awesome, he devours books ‘n’ research. He has mentioned 2 of the books YOU mentioned HERE. I will go back into the early modules and see if I can find the challenge to the 10,000 Hours claim. Write Joshua Voiles on your watch list. He does have a story of overcoming adversity. Might wanna do a VVE podcast with him in the coming months. I’ll get back with ya.

Great stuff, Vanessa! Thank you!

thanks so I really appreciate your effort

Just lean alot here today… God bless u

Wow these article is absolutely incredible, I really enjoy reading via it carefully. You’ve done a nice job by enlightening people! A job well done Vanessa.

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7 Science-Backed Secrets for Achieving Success in Life

Success is a subjective notion, if there ever was one.

But for simplicity’s sake, let’s assume the higher you are on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs , the better you’re doing. In case you don’t remember the levels from Psych 101, essentially, people can’t be their best possible selves (self-actualization) until lower-level needs are met first. In other words, you can’t be an ideal version of yourself if you don’t have enough food and money to pay the bills, or enough love and esteem to feel good about your value as a human being.

So, what can you do to move yourself up the pyramid?

Check out the findings from several studies, which shine a light on what it takes to achieve more in life.

1. Increase Your Confidence by Taking Action

Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, authors of The Confidence Code , wrote a stellar article for The Atlantic on this subject. Highlighting scads of studies that have found that a wide confidence gap exists between the sexes, they point out that success is just as dependent on confidence as it is on competence. Their conclusion? Low confidence results in inaction. “[T]aking action bolsters one’s belief in one’s ability to succeed,” they write. “So confidence accumulates—through hard work, through success, and even through failure.”

2. Broaden Your Definition of Authenticity

Authenticity is a much sought-after leadership trait, with the prevailing idea being that the best leaders are those who self-disclose, who are true to themselves, and who make decisions based on their values. Yet in a recent Harvard Business Review article titled “ The Authenticity Paradox ,” Insead professor Herminia Ibarra discusses interesting research on the subject and tells the cautionary tale of a newly promoted general manager who admitted to subordinates that she felt scared in her expanded role, asking them to help her succeed. “Her candor backfired,” Ibarra writes. “She lost credibility with people who wanted and needed a confident leader to take charge.” So know this: Play-acting to emulate the qualities of successful leaders doesn’t make you a fake. It merely means you’re a work in progress.

3. Improve Your Social Skills

According to research by University of California Santa Barbara economist Catherine Weinberger, the most successful business people excel in both cognitive ability and social skills , something that hasn’t always been true. She crunched data linking adolescent skills in 1972 and 1992 with adult outcomes, and found that in 1980, having both skills didn’t correlate with better success, whereas today the combination does. “The people who are both smart and socially adept earn more in today’s workforce than similarly endowed workers in 1980,” she says.

4. Train Yourself to Delay Gratification

The classic Marshmallow Experiment of 1972 involved placing a marshmallow in front of a young child, with the promise of a second marshmallow if he or she could refrain from eating the squishy blob while a researcher stepped out of the room for 15 minutes. Follow-up studies over the next 40 years found that the children who were able to resist the temptation to eat the marshmallow grew up to be people with better social skills, higher test scores, and lower incidence of substance abuse. They also turned out to be less obese and better able to deal with stress. But how to improve your ability to delay things like eating junk food when healthy alternatives aren’t available, or to remain on the treadmill when you’d rather just stop?

Writer James Clear suggests starting small, choosing one thing to improve incrementally every day, and committing to not pushing off things that take less than two minutes to do, such as washing the dishes after a meal or eating a piece of fruit to work toward the goal of eating healthier. Committing to doing something every single day works too. “Top performers in every field—athletes, musicians, CEOs, artists—they are all more consistent than their peers,” he writes . “They show up and deliver day after day while everyone else gets bogged down with the urgencies of daily life and fights a constant battle between procrastination and motivation.”

5. Demonstrate Passion and Perseverance for Long-Term Goals

Psychologist Angela Duckworth has spent years studying kids and adults and found that one characteristic is a significant predictor of success: grit . “Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality,” she said in a TED talk on the subject. “Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

6. Embrace a “Growth Mindset”

According to research conducted by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, how people view their personality affects their capacity for happiness and success. Those with a “fixed mindset” believe things like character, intelligence, and creativity are unchangeable, and avoiding failure is a way of proving skill and smarts.

People with a “growth mindset,” however, see failure as a way to grow and therefore embrace challenges , persevere against setbacks, learn from criticism, and reach higher levels of achievement. “Do people with this mindset believe that anyone can be anything, that anyone with proper motivation or education can become Einstein or Beethoven? No, but they believe that a person’s true potential is unknown (and unknowable); that it’s impossible to foresee what can be accomplished with years of passion, toil, and training,” she writes .

7. Invest in Your Relationships

After following the lives of 268 Harvard undergraduate males from the classes of 1938 to 1940 for decades, psychiatrist George Vaillant concluded something you probably already know: Love is the key to happiness. Even if a man succeeded in work, amassed piles of money , and experienced good health, without loving relationships he wouldn’t be happy, Vaillant found. The longitudinal study showed happiness depends on two things: “One is love,” he wrote. “The other is finding a way of coping with life that does not push love away.”

Photo of escalator courtesy of Shutterstock .

THE GREATEST SECRET OF SUCCESS + 7 BEST WAYS TO APPLY IT TO YOUR LIFE

Hundreds of thousands of people every day seek out ways to be a success in life. They seek, and seek, and seek for the secret of success. They seek promotions, praise, lots of money, early retirement, and freedom, but they never find it.

Are You Looking For The Secret of Success?

One reason people never discover the success they’re looking for, is because they give up to soon. They throw in the towel just before discovering the greatest secret of success.

A great many people also come across this secret of success unknowingly, yet, they don’t realize it when they see it. The secret looks them in the face, but they turn away from it because it looks different than what they hoped it would be.

Then there are those who learn about this simple little secret, but day after day fail to apply it. They allow little things to deter their application of this secret, little things like a lack of self-discipline, fear , or sufficient motivation.

Easy Come Easy Go

Astonishingly, most of the greatest books on success include this secret we speak of. The answer is always there, waiting to be discovered and applied. Mysteriously though, the authors of these great success books never make their secrets easy to find. In fact, they typically bury it deep within their texts.

Why so secretive?

Perhaps it’s because they wish to weed out the uninitiated. Or, perhaps it’s because they know, that anything obtained easily is likely to disappear easily.

In other words, things that are earned are likely to last, while things that are given are forgotten fast.

So, What’s This Great Secret of Success?

If you’re a reader of The STRIVE, you probably already know what this great secret of success is that we are alluding to. In fact, the answer is embedded within the name. But, you may be new here, so we’ll happily explain it in further detail.

Before we fill you in on this secret though, and before we share with you the way to become a success in just about any area of your life, there are a few things you must first know.

Some Not So Inconvenient Truths

The first thing you must know and be aware of, is the truth, the truth about our world and the truth about your nature.

So here it is, here is the truth. We live in a world of mediocrity. The majority of people across the world embrace the mediocre, the average, the commonplace.

The great majority of the world likes things to be easy. They like things to be handed to them.

In fact, it’s our nature to search for the simple, the easy, the convenient. Think about it, how often do you automatically think about doing the bare minimum on a task…whether it’s putting in the least amount of effort on a project, clocking out of work as soon as you can, or looking for the shortest and fastest route to your destinations?

We’d put money on it, that for most of us, seeking the path of least resistance is something we always do, every day, every minute, every second. We are hard-wired for ease and the conservation of energy. It’s our nature.

No doubt, thousands and thousands of years ago, finding the shortest path, conserving the most energy, and seeking out the easiest way to do something lended to our survival, but those cave dwelling days are over friend.

Operating on Minimums

Sadly, too many of us still operate on these types of minimums. We think that by putting in minimal effort, we are maximizing our returns.

We still think that if we can get away with putting in the fewest amount time on a project, while getting rewarded the same paycheck as everyone else, we are somehow coming out ahead.

Too many people believe that if we can discover how to work a four-hour work week, and then spend the rest of our days surfing the net, taking it easy, and getting to do whatever we want, we’ve won. But, that just ain’t so.

We’ve been duped. On the daily we are being sold on the falsehoods of ease and shortcuts.

Our less-than-ideal nature is being taking advantage of. In fact, they take advantage of our nature when they say…

“Buy this fitness program and you’ll have the best-looking abs in only 5 minutes a day.”

“Buy this book and you’ll be able to learn how to live the life of your dreams while only working 4 Hours a Day.”

“Take this supplement and you’ll be able to look amazing in just a few short weeks.”

The promise of minimums. But these promises are not promises at all.

In fact, they are a part of one huge lie. And it’s a lie that too many people get sold on. It is the lie of ease.

“Ease is The Hallmark of The Mediocre.”

Yes, the mediocre love their ease, their conveniences, and their shortcuts. Fortunately, there are smart people like you, who know these truths, AND are willing to act in contrast to them.

Truly, it is the people with an anti-mediocrity mindset who consistently find what they seek. It is they, the few masters of their own mediocrity that discover success time and time again in every endeavor they choose.

So, are you ready for our secret of success? We hope so. Before we give it to you, know this; if you will embrace this secret, if you will live it, breathe it, and indefinitely believe it…in the long run there’s no way you can lose.

If you’re ready to trust us, then behold:

The Greatest Secret to Finding Success in Life Is…

“The greatest secret in the world is that you only have to be a small, measurable amount better than mediocrity…and you’ve got it made.” – Og Mandino

In other words, be a person who strives! Strive to be and do more than average, strive to make extra a part of you!

Strive to be rich and prosperous. Strive to always go the extra mile. Strive to be Extra ordinary!

And there you have it, this is the greatest secret of success. Now applying it is 100% up to you.

Applying The Greatest Secret of Success

Without a doubt an average person would have ended this post with that last sentence. Why? Because it would have been easy to do so.

But we won’t leave you there. You deserve some actionable steps that you can implement now to distance yourself from the cult of the average today. May they help you find more success in life, may they help you become extraordinary. Here you go:

7 WAYS TO APPLY THE SECRET OF SUCCESS IN LIFE

1. Decide to BE/DO/HAVE More

The first and most important thing anyone can do to find more success in any area of their life is to decide to have more than average and be more than average. Passively desiring to have more, to be more, and to do more in life is not good enough. You must decide to have it.

Once you are ready to get what you want, to make a change, to improve your life; a determined decision to get what you want must be made. As soon as your mind has been made up and a decision has been made, action will follow.

And the first and best action you can take is this…

2. Plan Your Success

The average person does not set goals. Most people dream of a better and brighter future, but they fail to put those dreams down onto a piece of paper.

Most people don’t realize how powerful the simple act of putting pen to paper to commit to their goals can be. But it’s scientifically proven to increase your chances of success.

So, one of the best things you can do to set yourself apart from the rest, is to start planning your life. One of the best ways of doing this, is to create a goal setting system where you map out your goals for the week, month, quarter, and year ahead.

Believe it or not, when you do this, you are consciously mapping out your life. By setting goals, you are in fact giving yourself way points to strive for and direction in your quest for life improvement.

If you want to increase your chances of improving your life, make a plan for it to happen. If you want to start finding more success in life start setting goals today !

3. Think Big Go Big

You’ve heard the saying, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Well, it’s a powerful message about expectations.

Surely, we don’t always get what we expect, unless we expect nothing. Expect nothing, get nothing.

By going big and aiming high, you give yourself a better shot of achieving something big. Sure, you may miss your mark, but if you never go big, there’s no way you’ll ever achieve big.

Leave the small uninspiring aims for the mediocre. If you want to be and have more than the average, begin to think big , go big, and eventually you’ll receive big!

4. Embrace What The Mediocre Won’t

One of the easiest ways to set yourself up for success is to do what others won’t do. If “the competition” won’t stay late, stay late, if they won’t focus on quality, focus on quality, if they won’t be positive, be positive, if they want to coast, you soar, and if they want to go slow, you go fast.

You get the picture, never shy away from what others are unwilling to do. In fact, run towards what others run away from, and you’ll eventually have it made in the shade.

So, be willing to embrace what others won’t (the discomfort, the difficult, the dirty job, the extra mile…the hard things) and you will win by default .

Those who will embrace the hard , will find it easy to win.

5. Study The Successful

There’s a well known adage in the world of self-development that states, “What you focus on expands.” Therefore, if you want to find more success in life, it will do you good to fill your mind with what you are after.

And, studying the lives of the successful will help you do just that. When you study the lives of the successful, not just observe them for entertainment purposes, you will learn the mindset, the strategies, and the trials the successful had to overcome to reach their success.

Knowing these details will give you the insights that can help you make better decisions on your journey to success. Success stories are blueprints of success.

In addition to this, when you study the successful, you subconsciously program your mind to pursue the prosperity, achievements, and success that those high achievers have obtained. And this is a good thing, because looking up, will pull you up.

So, start actively studying the stories of the successful if you wish to find more success.

6. Don’t Fear Failure

As you strive for success there will be times when you fail, because failure is a part of the process. There are very few people who have set out to achieve something greater for themselves who hit the mark on their first attempt.

So, be cognizant of the possibility and likelihood for some failures along the way. Then, be brave, get your mind right about the failure that may occur, and push forward relentlessly.

In short, seek out failure. Fail early and often, and get it over with, and you will inch closer to your eventual success. Guaranteed!

7. Never Settle

Average people settle. They settle for what they can get. They settle for what everyone else is doing. They take the easy way out in every area of their lives.

But you are not average, you are extraordinary. And if you want to remain extraordinary and continue to reap the extraordinary, you must ensure you never settle.

So, what’s the best way to never settle?

One of the best ways to ensure you stay hungry is to immediately create new goals for yourself as soon as you have achieved the initial goals you set out to hit. When you update your goals and plans, you keep things fresh and give yourself renewed energy for continual action and extra effort in all of your undertakings.

So, if you wish to continually find more and more success in your life, be sure you are always giving new life to your striving with new goals. Why?

Because when you’re striving you’re thriving.

Bonus Secret of Success

If you’ve made it to this point in the post, you deserve this last secret of success. No doubt, if you aim to be above average, and live an above average life, you WILL eventually create the conditions for yourself by following the steps above along with greatest secret that was just shared with you.

But if you consider yourself truly ambitious, and if you’re truly ready to experience staggering success, the likes by which you’ve only dreamed of until this point, you’ll only be able to find it, by heeding the strangest secret of success that was discovered by this man: Earl Nightingale .

This is The Beginning, Not the End

Friends, much of what was just revealed in this post are things you probably already knew. Most people are actually aware of this stuff already, we know that.

However, most people just have a surface understanding of these success secrets. They don’t truly KNOW this truth. They don’t know it in their bones.

If they did, we wouldn’t feel compelled to write this stuff. Here’s one last recap, so that it sticks….

Shun Mediocrity – Aim To Be Above Average
Decide to Become More
Plan Your Success
Embrace The Difficult
Study/Model The Successful
Don’t Fear Failure
Never Settle
Study The Strangest Secret of Success

Fortunately for you, if you’ve gotten this far, if you’re reading these words, you now have a serious advantage over others. Fortunately for you, with this new and deeper understanding of the greatest secret of success, you know what it takes to become a true success in life .

This may be the end of the post, but it’s just the beginning of your success story.

Until you reach your aims,

PS – This book is required reading – ‘ The Greatest Secret in The World ‘

PPS – So is this book – ‘The Strangest Secret’

PPPS – If these words rang true for you, don’t hesitate to share them with the world…

“If you can dream it, you can do it!” TheSTRIVE.co Tweet This

50+ SECRET OF SUCCESS QUOTES TO GUIDE YOU TO GREATER SUCCESS

BEST WEB HOSTING FOR BEGINNERS AND NEW INTERNET ENTREPRENEURS

The STRIVE is on a mission to inspire and uplift 1 billion people by 2032. Our primary aim is to help as many people as possible believe in the uncommon thought, that they can be more than they are, do more than they've done, and achieve more prosperity than they've ever dreamed possible. Let's achieve the impossible together.

Inspirational Quotes on Patience and Success

1. “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau

2. “Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” – Napoleon Hill

3. “Paralyze resistance with persistence.” – Woody Hayes

4. “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run then walk if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

5. “Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.” – Ovid

6. “If you wait by the river long enough, the bodies of your enemies will float by.” – Sun Tzu

7. “Energy and patience in business are two indispensable elements of success.” – P.T. Barnum

8. “Patience and fortitude conquer all things.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

9. “Patience is not passive, on the contrary, it is concentrated strength.” – Bruce Lee

10. “To know how to wait is the great secret of success.” – Joseph DeMaistre

11. “Success requires both urgency and patience. Be urgent about making the effort, and patient about seeing the results.” – Ralph Marston

12. “Just because it is not happening right now doesn’t mean it never will.” – Anonymous

13. “Patience is the key which solves all problems.” – Sudanese Proverb

14. “The price of success: hard work, patience, and a few sacrifices.” – Edward Bok

15. “To lose patience is to lose the battle.” – Mahatma Gandhi

16. “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

17. “Be patient. Empires are not built in a day.” – Anonymous

18. “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” – Leo Tolstoy

19. “Be patient. Sometimes you have to go through the worst to get the best.” – Anonymous

20. “A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else.” – George Savile.

21. “All great achievements require time.” – Maya Angelou

22. “Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance. ” – Samuel Johnson

23. “The hardest test in life is having the patience to wait for the right moment.” – Anonymous

24. “Patience and Diligence, like faith, remove mountains.” – William Penn

25. “Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.” – Abigail Adams

26. “Patience is the path to your ambitions.” – Gary Vaynerchuck

27. “Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” – Joyce Meyer

28. “Patience is the companion of wisdom.” – Saint Augustine

29. “Success is the result of perfection, hard work , learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.” – Colin Powell

30. “Patience is the key to everything.” – Turkish Proverb

31. “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” – John Quincy Adams

32. “Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.” – Saadi

33. “One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.” – Chinese Proverb

34. “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

35. “Overnight success stories take a long time.” – Steve Jobs

Bonus Quote on Patience and Success

Bonus: This last quote on patience is one of our favorite in summing up how patience is the key to success:

“Trees That Are Slow To Grow Bear The Best Fruit.” – Molière –

Final Thoughts on Patience and Success

Without a doubt, success takes patience and time. And we hope these quotes have inspired you to realize that just because your success has yet to arrive, doesn’t mean that it never will.

So, stay patient and faithful of your better future, because patience pays. And no matter what happens, be patient and keep moving forward.

Till next time,

PS – If you enjoyed these quotes about patience and success, then you’ll love these inspirational quotes about remaining patient but still staying hungry for success .

100+ POSITIVE ATTITUDE QUOTES TO INSPIRE A POSITIVE LIFE

Having a positive attitude is a mental outlook of optimism and great expectations. People who have this attitude are typically more cheerful, joyful, and easier to get along with. On top of this, people who possess a positive state of mind are more resilient in dealing with setbacks and tend to see more opportunities for themselves. As a result, they find more opportunities for themselves. In short, having a positive attitude is great foundation for building a happy, healthy , and successful life for yourself, which is why we’ve pulled together this ultimate collection of positive attitude quotes.

Oure hope is that these encouraging quotes inspire you to continue cultivating your own positive attitude. With that said, if you’re for ready for some powerful quotes related to the power of having a positive attitude, then let’s dive in.

BEST ATTITUDE QUOTES FOR A POSITIVE LIFE

1 . “Our attitude towards life determines life’s attitude towards us.” – John Mitchell

2. “Things have a way of working themselves out if we just remain positive.” – Lou Holtz

3. “It is good people who make good places.” – Anna Sewell

4. “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” – Viktor Frankl

5. “A great attitude is not the result of success; success is the result of a great attitude.” – Earl Nightingale

6. “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” – Thomas Jefferson

7. “Attitude diseases are deadly. They’ll destroy all the good things you start.” – Jim Rohn

8. “The most important thing you’ll ever wear is your attitude.” – Jeff Moore

9. “In one minute you can change your attitude and in that minute you can change your entire day.” – Spencer Johnson

10. “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill

11. “If you are positive, you’ll see opportunities instead of obstacles.” – Confucius

12. “Great attitude costs you nothing, bad attitude will cost you everything.” – Grant Cardone

13. “A positive attitude can really make dreams come true — it did for me.” — David Bailey

14. “Positive anything is better than negative nothing.” – Elbert Hubbard

15. “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett

16. “A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You won’t get anywhere until you change it.” – Positive Attitude Quote

17. “The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up.” – John C. Maxwell

18. “Never whine, never complain, never try to justify yourself.” – Robert Greene

19. “Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.” – Benjamin Disraeli

20. “Attitude is everything, so pick a good one.” – Wayne Dyer

21. “You are the conductor of your own attitude! Nobody else can compose your thoughts for you.” — Larry Hargraves

22. “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

23. “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” – Oprah Winfrey

24. “Do not allow negative thoughts to enter your mind for they are weeds that strangle confidence.” – Bruce Lee

25. “Adopting a really positive attitude can work wonders to adding years to your life, a spring to your step, a sparkle to your eye, and all of that.” – Christie Brinkley

26. “I do not believe in taking the right decision, I take a decision and make it right.” – Muhammad Ali Jinnah

27. “When you are joyful, when you say yes to life and have fun and project positivity all around you, you become a sun in the center of every constellation, and people want to be near you.” – Shannon L. Alder

28. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

29. “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

30. “Be the attitude you want to be around.” – Tim DeTellis

be the attitude you want to be around quote

31. “Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.” – George Bernard Shaw

32. “Keeping one’s attitude positive, especially when the world conspires to make us mad, is one of the great accomplishments of life.” – Brendon Burchard

33. “It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent

Inspirational Attitude Quotes For a Positive Life

34. “A positive attitude may not solve all our problems but that is the only option we have if we want to get out of problems.” – Subodh Gupta

35. “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

36. “Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy or strong. The amount of work is the same.” – Francesca Reigler

37. “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar

38. “Our beliefs about what we are and what we can be precisely determine what we can be.” – Tony Robbins

39. “A positive attitude is something everyone can work on, and everyone can learn how to employ it.” Joan Lunden

40. “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford

41. “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” – Dale Carnegie

42. “Having a positive mental attitude that prompts you to expect favorable results is crucial.” – Jack Morris

43. “Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can’t be done.” – Bo Bennet

44. “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” – Hellen Keller

45. “While bad attitudes never show up on a profit and loss statement, they always have something to do with the bottom line.’ – Grant Cardone

46. “A positive attitude will lead to positive outcomes.” – Positive Attitude Quote

47. “You must start with a positive attitude or you will surely end without one.” – Carrie Latet

48. “A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.” – Joyce Meyer

49. “If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort , eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges.” – Pat Riley

50. “Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” – Albert Einstein

51. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.” – Marcus Aurelius

52. “No one else “makes us angry”. We make ourselves angry when we surrender control of our attitude.” – Jim Rohn

53. “Stay positive. Attitude is everything.” – Anonymous

54. “A positive mindset brings positive things.” – Phillip Reiter

55. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou

56. “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” – Roy. T. Bennet

57. “Live life to the fullest and focus on the positive.” – Matt Cameron

58. “With a positive attitude, the world is your oyster. Without it, your world will be filled with ill fate and unfortunate unfortunate circumstances.” – Lorena Laughlin

59. “There is very little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” – Napoleon Hill

60. “A positive attitude is a person’s passport to a better tomorrow.” – Jeff Keller

61. “Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude.” – Dale Carnegie

62. “There is little difference in people but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” – W. Clement Stone

63. “You can’t always have a good day. But you can always face a bad day with a good attitude.” – Positive Attitude Saying

64. “Quality performance starts with a positive attitude.” – Jeffrey Gitomer

65. “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

Quotes About Attitude And Success

This next batch is primarily focused positive attitude quotes for success. The quotes are either from highly successful individuals, or they relate to how having a good attitude can assist you in feeling more fulfilled and finding more success. Enjoy.

Related: Benefits of a Positive Attitude

66. “Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful.” – Norman Vincent Peale

67. “Better than Botox: a positive attitude.” – Darren Hardy

68. “The winner’s edge is all in the attitude not aptitude.” – Dennis Waitely

69. “ Change your thinking . Change your life! Your thoughts create your reality. Practice positive thinking. Act the way you want to be, and soon you will be the way you act.” – Les Brown

70. “Attitude is a choice.” – Grant Cardone

71. “Nobody can be all smiley all the time, but having a good positive attitude isn’t something to shrug off.” — Yogi Berra

72. “The secret is contained in a three-part formula I learned in the gym: self-confidence, a positive mental attitude, and honest hard work.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

73. “An attitude of positive expectation is the mark of the superior personality.” – Brian Tracy

74. “Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.” – Ralph Marston

75. “In essence, you make your choices, and then your choices make you.” – Darren Hardy

76. “A positive mental attitude is the right attitude in all circumstances. Success attracts more success, while failure attracts more failure.” – Napoleon Hill

77. “Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.” – Harvey Mackay

78. “A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results” – Wade Boggs

79. “It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts” – Robert H. Schuller

80. “For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.” – Walter Scott

81. “Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success.” – Shiv Khera

82. “You can think your way to failure and unhappiness, but you can also think your way to success and happiness.” – Norman Vincent Peale

83. “Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” – Mahatma Gandhi

84. “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” – Colin Powell

85. “Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude.” – Lou Holtz

86. “When the negative thoughts come—and they will; they come to all of us—it’s not enough to just not dwell on it…. You’ve got to replace it with a positive thought.” – Joel Osteen

87. “Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.” – Mary Lou Retton

88. “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” — Milton Berle

89. “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” – William James

90. “Virtually nothing on earth can stop a person with a positive attitude who has his goal clearly in sight.” – Dennis Waitley

91. “It does not matter how long you are spending on the earth, how much money you have gathered or how much attention you have received. It is the amount of positive vibration you have radiated in life that matters.” – Amit Ray

92. “The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your attitude; negative attitude, negative life, positive attitude, positive life.” – Atlas Rowe

93. “With a positive attitude it is possible to turn situations of failure into success.” — Dan Miller

94. “It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” – William James

95. “Choose the positive. You have choice, you are master of your attitude, choose the positive, the constructive. Optimism is a faith that leads to success.” – Bruce Lee

96. “Successful people don’t have fewer problems. They have determined that nothing will stop them from going forward.” – Ben Carson

97. “Affirm the positive, visualize the positive and expect the positive, and your life will change accordingly.” – Remez Sasson

98. “Know that your success is based entirely on your attitude, your commitment and self-discipline.” – Ellen Mensap

99. “The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.” – Winston Churchill

100. “Our attitude towards others determines their attitude towards us.” – Earl Nightingale

Earl Nightingale Positive Attitude Quote

Bonus Positive Attitude Quote

Bonus: Here’s one final attitude quote to finish this page off strong. It is by far our favorite quote, and the one you should never lose site of regarding attitude. Enjoy.

“The Greatest Discovery Of My Generation, Is That Human Beings Can Alter Their Lives By Altering Their Attitude Of Mind.” – william james –

Related: Advantages of Positive Thinking

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the best quotes on the power of having a positive attitude.

Remember, we choose our attitudes, so, let’s choose a positive one and reap the benefits that are bound to come our way when we do so.

PS – If you enjoyed these positive attitude quotes, then you’ll also enjoy these inspiring attitude of gratitude quotes .

75+ MOTIVATING DENZEL WASHINGTON QUOTES ABOUT SUCCESS

Denzel Washington is one of the most acclaimed and influential actors in the world. Having starred in over 60 different films, he’s managed to win three Golden Globe Awards, two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and has been nominated for and won countless other awards. Needless to say, Denzel Washington is a high achiever whose track record clearly demonstrates his understanding of what it takes to succeed in a big way.

As such, we’ve rounded up some of the most motivational Denzel Washington quotes about success that we could find. Our hope is that they’ll inspire you to believe that anything is possible with the right mindset and work ethic.

So, if you’re ready for the Best Denzel Washington quotes on success and achieving your dreams, then let’s dive right in:

BEST DENZEL WASHINGTON QUOTES ABOUT SUCCESS

1. “You do what you gotta do, until you can do what you want to do.” – Denzel Washington

2. “The chances you take, the people you meet, the people you love, the faith that you have, that’s what’s going to define you.” – Denzel Washingtion

3. “For me, success is inner peace. That’s a good day for me.” – Denzel Washington

4. “Start your day with prayer. Ask for wisdom. Ask for understanding. Don’t aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.” – Denzel Washington

5. “Luck is when an opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it.” – Denzel Washington

6. “Without commitment you’ll never start. Without consistency you’ll never finish.” – Denzel Washington

7. “Faith will get you to a point. Luck will get you to a point. But to achieve the kind of success you dream about, you need to WORK. There are no shortcuts, you can’t cheat life, just get to work and don’t stop until you reach your highest potential.” – Denzel Washington

8. “Nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks. Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success.” – Denzel Washington

9. “If you don’t fail, you’re not even trying.” – Denzel Washington

10. “Dreams without goals remain dreams.” – Denzel Washington

11. “You have to grab moments when they happen.” – Denzel Washington

12. “To get something you never had you have to do something you never did.” – Denzel Washington

13. “Just because you don’t share it on social media, doesn’t mean you’re not up to big things. Live it and stay low key. Privacy is everything.” – Denzel Washington

14. “Got to be who you are in this world, no matter what.” – Denzel Washington

15. “Keep working, keep striving, never give up. Fall down seven times, get up eight.” – Denzel Washington

16. “Talent comes from God. If you have been given some, then value it, cultivate it, work and develop it.” – Denzel Washington

17. “At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Denzel Washington

18. “If it was easy, there would be no Denzel Washington.” – Denzel Washington

19. “Don’t be afraid to fail big, to dream big, but remember, dreams without goals are just dreams.” – Denzel Washington

20. “Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.” – Denzel Washington

21. “Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons.” – Denzel Washington

22. “Acting is just a way of making a living, the family is life.” – Denzel Washington

23. “Between goals and achievement are discipline and consistency.” – Denzel Washington

24. “One failed experiment is one step closer to success.” – Denzel Washington

25. “A wise woman knows the importance of speaking life into her man. If you love him: believe in him, encourage him, and be his peace.” – Denzel Washington

26. “We live in a time when people give up too easily.” – Denzel Washington

27. “Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.” – Denzel Washington

28. “In any profession, it gets to be a grind.” – Denzel Washington

29. “The one thing I am most happy about in terms of my career, is the fact that I got there by the grace of God first of all, but short of that, just by working hard. Not partying with the right people, not compromising myself in anyway, or cutting any kind of deals, just by working hard.” – Denzel Washington

30. “Don’t confuse movement with progress.” – Denzel Washington

31. “I am a 20 year one night sensation.” – Denzel Washington

32. “I still have my unemployment books and I remember when I worked for the sanitation department and the post office.” – Denzel Washington

33. “Reggie Jackson struck out 2600 times in his careers, the most in the history of baseball, but you don’t hear about the strikeouts. People remember the homeruns, fall forward.” – Denzel Washington

34. “That’s where the joy is, in helping others, that’s where the success is, in helping others.” – Denzel Washington

35. “You only live once, so do what you are passionate about.” – Denzel Washington

36. “ Working really hard is what successful people do.” – Denzel Washington

37. “Just because you are doing a lot more doesn’t mean you are getting a lot more done.” – Denzel Washington

38. “I think a role model is a mentor – someone you see on a daily basis, and you learn from them.” – Denzel Washington

39. “You’ll never see a U-haul behind a hearse, I don’t care how much money you make, you can’t take it with you. The Egyptians tried it, they got robbed, that’s all they got. You can’t take it with you, and it’s not how much you have, it’s what you do with what you have.” – Denzel Washington

40. “Hard work, works.” – Denzel Washington

41. “Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.” – Denzel Washington

42. “If I am a cup maker, I’m interested in making the best cup I possibly can. My effort goes into that cup, not what people think about it.” – Denzel Washington

43. “Put God first in everything you do… Everything that I have is by the grace of God, understand that. It’s a gift… I didn’t always stick with Him, but He stuck with me.” – Denzel Washington

44. “If you don’t read the news, you’re uniformed. If you do read the news, you’re misinformed.” – Denzel Washington

45. “In order to change your life you must change your thoughts .” – Denzel Washington

46. “If you think you want to do what you think I’ve done, then do what I’ve done.” – Denzel Washington

47. “Facts: No matter how long it took you to finish a degree. It’s a degree. If it took you 10 failed relationships to find love. You found it. A house bought at the age of 65 is still an accomplishment. Don’t let people bully you with their timeline of success.” – Denzel Washington

48. “My mother never gave up on me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back.” – Denzel Washington

49. “Small minds discuss other people, gossip. Good minds discuss events. Great minds discuss ideas.” – Denzel Washington

50. “Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success.” – Denzel Washington

51. “Never help an ungrateful person get up on their feet. It’s like telling a wolf that you’re a sheep.” – Denzel Washington

52. “I’m very proud to be black, but black is not all I am. That’s my cultural historical background, my genetic makeup, but it’s not all of who I am nor is it the basis from which I answer every question.” – Denzel Washington

53. “If you have an enemy, then learn and know your enemy, don’t just be mad at him or her.” – Denzel Washington

54. “I made a commitment to completely cut out drinking and anything that might hamper me from getting my mind and body together. And the floodgates of goodness have opened upon me – spiritually and financially.” – Denzel Washington

55. “Why do we close our eyes when we pray, cry, kiss, or dream? Because the most beautiful things in life are not seen but felt by the heart.” – Denzel Washington

56. “I work hard for the audience. It’s entertainment. I don’t need validation.” – Denzel Washington

57. “You can beat or jail me or even kill me, but I am not going to be what you want me to be.” – Denzel Washington

58. “There’s nothing good or bad, except by comparison.” – Denzel Washington

59. “When you don’t understand something, you label it and condemn it.” – Denzel Washington

60. “I never really had the classic struggle. I had faith.” – Denzel Washington

61. “My faith helps me understand that circumstances don’t dictate my happiness, my inner peace.” – Denzel Washington

62. “We’ve all received our share of good fortune, so that’s my definition of much. A single blessing is all the bounty in the world, and if you’ve been blessed at all you’re meant to pass some of that on. You’re meant to set a positive example. That’s our responsibility” – Denzel Washington

63. “I’d be more frightened by not using whatever abilities I’d been given. I’d be more frightened by procrastination and laziness .” – Denzel Washington

64. “I think a role model is a mentor – someone you see on a daily basis, and you learn from them.” – Denzel Washington

65. “Goals on the road to achievement can not be achieved without discipline and consistency.” – Denzel Washington

66. “The more opinions there are of me, the less I look at them. Because I just can’t live my life based on what other people think about me. I can’t concern myself too much with what other people think, it’s just not healthy.” – Denzel Washington

67. “Anything you want good, you can have, so claim it. Work hard to get it. When you get it, reach back, pull someone else up. Each one, teach one.” – Denzel Washington

68. “The most important choices I’ve made, was to say no.” – Denzel Washington

69. “Stick to your guns. If you don’t feel like you should do it, don’t do it.’ – Denzel Washington

70. “Don’t be afraid to fail.” – Denzel Washington

71. “Man gives you the award but God gives you the reward.” – Denzel Washington

72. “One of the most important decisions you can say as an actor/actress is saying NO. Is saying NO, you don’t have to take your clothes off if you don’t want to.” – Denzel Washington

73. “You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too.” – Denzel Washington

74. “I was given this ability to act and direct and do these things. But I remember my natural ability would only take me so far. So I knew I had to study more I had to dig deeper, and I had to go learn more. So that’s what I did, and it’s paid off.” – Denzel Washington

75. “If you want to be a warrior , you have to train.” – Denzel Washington

76. “Fame is a monster, you know. And we all have these ladders and battles, roads we have to walk in our given lives. Be you famous, or whoever is out there listening. We all have our individual challenges. It’s cliché money don’t make it better, it don’t. Fame just magnifies the problems and the opportunities.” – Denzel Washington

77. “I never looked at things as problems, I look at them as opportunities.” – Denzel Washington

78. “You gotta practice, it’s too late when the game starts.” – Denzel Washington

Related: Denzel Washington Success Story

Bonus Denzel Washington Quote

Bonus: Here’s our final, but favorite Denzel Washington quote about success. We believe this quote encapsulates what allows many people to succeed beyond their wildest imaginations; giving. Enjoy!

“The Most Selfish Thing I’ve Done In My Life, Is GIVE… Because Of The Joy I Get From It.” – denzel washington –

There you have it, the best of the best when it comes to Denzel Washington quotes. We hope this collections inspires you to reach higher than you think is possible for you, and to take action on ideas that stir your heart.

That said, don’t stop pushing till your reach your aims.

Until then,

PS – If you enjoyed these powerful Denzel Washington quotes about success, then you’ll likely enjoy these quotes from fellow celebrities who are equally as inspiring: Tyler Perry , Will Smith , or Sylvester Stallone .

50 GOAL SETTING QUOTES TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS

We all dream of accomplishing worthy things. We dream of having more, becoming more, and doing more. An unfortunate fact however, is that many of us struggle to get what we want. And most of us struggle, because we spend far too much time dreaming and hoping for what we want, instead of charting a course of action.

“A Man Without a Goal is Like a Ship Without a Rudder.”

Truth is, the real challenge that lies before most of us when it comes to achieving the things we want is in the setting of goals . Regrettably, most people never get around to putting their dreams down on paper, nor commit to taking the massive and continuous action necessary to turn those goals into a reality. And that’s why we created this post on goal-setting quotes.

Our hope is that these quotes will inspire you to get serious about your goals and proactively create some. We know that goal achievement is no walk-in-the-park. But, we also know there is a science to goal setting, and that statistically, goals are best achieved when they are set.

So, give these goal setting quotes a read, and let them inspire you to do more than just dream. Allow them to inspire you to commit to your dreams with pen, paper, and persistent pursuit .

BEST GOAL SETTING QUOTES TO MOVE YOUR DREAMS FORWARD

1. “Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” – Pablo Picasso

2. “By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands—your own.” – Mark Victor Hansen

3. “If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.” – Les Brown

4. “The greater danger for most of us isn’t that our aim is too high and miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” – Michelangelo

5. “The significance of a man is not in what he attains but in what he longs to attain.” – Kahlil Gibran

6. “Most “impossible” goals can be met simply by breaking them down into bite size chunks, writing them down, believing them, and then going full speed ahead as if they were routine.” – Don Lancaster

7. “To reach a port, we must sail—Sail, not tie at anchor—Sail, not drift.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

8. “It is not enough to take steps which may someday lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

9. “There are two things to aim at in life; first to get what you want, and after that to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind has achieved the second.” – Logan Pearsall Smith

10. “Average people have wishes and hopes. Successful people have goals.” – Unknown

11. “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine deSaint Exupery

12. “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” – Anthony Robbins

13. “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” – Henry David Thoreau

14. “Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I’ll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I’ll give you a stock clerk.” – JC Penny

15. “When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal.” – Napoleon Hill

16. “I don’t care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don’t harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you’re never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants.” – Zig Ziglar

17. “Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” – Napoleon Hill

18. “People are not lazy. They simply have impotent goals – that is, goals that do not inspire them.” – Anthony Robbins

19. “The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting and achieving goals.” – Og Mandino

20. “Dreams without goals remain dreams.” – Denzel Washington

You’re just about halfway through these quotes about setting goals, and if your not itching to pull out a pen a paper and start setting some goals, then by all means, keep on reading.

21. “If you’re bored with life — you don’t get up every morning with a burning desire to do things — you don’t have enough goals.” – Lou Holtz

22. “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.” – Andrew Carnegie

23. “All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.” – Orison Swett Marden

24. “A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it. Or he may find something that is even more rewarding. But in the end, no matter what the outcome, he will know he has been alive.” – Walt Disney

25. “The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.” – Bill Copeland

Halfway There

26. “Without dreams and goals there is no living, only merely existing, and that is not why we are here.” – Mark Twain

27. “The moment you put a deadline on your dream it becomes a goal.” – Stephen Kellogg

28. “Your goals are the road maps that guide you and show you what is possible for your life.” – Les Brown

29. “You should set goals beyond your reach so you always have something to live for.” – Ted Turner

30. “Begin with the end in mind.” – Stephen Covey

31. “The people who get things done, who lead, who grow and who make an impact… those people have goals.” – Seth Godin

32. “Goals. There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them. And there’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them.” – Jim Rohn

33. “Write down your goals in detail and read your list of goals every day.” – Jack Canfield

34 . “When you set a goal, your brain opens up a task list.” – Mel Robbins

35. “If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” – Unknown

36. “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

37. “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” – Albert Einstein

38. “Recast your current problems into proactive goals.” – Suze Orman

39. “I feel I still have room to improve, I still set goals for myself to strive for. I am never complacent with what I have achieved.” – Michael Jordan

40. “Don’t worry about looking good — worry about achieving your goals.” – Ray Dalio

41. “What is the distance between someone who achieves their goals consistently and those who spend their lives merely following? The extra mile.” – Gary Ryan Blair

42. “I read my goals every single morning. I have five to seven goals. They range from health, family to career. About five of those goals expire in six months and one of them expires in 10 years and one of them expires in 20 years.” – Daymond John

43. “Don’t get caught up in how many hours you work. Judge success based on having goals and measuring your results.” – Mark Cuban

44. “ Effort is measured by setting goals and getting results.” – Mark Cuban

45. “No one accidently wins.” – Dave Ramsey

46. “You can have all the talent in the world, but you will never achieve your goals without effort. This is why grit is the foundation of success.” – Ashley Elizabeth

47. “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” – Confucius

48. “Take action! An inch of movement will bring you closer to your goals than a mile of intention.” – Steve Maraboli

49. “Opportunity cost is no joke. Every choice has a price. Everything you say yes to means you’re saying no to something else. Translation? Each time you pick up your brain-draining gadget and say YES to watching another cat video, you’re saying NOPE to ever reaching your biggest and most important long-term goals.” – Marie Forleo

50. “People with goals succeed because they know where they are going.” – Earl Nightingale

Related: Why Goal Setting Fails

Bonus Goal Setting Quote

Here’s one last goal setting quote to ponder. In our opinion, it this is one of the most important quotes to keep in mind when it comes goal setting, because it encapsulates best the exact reason why you should set goals in the first place. Enjoy!

Bonus: “The man on top of the mountain did not fall there.” – Vince Lombardi

Use These Goal Setting Quotes to… PLAN, PURSUE, PROSPER

And that’s that! The best goal setting quotes to empower you to take action on your dreams , first by setting your dreams down on paper as a written goal, then by taking massive action to achieve them.

Without a doubt, there’s power in goal-setting, so don’t wait too long . Plan, pursue, prosper!

PS – Jump-start your dreams and bridge the gap between your goals and accomplishment with The Strive Journal . Why? Because achievement doesn’t just happen.

Achievement takes a plan and encouragement. This 365 day guide is full of wisdom, encouragement, accountability, and success principles that will help you push through all your obstacles and achieve your dream .

50+ INSIGHTFUL MARIE FORLEO QUOTES FOR SUCCESS AND LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

Marie Forleo is an author, philanthropist, and a highly successful entrepreneur who’s online media empire has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past decade. And as the creator of an award winning TV show, podcast, and the author of a New York Times #1 best-selling book, Marie Forleo knows a thing or two about success. As such, we’ve decided to publish some of the most inspiring Marie Forleo quotes we could find on success and how to live your greatest life.

“The Measure of a Great Life Is Whether It Matches Your Dream.”

Our hope is that her words of wisdom will inspire you to learn more about her, and dig deeper into the philosophy and mindset that has help Marie achieve so much in her life, so you can hopefully do the same.

With that said, if you’re ready for some truly inspiring Marie Forleo quotes on success and life, then let’s dive in:

BEST MARIE FORLEO QUOTES ON SUCCESS

1. “The most powerful words in the universe are the words you say to yourself.” – Marie Forleo

2. “The secret to finding your passion is to bring it to everything you do.” – Marie Forleo

3. “Remember, every pro was once an amateur.” – Marie Forleo

4. “I win or I learn, but I never lose.” – Marie Forleo

5. “Don’t be afraid of failure, be afraid of not trying in the first place.” – Marie Forleo

6. “Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in your situation is the key to happiness.” – Marie Forleo

7. “Clarity comes from action, not thought.” – Marie Forleo

8. “If it’s important enough, I’ll make the time. If not, I’ll make an excuse .” – Marie Forleo

9. “In order to change ourselves, we must first believe we can.” – Marie Forleo

10. “Your potential is limitless. You are unique, valuable, capable, and worthy of the dreams in your heart. Most of all, you have what it takes.” – Marie Forleo

11. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better to transform and transcend whatever challenges you face.” – Marie Forleo

12. “Every pro starts off as an amateur. There’s not one top artist, athlete, writer, scientist, architect, entrepreneur, programmer, musician, or potter who enters the field at the top of her game. To begin anything new or learn anything new means you will be a neophyte. You must go from outsider to insider. Respect that. Embrace it. Be willing to suck.” – Marie Forleo

13. “Insight without action is worthless. Taking action is the only path to change.” – Marie Forleo

14. “We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.” – Marie Forleo

15. “Your dreams aren’t made or broken, by anyone but you.” – Marie Forleo

16. “You don’t have to get it perfect, you just have to get it going.” – Marie Forleo

17. “Opportunity cost is no joke. Every choice has a price. Everything you say yes to means you’re saying no to something else. Translation? Each time you pick up your brain-draining gadget and say YES to watching another cat video, you’re saying NOPE to ever reaching your biggest and most important long-term goals.” – Marie Forleo

18. “It’s hard to become what you don’t see.” – Marie Forleo

19. “All beliefs are a choice and choices can be changed.” – Marie Forleo

20. “The measure of a great life is whether it matches your dream.” – Marie Forleo

21. “Strength isn’t pretending to be something you’re not. It’s having the courage to live from the truth of who you are.” – Marie Forleo

22. “There never has been and never will be another you. You have a purpose — a very special gift that only you can bring to the world.” – Marie Forleo

23. “ The key to success is to start before you’re ready.” – Marie Forleo

24. “Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” – Marie Forleo

25. “Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.” – Marie Forleo

26. “You’re always being led to your highest good, as long as you have the courage to listen.” – Marie Forleo

27. “To be responsible, keep your promises to others. To be successful, keep your promises to yourself.” – Marie Forleo

28. “Show up every moment like you’re fully meant to be there.” – Marie Forleo

29. “The secret to finding our passion, is to bring passion to everything we do.” – Marie Forleo

30. “You already have what it takes to transform yourself from a passive onlooker to a powerful creator of your destiny.” – Marie Forleo

31. “It doesn’t take talent or luck to succeed, you just need to decide.” – Marie Forleo

32. “Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.” – Marie Forleo

33. “Do not let anyone tell you what you can’t do.” – Marie Forleo

34. “Never start a business just to “make money.” Start a business to make a difference.” – Marie Forleo

35. “Everything in the material world is first created on the level of thought .” – Marie Forleo

36. “Trust that little voice in your head that says, “wouldn’t it be great if…” and then do it.” – Marie Forleo

37. “You’re responsible for the energy you allow in your life — yes, even from family.” – Marie Forleo

38. “Forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s the ultimate sign of courage and strength.” – Marie Forleo

39. “Beyond your health (physical, mental, emotional)…The single most important thing you can do for yourself is to take control of your money.” – Marie Forleo

40. “ Money’s like you and me. It’s attracted to respect and appreciation.” – Marie Forleo

41. “The faster you leave your comfort zone, the faster you’ll see growth. Simple as that.” – Marie Forleo

42. “Nothing gets attention like giving attention.” – Marie Forleo

43. “What we say to ourselves in the privacy of our own minds, matters.” – Marie Forleo

44. “When you know what’s important, it’s a lot easier to ignore what’s not.” Marie Forleo

45. “You must disobey the voice in your head that says, I’m not ready yet.” – Marie Forleo

46. “Creative success means balancing your love of starting things with a habit of finishing them.” Marie Forleo

47. “All progress begins with a brave decision.” – Marie Forleo

48. “Nine times out of ten, our fear is directive. It’s a signpost, pointing us in the exact direction our soul wants to go.” – “The world needs that special gift that only you have.” Marie Forleo

49. “How would you behave if you knew you were the best in the world at what you do?” Marie Forleo

50. “A fall is never final unless you stay on the ground.” – Marie Forleo

51. “It’s not about what I can get, it’s what I can give.” – Marie Forleo

52. “Not enough is a spiritual state, not an economic one.” – Marie Forleo

53. “If it’s not scheduled, it’s not real.” – Marie Forleo

54. “The world needs that special gift that only you have. ” – Marie Forleo

55. “When it comes to forks in the road, your heart always knows the answer, not your mind.” – Marie Forleo

Bonus Mare Forleo Quote

Bonus: Alright, here’s one last Marie Forleo quote that we thin encapsulates all of her success wisdom in one single quote. Enjoy!

“You Can Do Whatever You Set Your Mind To If You Just Roll Up Your Sleeves, Get In There, And Do It. Everything Is Figureoutable.”

There you have it, the best of the best when it comes to Marie Forleo quotes on success and living your best life. We hope you’ll be able use these quotes as if they were your very own personal coaching session with Marie, because that’s essentially what they are.

With that said, we wish you all the best as you aim to dream big, work hard, and achieve your potential.

PS – If you enjoyed these inspirational Marie Forleo quotes on success, then you’ll likely enjoy our Marie Forleo Success Story , or these badass Alpha Female quotes .

Inspiration

50+ inspirational paulo coelho quotes on success and chasing your dreams.

Motivational Paulo Coelho Quotes About Success

Paulo Coelho is the highly successful and well known Brazilian novelist who wrote one of the best-selling books of all-time; ‘The Alchemist’. He’s also authored 28 additional books, selling over 320 million of those books, and he continues to inspire people from just about every walk of life to this day.

With that said, we’ve gathered some of his most inspiring quotes on success and living one’s dreams to help you get inspired and motivated enough to keep reaching for yours. So, if you’re ready to digest some of the most motivational Paulo Coelho quotes of all time, let’s dive right in:

Best Paulo Coelho Quotes

Inspirational Paulo Coelho Quotes About Success

1. “One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now .” – Paulo Coelho

2. “Nothing in the world is ever completely wrong. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.” – Paulo Coelho

3. “You are what you believe yourself to be.” – Paulo Coelho

4. “Don’t allow your mind to tell your heart what to do. The mind gives up easily.” – Paulo Coelho

5. “You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it is better to listen to what it has to say.” – Paulo Coelho

6. “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure .” – Paulo Coelho

7. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” – Paulo Coelho

8. “Passion makes a person stop eating, sleeping, working, feeling at peace. A lot of people are frightened because, when it appears, it demolishes all the old things it finds in its path. No one wants their life thrown into chaos. That is why a lot of people keep that threat under control, and are somehow capable of sustaining a house or a structure that is already rotten. They are the engineers of the superseded.” – Paulo Coelho

9. “Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” – Paulo Coelho

10. “All battles in life serve to teach us something.” – Paulo Coelho

11. “They live as if they were never going to die, and die as if they had never lived.” – Paulo Coelho

12. “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” – Paulo Coelho

13. “Sometimes you have to travel a long way to find what is near.” – Paulo Coelho

14. “If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” – Paulo Coelho

15. “A mistake repeated more than once is a decision” – Paulo Coelho

16. “The more in harmony with yourself you are, the more joyful you are and the more faithful you are. Faith is not to disconnect you from reality — it connects you to reality.” – Paulo Coelho

17. “I wanted to write when I was young, but people said it was impossible. Then my parent locked me in a mental institution — they said I was crazy and would never make a living from writing.” – Paulo Coelho

18. “Miracles only happen if you believe in miracles.” – Paulo Coelho

19. “Life has a way of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen at once.” – Paulo Coelho

20. “ Be brave . Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.” – Paulo Coelho

21. “If you want to be successful, you must respect one rule, never lie to yourself.” – Paulo Coelho

22. “If you never take a risk, you will never know what changes you need to make.” – Paulo Coelho

23. “No matter what he does, every person on Earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.” – Paulo Coelho

24. “What is a teacher? I’ll tell you: It isn’t someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to give of her best in order to discover what she already knows.” – Paulo Coelho

25. “ God always offers us a second chance in life.” – Paulo Coelho

26. “Don’t waste your time with explanations, people only hear what they want to hear.” – Paulo Coelho

27. “It’s only those who are persistent and willing to study things deeply, who achieve the master work.” – Paulo Coelho

28. “The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and get up eight times.” – Paulo Coelho

29. “You drown not by falling into a river, but by staying submerged in it.” – Paulo Coelho

30. “Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.” – Paulo Coelho

31. “What is success? It is being able to go to bed each night with your soul at peace.” – Paulo Coelho

32. “ Never give up . When your heart becomes tired, just walk with your legs but move on.” – Paulo Coelho

33. “People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” – Paulo Coelho

34. “When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way.” – Paulo Coelho

35. “People always judge others by taking as a model their own limitations, and other people’s opinions are often full of prejudice and fear.” – Paulo Coelho

36. “Dreamers can’t be tamed.” – Paulo Coelho

37. “To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation.” – Paulo Coelho

38. “When you can’t go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward.” – Paulo Coelho

39. “The closer one gets to realizing his destiny , the more that destiny becomes his true reason for being.” – Paulo Coelho

40. “If it is still in your mind, it is worth taking the risk.” – Paulo Coelho

41. “When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change.” – Paulo Coelho

42. “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” – Paulo Coelho

43. “Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.” – Paulo Coelho

44. “Listen to your heart. It knows all things.” – Paulo Coelho

45. “Stress, anxiety, and depression are caused when we are living to please others.” – Paulo Coelho

46. “Waiting is painful. Forgetting is painful. But not knowing which to do is the worse kind of suffering.” – Paulo Coelho

47. “Success does not come from having one’s work recognized by others. It is the fruit of the seed that you lovingly planted .” – Paulo Coelho

48. “You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.” – Paulo Coelho

49. “Don’t forget, beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies.” – Paulo Coelho

50. “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” – Paulo Coelho

The World Is Shaped By Your Example Quote

51. “I can choose either to be a victim of the world or an adventurer in search of treasure. It’s all a question of how I view my life.” – Paulo Coelho

Bonus Paulo Coelho Quote

Bonus: Alright, here is our last and final Paulo Coelho quote to inspire you to find the success you seek. Enjoy:

“If You Don’t Care About What People Think, You Already Passed The First Step Of Success.” – paulo coelho –

There you have it, the best of the best Paulo Coelho quotes on success and staying true to one’s dreams. We hope they inspired you to reflect a little more on the importance taking risks, some of Paulo Coelho’s keys to success, and why you should follow your heart.

PS – If you enjoyed these inspiring Paulo Coelho quotes on success and the importance of following your dreams, then you’ll likely love these quotes on success and achievement , or these truly inspiring quotes on following your dreams .

50+ INSPIRATIONAL MASTER P QUOTES FOR SUCCESS

Percy Miller , or Master P as most people know him, is one of the most successful hip hop icons of all-time. He’s the mastermind behind ‘No Limit Records’, a record label which dominated the hip hop and rap scenes throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s. He’s also a savvy investor, businessman, and a multi-millionaire who’s been growing his business empire for over two-decades now. Needless to say, Master P knows and understands success. As such, we’ve decided to round up some of the most inspiring and insightful Master P quotes.

Our hope is that these quotes will inspire you to hustle and build your own empire just like Master P. And at the very least, give you a greater appreciation for some of the thought processes that have helped P achieve the extraordinary success he now enjoys. So, if you’re ready to be inspired, let’s dive right in.

MASTER P QUOTES FOR SUCCESS

1. “I’m tired of people running with me. Don’t run with me anymore — push me, push me. Tell me not to give up . Tell me not to stop. Tell me not to quit.” – Master P

2. “I tell people, ‘Everybody has 24 hours. What you are doing with your 24 hours will dictate your life, your future, and what you have, and your friends and the people around you will dictate the same thing.” – Master P

3. “I could tell who you are by the people you hang around with. I tell people all of the time, ‘I’d rather fly with the eagles than walk with the pigeons.’ And sometimes, eagles have to fly alone — most of the time, they fly alone.” – Master P

4. “Everybody won’t believe in your dreams and goals. When I was growing up, a lot of people told me, ‘Man, you ain’t going to make it.’ Even people close to me said, ‘That s**t ain’t going to work.” – Master P

5. “I kept going, I believed in myself.” – Master P

6. “Ownership is one thing, but control is the most important thing because you can’t own everything.” – Master P

7. “If you prepare the next generation with the right mindset , you don’t have to worry about changing things yourself. My kids don’t have to make the same mistakes that I made, and they are able to get a great education right off top.” – Master P

8. “You can get money back, but you can’t get time — time is so valuable. Spending that time with your kids is what’s going to program or prepare them for the future.” – Master P

9. “We’ve got to stop a lot of the self-hate that we do as a culture because it’s all about celebrating one another. That’s the only way we’re going to build economic empowerment by having great businesses, but also being able to give back.” – Master P

10. “Work hard and never make excuses .” – Master P

11. “Cars are a liability. Jewelry — a lot of the time — is a liability. It may make you feel good and it has street credibility, but it doesn’t have any real value in the real world.” – Master P

12. “I never said I was broke, I’ve always said, ‘The money is in the mill, it’s coming.'” – Master P

13. “So when we start to change our mindset, it becomes extremely difficult to spend money on liabilities. Once you’ve become educated on assets, you look at everything as an opportunity.” – Master P

14. “I think my thing is I grew up in the ghetto, and I was able to get a second chance. That’s what I’m trying to tell kids.” – Master P

15. “You have to be committed to what you do. Everybody thinks it’s about the money . Nobody really gave me anything, but, I was committed to what I believed in.” – Master P

16. “How does hating get started? It’s started by the jealous people, and they get mad over the things you have.” – Master P

17. “People do look up to me and it makes me feel good. I made it out of a bad situation and I didn’t mind bettering myself and I think that is what people respect. Most people go back but I was able to look at the big picture.” – Master P

18. “I feel like God blessed me to be successful and to have a couple of more things that a lot of people of where I come from didn’t have or didn’t see, but it ain’t always about me. It’s about empowering the next generation so that’s what I love doing.” – Master P

19. “Diversify. You spread out because you never know when it’s going to end. Business is like a seesaw going up and down. When one goes down, I have the other one going up. You have to think like that if you want to survive.” – Master P

20. “Understand the game, but make your own moves .” – Master P

21. “I want to be like Muhammad Ali. He went out there and made a lot of money, he fought hard in the ring, and he fought for our people outside of the ring.” – Master P

22. “I tell people, if you get in a business, you need to know everything about your business. You need to know what the janitor is doing. You need to know what the guy who’s cooking the burgers is doing. You need to know what the mailroom is doing. You need to know everything about your business to be successful.” – Master P

23. “I feel like it’s okay for us to grow up because a lot of us want to get rich and die young. I want to get rich and die old.” – Master P

24. “I think you’ve got good people and bad people in everything you do. If you start making a big deal of it, then it’s a problem. It’s like in life. We’ve got bad doctors and lawyers. We’ve got bad priests! We don’t target every priest and say he’s bad. You have to go to church and you have to go see some doctors. Some people have to be good.” – Master P

25. “It’s my passion that drove me to like get better and better like an athlete in a gym.” – Master P

26. “I think my thing is I grew up in the ghetto, and I was able to get a second chance. That’s what I’m trying to tell kids.” – Master P

27. “I don’t need to get my due; I get my money.” – Master P

28. “I think everybody has a good and bad side.” – Master P

29. “You can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. Life is like a seesaw, it goes up and it goes down. If people are only around you when you’re up then those are not true friends. In order for you to rise higher, you have to end the relationships that limit you and don’t believe in you .” – Master P

30. “Product outweighs talent.” – Master P

31. “It’s called ‘putting skin in the game,’ putting your own money up first, being your own boss. That’s how I got the power: I put up my own marketing money.” – Master P

32. “Everybody needs love. There are a lot of guys that you think are hard-core gangsters, but all these guys’ weaknesses are women. Look at the movie Scarface. At the end of the day, all he wanted to do was to have kids with his woman.” – Master P

33. “I want to be able to take care of my family.” – Master P

34. “I’m keen on building generational wealth by instilling values in my seven children. I share money lessons with my children. However, above all things, I stress the importance of building a foundation on faith and family.” – Master P

35. “Find that person to push you. Life is a marathon. You got to find that person that’s going to push you, instead of running with people that’s just running with you. If you want to be successful, you have to find somebody that’s going to push you all the way over the finish line.” – Master P

36. “Surround yourself with people who build you up and inspire you. If you are the smartest person in your circle, you need to make new friends who are smarter than you and who will challenge you without judging you.” – Master P

37 . “People are in your life for a reason or a season.” – Master P

38. “Education is key. It’s about giving our people the blueprint . We can’t change the past but we change the future by educating our culture.” – Master P

39. “Fly with the eagles and leave the hawks. Essentially, you become like your circle of friends, so choose wisely.” – Master P

40. “Choose the people you call friends wisely.” – Master P

41. “Everyone has 24 hours, you’re either going to walk with the pigeons or fly with the Eagles.” – Master P

42. “How you invest your time determines your success.” – Master P

43. “I turned down $1 million though I had $500 left in my bank account. I knew if Interscope were willing to pay $1 million, I could make $40 million if I figured out how to own my talent.” – Master P

44. “The first key to success is awareness. Before making any life-altering changes, you must become completely aware of your individual circumstances.” – Master P

45. “Nobody has the power to change the past, but we all have the power to change our future. Hard work pays off!” – Master P

46. “Don’t be afraid to start your own business, you have to take a chance.” – Master P

47 . “Don’t be afraid to grow up. Don’t be afraid to make the right investments, and don’t be afraid to invest in yourself.” – Master P

48. “I learned that no matter what your present circumstances look like, you can take yourself wherever you want to go if you can visualize a brighter future through the eyes of faith.” – Master P

49. “Anything is possible if you can first perceive it, then believe it, and finally, refuse to give up until you achieve it.” – Master P

50. “ Knowledge is more important than money.” – Master P

inspirational master p quote about knowledge

51. “People should be praying for wisdom, not for money. If you got the wisdom and the knowledge you can do whatever you want to do.” – Master P

52. “I tell people, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. ” – Master P

53. “It’s not what you have or how much you have, but what you do with what you have that determines your success or lack of it.” – Master P

54. “Success comes in levels; it’s not a once in a lifetime event.” – Master P

55. “I named myself Master P, because I wanted to master whatever I do.” – Master P

Bonus Master P Quote

Bonus: Alright, here is one of our favorite Master P quotes. We added it as bonus, because we stand behind it, and believe it to be 100% true. If it’s worked for Master P, it can work for you.

“That’s Right! You Are 100% Guaranteed To Succeed In Any Aspect Of Life When You Never Give Up!” – master p –

Related: Master P Success Story

FINAL THOUGHTS

Great job making it to the end of these powerful Master P quotes! We hope you’ve gained a few valuable insights about the hip hop mogul, marketing genius, and business icon known as Master P.

But more importantly, we hope his wise words have inspired you to believe that you too can go out and conquer your own little slice of the world, just as he has.

Till you reach you aims,

PS – If you enjoyed these Master P quotes, we have a hunch you’ll enjoy reading some inspiring quotes from fellow hip hop artists like Rihanna , or even Post Malone .

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Academic Test Guide

Essay on The Secret of Success in English For Students & Children

We are Sharing an Essay on The Secret of Success in English for students and children. In this article, we have tried our best to provide a Short Essay on Secret to Success for Class 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 in 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500 words.

Essay on The Secret of Success in English For Students & Children

The Secret of Success Essay

It is common to say: “Nothing succeeds like success.” The meaning of this saying is that success comes to man not by means of his own efforts but by chance. In other words, in the matter of success, man is a slave in the hands of chance and circumstances.

This view, however, is erroneous, as it is not based on reality. There is no doubt that there are some people who get success even beyond their wildest dreams. Sometimes, a man gets success when actually he thinks that he is going to fail.

In most cases in real life, we find that there are some solid factors behind the lives of all successful men are who in the present world known as achievers.

Among such factors, we can categorize hard work, acumen, shrewdness, meticulous planning, proper and timely guidance, goodness, and taking of certain risks. It is necessary that a person who wants to get success in any venture should be well-equipped for it. He must have the proper aptitude for it. He must have a strong determination to fulfill his ambition. He must have patience and the virtue of stubborn perseverance and commitment. His ambition and ideal must be lofty. He must be a man of principle, integrity, and sincerity such that others can easily repose faith in him. He must have the proper talents which are necessary for the execution of the project at hand.

It is of utmost importance that one must have the qualities of leadership, mutual trust, cooperation, team spirit, and friendship.

Above all, one must have a positive attitude. One must be bubbling with optimism, hope, and enthusiasm. A pessimistic person with a negative attitude towards life can achieve nothing. One must have first succeeded in one’s mind before achieving success in the field. Minor obstacles should not flag one’s spirit.

# Speech | Paragraph on The Secret of Success for kids # Secret of Success in life composition # essay Secret of Success in life

Dear viewers, Hope you like this article Essay on the Secret of Success in English and Please let us know by commenting below.

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10 Secrets Of Success

Written by Dr. Ken Keis, Expert Leadership

As a Podcast Host and Guest, I've had the incredible opportunity to engage with a diverse array of successful individuals. From entrepreneurs to artists, athletes to CEO’s, each of them shared their unique journey to success. In this article, I'll outline the common threads that bind these remarkable people together. These are the qualities, beliefs, and practices that have propelled them to greatness, offering you insight into how you can enhance your own life.

It's important to note that not every successful person I encountered embraced all these characteristics. Some seemed uneasy or lacked fulfillment despite their achievements. This underscores the fact that success isn't solely defined by external markers but also by internal contentment and peace.

I urge you not to place successful individuals on pedestals. While it's natural to admire their accomplishments, it's essential to recognize that they're human, just like you and me. We all face similar challenges and struggles in life.

In future editions, I'll delve deeper into each of these characteristics. But for now, let me share with you the Top 10 Secrets Of Success that emerged from my conversations:

1. Beliefs clarification

Successful individuals have a clear understanding of their beliefs about life's deepest questions. This foundational clarity guides their actions and decisions. Including what they believe to be true about the meaning of life. Why are we (human beings) here? For what purpose? Is there really truth? How can I discern what is true and what is false?

2. Spiritual values

Most successful people acknowledge the spiritual dimension of life and credit their spiritual beliefs as sources of strength and peace. Many defer their success to this single value—their spiritual foundations and belief system. And those who are most grounded in their spiritual values also appear to be the most at peace with themselves and others. They are not anxious or troubled by life’s challenges.

They're crystal clear about their personal purpose, gifts, and passions. This clarity fuels their drive and commitment to their endeavors. As the late Dr. Dyer emphasized, understanding our purpose isn't just about career or business—it's about recognizing our calling and embracing it wholeheartedly. Individuals who align their actions with their purpose find greater fulfillment and motivation in their endeavors.

4. Openness and authenticity

Successful individuals are genuine and transparent, sharing both their triumphs and struggles to help others. This authenticity fosters trust and connection with those around them. As we've seen, being open and authentic isn't just about projecting success—it's about being real and relatable. It's this authenticity that resonates with others and inspires them to follow suit.

5. Focus and persistence

They understand that success requires unwavering focus and persistence. Long-term goals are pursued with dedication and resilience. Recent research confirms that sustained focus and persistence are key factors in achieving success. Like marathon runners, successful individuals commit to their endeavors for the long haul, refusing to be deterred by obstacles or setbacks.

6. Integrity for success

Integrity is non-negotiable for these individuals. They understand that true success is built on a foundation of honesty and ethics. In a world where integrity seems increasingly rare, successful individuals stand out for their unwavering commitment to doing what's right. They know that integrity isn't just a value—it's a cornerstone of lasting success.

7. Vision and goals

They have a clear vision of where they're headed and actively involve others in realizing that vision. This shared vision fosters collaboration and alignment within their teams. Research has shown that individuals with a compelling vision are more likely to achieve their goals and inspire others to join them on their journey.

8. Making a difference

Creating a positive impact and leaving a legacy are central to their definition of success. They understand that true fulfillment comes from making a difference in the lives of others. As research suggests, individuals who prioritize making a difference are more likely to experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives.

9. Responsibility

They take full responsibility for their circumstances and outcomes, rejecting victimhood and excuses. This mindset empowers them to take proactive steps towards their goals, rather than waiting for external forces to dictate their fate. While acknowledging external challenges, successful individuals focus on what they can control and take ownership of their actions and decisions.

10. Tithing/giving

In spite of what society might suggest, these individuals not only love to give, they are humbled and inspired by the ability to do so. This links back to the quality of wanting to make a difference. Oddly enough, their success is linked to their desire to give, not to earn. One individual stated in an interview that he wanted to be so successful, that he could live on 10% and give 90%. These are the stories that don’t make the headlines.

Now, take a moment to reflect on these secrets:

Assessment: Evaluate how well you align with each of these principles.

Action : Identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement.

Commitment: Make a commitment to embody these secrets in your life.

Progress: Regularly review your progress and adjust accordingly.

Openness: Remain open to challenging these secrets, but only after you've experienced their efficacy firsthand.

Remember, success is not a destination but a journey. By embracing these secrets, you're not only investing in your own growth, but also in the betterment of those around you. Keep living on purpose, and success will follow.

Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Twitter, YouTube and visit my website for more info!

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Success — What is Success and How to Define It

What is Success and How to Define It

Categories: Success

About this sample

Words: 1355 |

Published: Mar 1, 2019

Words: 1355 | Page: 1 | 7 min read

What is success?

Works cited.

Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Simon & Schuster.
Dweck, C. (2017). Mindset: Changing the way you think to fulfil your potential. Robinson.
Gladwell, M. (2008). Outliers: The Story of Success. Little, Brown and Company.
Grant, A. (2013). Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success. Penguin Books.
Hill, N. (2020). Think and Grow Rich. Independently published.
Kipling, R. (1910). If. The National Review.
Loehr, J., & Schwartz, T. (2003). The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal. Free Press.
Man's Search for Meaning (2006). Viktor E. Frankl. Beacon Press.
Robbins, T. (2005). Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Financial Destiny!. Simon & Schuster.
Tracy, B. (2004). The Psychology of Selling: Increase Your Sales Faster and Easier Than You Ever Thought Possible. Thomas Nelson.

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Speech on Success

About Speech on Success

Success is not something which we achieve in a day or year as it is a process of achieving your goals and feeling good about yourself. The definition of success changes from one individual to another. For some success could be doing your dream job, having a car or it could just be marrying a person you love the most. The definition of success changes and it is not the same for everyone.

Everyone around the world is running behind success as it is believed that success would solve all problems. Is success the same for everyone? and will successfully solve all the problems? and what elements will help in making a person successful? All the answers to the questions are given below in the speech on success. Students can refer to these speeches on success and try to understand the important elements required to be successful in life.

Here we have provided a long and short speech on success and along with that we have also given 10 line pointers about the motivational speech on success in English.

The road to success does not happen overnight. Whether they are large or small, your everyday actions, activities, and encounters ultimately determine your success. Success comes when persistence and hard work are combined. Only perseverance and commitment can lead to success.

As a group, we understood that we could not achieve something without giving up something. Success demands a similar amount of sacrifice. Anyhow, you'll be able to accomplish your goal if you perform these penances. In any case, many people achieve success. The result is however that they fall behind in terms of achieving mental, social, and physical success. A lack of success in different areas causes them to become separated. It has sometimes happened that individuals have become so fixated on success that those around them find themselves feeling awkward around them. There have been times when they have gone frantic. Aside from that, if one is not making progress as fast as others, they can become discouraged. With this in mind, we can conclude that success has been severely damaged.

Long Speech on Success in English

Good morning to everyone present today. I feel humbled that I was allowed to give a speech on success. I hope everyone learns new things and your definition of success changes.

So what is success? and why is everyone running after it? We live in a period where everyone wants to be successful. They want to accomplish something in their life. It could be to get the dream job or get good grades on the exams. The point which I want to prove is that the definition of success changes from one person to another. The person sitting next to you will have a completely different view of success compared to you so there is no definite definition of success for everyone around the world.

But success could be simply defined as the satisfaction one gets after accomplishing the goals. Let us take the example of the students sitting here and we all know that every student in school aspires and aims to be successful in school. Being successful in academics and getting good grades is the dream of every student. They need to do it to achieve their goals and be successful in life.

Students let me tell you the road to success is not easy and if was easy everyone would have been successful. Success is also not achieved in a day or a night. It is a long steady process that requires hard work, commitment, and sacrifice.

Students let me tell you that the amount of success a person achieves is directly related to the number of things that person has sacrificed in life. I want you all to understand this concept of sacrifice because it is required for you to become successful. I truly believe that if you are not ready to sacrifice the things that are dearest to your heart, you won’t achieve anything in life. I don’t mean that sacrificing things such as not even food or playing, those activities are required for the proper functioning of your brain. Not playing video games or watching television is the sacrifice you have to make if you want to get good grades in school. You can do fun activities when you are free and not when your examinations are approaching. It is very important to invest your time in studying when needed.

The next important thing that one should have to be successful in life is a firm blueprint to accomplish your goals. Students should plan accordingly to reach their goals and accomplish wonders. Blueprint is required and the first step in making a blueprint is to invest your time in your goals which could be done by preparing a good timetable. Students as we all know lost money could be earned back in the future but the time lost cannot be gained back. Time is the most valuable asset of anyone’s life and it is very important to figure out how to invest it and on whom we should invest it. Investing your time to develop a new skill and cultivate it in the future is what most successful people do. You might have heard about Elon Musk. He is the world’s richest person and people think he is the richest because he has money, the answer is no, he is the richest because of the goals he has accomplished throughout his life.20 years back he had invested his time in learning new skills and inventing new things and the time he invested back then has given him the status of the world richest man today. All I want to say to all the students present here is they do dream about a good life, do dream about a goal or a job that will settle your but it is also required that you have to work on that, you have to water it every day so that it will yield you the success you want in the future.

Students to be successful you have to go through failure. Facing failure fearlessly is required if you want to achieve your goals. Many people don’t take risks because they fear failure and those are the people who never become successful in life. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Mukesh Ambani, and many more are known for taking risks in life. What would have happened if Mukesh Ambani did not take the risk of introducing the Jio 4G network? We could still be using other networks and mostly our online learning could have been affected. Students, what I am trying to say is that taking a risk in life is very important and you may encounter failures. Facing failures is important as something that is the only thing that guides us through our journey to success. Do not be afraid of failure and always remember that when you fail forward and learn from it.

To conclude this speech I want to say that Success plays an important role in a person’s life. It is very important to be successful if you want to be recognized by the world but keep in mind that success is not the final stage of your life, it won’t solve all of your problems. We often hear that many people take success too seriously and have mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Having a goal in your mind and working towards it is very important but it does not mean being too serious about it. Work on the process of becoming successful rather than running after it. Spend time with your family and friends while you are working on your goals and please enjoy life I am successful with time. Success will come to you if you have invested your time in it.

Thank you.

Short Speech on Success in English

Good morning to everyone present here today. I feel honored to be allowed to give a small speech about success in school. I hope this speech helps you in understanding what success means.

Success does not have a definite definition as it varies from one person to another. Success could be simply defined as the satisfaction a person gets by achieving his or her goal. Success does not come without any problems as the road to success is filled with many hurdles. To achieve success one needs to be determined in life and have a plan to accomplish that goal.

Success is directly proportional to the amount of hard work and the time you have invested in achieving that goal. hard work here to work physically which makes you tired but it just means that you have to prioritize important things that will make you successful and work towards it. Failure is the most important step in achieving your goals. Many of us fear as we think that it will not make us successful but sometimes failing is important as it helps in determining your path. Imagine what would have happened if Thomas Edison hesitated while he worked on discovering light? the world would have still been dark. Don’t fear failure, face it as it will help in achieving success.

To conclude this speech I want to say that the three most important things required for a person to be successful are Hard Work, failure, and having a timetable. Most successful people are very good at managing their time and it is required that if you want to succeed in life you also have to learn the skill of time management. Lastly do not take success too seriously as it will affect your health and the relationships around you. Work on the process of achieving your goal and I will be successful in life. Thank you.

10 lines about the Motivational Speech on Success in English

Success could be defined as the measure of happiness or fulfillment one person feels after achieving his or her goals.

Success does not have a definite formula or mantra which applies to everyone around the world. The meaning of success changes from one person to another.

Never chase success as it will only lead a person to be unhappy in life.

Success requires constant hard work and determination which many people are not ready to put in.

To be successful in life one needs to set a goal and work towards it with determination.

Successful people are very good at managing time so learn the skill of time management if you want to be successful in life.

Always learn from your failures and past experiences. Never allow your past to define you.

Make a definite blueprint for your life and note down the different goals you want to achieve in a different part of your life.

Do not be demotivated when you fail as sometimes failure is the only thing that will help you in determining your life.

Success is a direct product of the hard work you put into accomplishing your goal.

FAQs on Speech on Success

1. What's the definition of success in life?

It is possible for your definition of what success means to change; however, most people describe it as being content, upbeat, sheltered, well-constructed, and cherished. You need to be able to achieve your objectives whatever they may be in daily life. Success in life means that a person can attain what he/she has desired throughout their entire life. Your ambitions, dreams, and aspirations about how you want your life will determine how successful you are. You already have a successful life if you are proud of everything you have accomplished.

2. What is Success according to you?

For those of you who haven't decided what success means to them, there is an exercise you can try: Take 15 minutes and write words, symbols, or pictures that describe what success is for you. If you are struggling with ideas of success, you could focus on your immediate aims or near-term goals. If you start documenting a successful life for yourself, you might be inspired to examine the whole of your life. Here are some questions you might ask yourself:

How does happiness make me feel?

Is there any area in my life where I have already succeeded?

How can I apply that experience?

Did I learn anything from my failures?

What is my role model?

Which is the most important thing to me?

And how will I remember myself?

Our daily engagements and energizing activities are much better measures of success.

Natural abilities are often what motivate and engage us in the very activities that energise us.

Manage a team or grow a business if you have strong influencing or relationship skills. Maybe you thrive on solving complex problems, developing strategies, and developing visions. You're inspired by new ideas and produce your best work when you have time to think and reflect. However, deadlines and multiple projects also feel like an adrenaline rush to you.

3. Is success the only thing that matters?

It is not success that makes us happy. Often, society defines happiness as how much success you can achieve. We are extremely focused on creating success as a society. The concept that happiness results from success have become intoxicating:

I would be delighted to get promoted.

Success will make me happy.

My success will be measured by the factor of 12 increase in the share price of my company

and therefore, I will be pleased

All of these assumptions are false. Achieving success does not guarantee happiness. Success is a relative concept in everything that we do: the more successful we become, the higher the bar for defining success, making achievement more difficult.

The good news is that this is great for business, but if it's what determines your happiness, you'll end up unhappy. Big numbers always make people unhappy.

Although the difficulty level increases as the bar are next raised, the level of happiness remains unchanged.

4. How does success hurt us?

It is common knowledge that one cannot achieve something without sacrificing something. To achieve success, one has to sacrifice a variety of things. Even though these sacrifices may seem futile, they will not be in vain if you achieve your goal. Yes, many people become successful in their field but fail to achieve success in their mental, social, and physical lives. The tension of not being successful elsewhere is what draws them apart.

Oftentimes, people become obsessed with success to the point that the people around them become uncomfortable around them. This is sometimes considered madness. In addition to this, people get depressed if they do not succeed like other people. Therefore, success comes with a lot of disadvantages.

5. Does hard work correlate with Success?

Even though it may sound unfit to some people, hard work is essential to success. Success cannot be achieved without hard work. Laborious and sweaty work does not constitute hard work. A healthy body, a strong mind, willpower, and a positive mindset are all elements of hard work. You need the energy to achieve all of those things. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. You should also do more than just work on your program, push yourself to the limit, take responsibility for other things, and improve your skills. Apart from that, you should associate with positive people, develop positive habits, and continue exercising for both the body and your mind.

Essentially, we can say that success is like a seed that needs a balanced proportion of all its components. Success can never be achieved in a day; one must undergo and deal with different conditions in life to achieve success. When you achieve your goal, you are feeling a sense of fulfilment, which is called success.

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College essays that worked and how yours can too.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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Essays About Success: Top 5 Examples Plus 8 Prompts

Are you writing essays about success? Discover our guide that will help you succeed with essay examples about success and writing prompts .

Success is the achievement of a goal and can be achieved in the short, medium, or long term. Success does not come easily and often takes a great deal of hard work and commitment to achieving your dreams . However, some people walk a smoother path to success than others due to contacts, resources , and financial support .

While we all have different recipes for success , there are common ingredients that effectively support us in our pathway to success . Among them are discipline, patience, perseverance, and consistently followed strategy .

Read on below to see our pick of essay examples and prompts about success .




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5 Essay Examples

1. crypto’s success proves it doesn’t need consumer trust by charlotte principato, 2. china’s success in fighting poverty offers lesson for all by alessandro golombiewski teixeira, 3. the story of the first sherpa to climb to the top of mt. everest by christopher rand, 4. ukrainian success will not be catastrophic by kori schake, 5. the story behind tesla’s success by amy wu, 8 topic prompts on essays about success, 1. academic success, 2. how to succeed in life, 3. success vs. happiness, 4. poems with the theme of success, 5. self-made billionaires: are they real , 6. how childhood experiences can affect success, 7. why exercise is vital to success, 8. is iq the best indicator of success.

“… [O]n top of playing their role in keeping financial assets safe, institutions will also need to provide customers with access to a broad array of cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance products, as well as control over when and how they use them and greater transparency into how assets move.”

Crypto’s success is puzzling many over the influence — or lack thereof — of trust in the current generation of investors. But there is more to learn in today’s most untrusted but booming digital asset. And the lesson is for financial institutions to embrace crypto innovation while marrying this with their business principles on consumer confidence and safety.

“China’s poverty reduction strategy is worthy of reference for the majority of developing countries. In the process of poverty reduction, the Chinese government has had a clear overall plan and strategic direction. It has insisted that economic and social development go hand in hand.”

This essay weaves a remarkable story from the data on China’s drastic poverty alleviation. It is a story of progress that developing, and least-developed countries could turn to for inspiration in crafting anti-poverty policies and strategies. You can also check out these essays about business .

“Over the years, the try at the ascent was a test promoted largely by men who believed in white superiority. In the end, Tenzing, a nonwhite, passed it. Inevitably, this made him a hero to Indian nationalists. Tenzing is a Cinderella who has shown them that they, too, can be belles.”

The historic success of mankind in reaching the summit of Everest happened in the 1950s. Sadly it was little known that two men achieved this feat: one was British mountaineer Edmund Hillary and the other the Nepalese Tenzing Norkay. Norkay succeeds in raking in a “decent” income following the expedition, but his achievement is shadowed by the knighted Hillary.

“Ukrainians believe they are fighting for the fundamental values of a free society: human dignity, political liberty, national security. Those beliefs have electrified the society, which is engaged in impressive civic activism in support of the defense effort—something that will be studied by Western countries as mastery of 21st-century warfare.”

The counteroffensives of Ukraine have been successfully pushing Russian troops to retreat, exposing the decay in Russia’s military prowess and directing the world’s attention to its warfare tactics. While shrouded in grief over the loss of numerous civilian lives, Ukraine presses forward bolder and, in the process, wins overwhelming international support for the country to succeed against Putin’s Russia.

“Tesla’s release positioned it as one of the few successful independent automakers and a pioneer in the electric car market… When the Model S premiered in 2013, Tesla made headlines… The electric plug-in car received a near-perfect score of 99 out of 100 from Consumer Reports, which also named it as ‘the best car ever tested.'”

The essay tracked the beginnings of Tesla as a startup up to its success today as a $900 billion company. It looks holistically at its current operations, technology development strategies, and global expansion. Through the lens of analysts, it also gives readers a glimpse into the future of Tesla, which is projected to rake in almost 30% of the global electric car sales by 2030.

Essays about the success: Academic success

Some would define academic success as acing an exam, while for others, it’s about making it to the top of the class. We measure academic success mainly depending on what standard we aim to live up to and what we think is the best learning journey and pace. For this essay, talk about your barometers for academic success . Then, share your studying techniques and learning strategies for reaching new academic heights.

Over the years, there has been a lot of pressure for people to achieve significant life milestones faster, causing burnout and mental health disorders in a large population. Do you agree that pushing yourself to the limits is the right way to succeed in life? Your essay may take off from these questions, or you can provide your take on how to lead a successful life.

The road to success is beset with many impediments that could bring people down emotionally and mentally. For this essay, differentiate between success and happiness and determine which one is better to pursue. Back up your essay with research and real-life stories.

For example, if you choose happiness over success , you may cite studies showing how successful people are more prone to mental health instabilities. You may also turn your essay into a feature-like write-up by integrating stories of people who have climbed to the top of the corporate ladder only to fall into depression.

Be creative and turn your essay into a literary analysis. There is a wide array of poems about success at your disposal. One example and the most popular to date is Emily Dickinson’s “ Success is Counted Sweetest.” You can dissect the poem line per line. Then, try to interpret the meanings beneath the metaphors and other figures of speech. Finally, articulate how the poem relates to the general aspects of life.

Debates have been brewing over describing billionaires as “self-made,” with critics arguing there is never such a thing as some even derived capital through inheritance. So for this essay, first lay down the definitions and criteria of what makes a self-made billionaire. Next, delve into the lives of those labeled as self-made billionaires and determine if their conditions meet the criteria enumerated.

Essays about the success: How childhood experiences can affect success

The field of psychology abounds in research studies that link factors from childhood to success or failure in one’s adult life. First, find research studies that interest you or could even relate to your life story. You could also cite others’ experiences as examples that agree with the research. Then, based on your chosen study, suggest how government, schools, and families can reform childhood practices to lead children to a better future.

Write about the scientific processes that happen to your body when you exercise and what these do in increasing your thinking capacity, energy, and focus, among others. Then, cite people you consider successful and write about their exercise routines. Finally, write about your exercise routine or plans to add exercise to your daily habit. You can also suggest programs for schools to encourage regular exercise among their students better

Some psychometric experts believe that the intelligence quotient is the best determinant of success , while others think it is but one. For your essay, write about where you stand on this divergence.

But first, walk your readers through the current debates on IQ. Then, support your opinion with the latest research correlating IQ with other factors such as social behavior and economic development. Also, add what experts have to say for additional support to your argument.

To check your grammar, try out ProWritingAid. ProWritingAid is one of our top-rated grammar checkers for several reasons, as laid down in this review .

But if writing essays is not your cup of tea, you can always write a simple five-paragraph essay .

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How to Define Success in Life: My Definition of Success

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Success Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on success.

Success Essay- In today’s world everyone wants to be successful but what is a success. The perspective of success varies from person to person. For the record, the people before us have a different view on success and the person after us will have a different view on success.

Moreover, people compare different people performance to evaluate their success. But success is not something that you can copy from others. You have to make your own path to achieving success. In modern-day, people are obsessed with success because of the glamour and lifestyle of successful people .

What formulates a person successful?

There are many ways in the world to be successful. But most people think of celebrities, artist, politicians, and businessmen whenever they heard the word success.

Moreover, they think doing what they will make you successful but that not the case. They forget the most basic thing that makes a person successful that is their hard work, dedication, and the desire to achieve their dream. More importantly, they what they like to do not what that others told them to do. Successful people do what they like to do also they do what they feel correct for their business.

If you look in the dictionary for the meaning of the word success then you will find that it means the achievement of one’s goal or aim . So, basically, anyone can achieve success by simply achieving their aim or goal.

What is the harm of success?

We all knew that we can’t achieve something without sacrificing something. Success also demands various things from you. But these sacrifices will not go in vain if you achieve your goal.

Certainly, many people achieve professional success but in doing so they fail in achieving mental, social and physical success. The tension of lacking behind in other things pulls them apart.

Also, there are cases where people became so obsessed with success that the people around them start to feel uncomfortable around them. In some cases, they have gone mad. Apart from that, people also get depressed if they can’t achieve success like others. So, we can say that there is much harm to success.

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Success and hard work

It may sound unfit to some peoples but success depends a lot of hard work. Without it, you can’t become successful. Hard work does not mean that you do laborious work or the work that make you sweat. Hard work means having a healthy body, strong mind, willpower and positive attitude towards things. And for all those things you need energy. So, be attentive to your body and soul.

Besides, do not just work on your program, push your limit, take charge of other things, improve your skills and most importantly keep learning. Apart from that, be with positive peoples, develop positive habits, and do exercise not only for the body but also for your mind.

To sum it up, we can say that success is like a seed that needs a balanced proportion of all the elements of life. And no one can achieve success in a day they have to go through and face different conditions in life for being successful. Above all, success is the feeling of fulfillment that you feel when you achieve your goal.

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Authenticity

Defining success on your own terms, it's time to shift away from the traditional, unsatisfying markers of success..

Posted June 28, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

Traditional success is often defined by external markers rather than personal values and inner fulfillment.
Success can feel elusive if people only prioritize external validation and traditional markers.
One can choose to define success on one's own terms and create a life that feels authentic and value-aligned.

This post was co-authored by Erin Marshall.

In life, it can be easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success. We have been conditioned to believe that we need to be faster, smarter, richer, better, and more successful. We’re always supposed to be at that top echelon of human performance and functioning. But what are we chasing?

A traditional understanding of success is largely measured by external achievements, wealth, status, and material possessions rather than by living a life that is genuine and aligned with one’s values, passions, and inner truths. We are so inundated with information that we might not even know what we are doing anymore or, possibly more concerning, why. Have you ever felt like you were chasing someone else’s idea of success?

People nearing the end of their careers have sought me out to work with for one main reason: They want to feel again. These ridiculously successful, talented, and extraordinary professionals from virtually every industry approach the end of a career looking for guidance on how to feel feelings. I have seen similar patterns when people are nearing the end of their lives, too. I have witnessed a longing for more time. And it is not more time for them to finally finish their to-do list or add another accolade to their resume.

The reality is that you can meet all of the traditional markers of success and still not feel fulfilled. While the traditional markers of success—the titles, salaries, and accolades—can be motivating and rewarding, the challenge comes when we solely rely on these to bring us fulfillment. You can succeed in certain domains, but there’s a rumbling you can feel when something is missing.

Stuck in an Endless Cycle

In today’s world, we have an overabundance of information about being successful and an underabundance of people actually feeling successful.

Many of us have set conditions, often based on societal and external standards, around our success. We have convinced ourselves that once something specific happens or a milestone is achieved, then we will feel OK. Then, we will feel happy. Then, we will feel successful.

For example:

When I finish my professional certification, then I will feel confident in my expertise.
When I get promoted, then I will feel accomplished in my career.
When I earn a higher salary, then I will feel my hard work is paying off.
When I receive recognition or an award, then I will feel valued and respected.

This reminds me of the Greek myth of Sisyphus. Zeus punished Sisyphus for escaping death twice by forcing him to roll a massive boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down every time Sisyphus was close to the top—a task he had to repeat for eternity. Feeling successful and living a good life will continue to feel elusive if we stay trapped in the “when-then” cycle. It is important to seek fulfillment from within as well.

Redefining Success

Many of us haven't truly allowed ourselves to slow down to consider what matters most to us. Rather than drowning in all the things you should be doing, ought to be doing, and could be doing, my invitation is for you to stop and take personal inventory.

Clarity about what matters most to you.
A time and a place for that in your life to make it matter most.

Here are a few ideas to support you in this exploration:

Know who you are and who you are not: Just because everyone else is doing the “it” thing doesn’t mean you have to as well. This is about setting goals that are important to you and aligned with your values and your best life, not necessarily those that are seen as important by society. These are the goals worthy of your time and energy.
Be aware of your coveting tendencies: Coveting behavior occurs when you have a deep desire to possess something someone else has. We compare ourselves to others, strive for an ideal or perfect life, or think something on the outside will solve all our problems. Many of us get stuck in this outer-attainment-for-inner-attunement trap. Yet, the truth is that you will never have enough of what you do not need.
Keep your promises to yourself: Just as you protect your promises and commitments to others, show yourself the same respect and honor. This builds self-trust and efficacy for following through.

When we know what we value most, we can begin to move beyond the traditional and often external markers of success to be able to craft our own definition.

Living an Authentic and Value-Aligned Life

There’s an intuitive knowing we experience when our lives are in alignment. Not everyone is going to follow suit or see it the same way you do, but you know wholeheartedly what matters most to you, and you choose to make it matter most. This authenticity leads to a deeper, more lasting sense of fulfillment and happiness , as it aligns with our true values, goals, and passions.

Here are a few questions to think about to get you started:

What are the values and principles that you want your success to be aligned with?
What are specific accomplishments or experiences that make you feel fulfilled?
What impact or legacy do you want to leave behind that would make you feel successful?

Markers I strive for are things like:

A flexible calendar
Slower mornings
Freedom to choose
Peace of mind
Being able to be present
A relaxed and regulated work pace
Spaciousness in my calendar to say "yes"
Consistently being able to get a physical win, mental win, and spiritual win each day
Being able to show up when someone needs me
A good night’s sleep

What would success feel like for you?

Final Thoughts

Michelle Obama once said, “Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you.” My hope is that we can all find our way back to this truth. When I let go of the need for external validation and embraced my own definition of success, I found a deep sense of sufficiency and confidence within myself. More importantly, I found a richness of peace that I never knew was possible.

When you show up authentically and meaningfully in your own life, you’ll find that true success is not only attainable but deeply rewarding. Success, ultimately, is about showing up in a way that is meaningful and purpose-filled for the life you choose to live—a life that feels successful on your own terms.

Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Ed.D. , is a resiliency and wellness scholar and speaker, author of Calm Within the Storm and Stress Wisely , and award-winning instructor and adjunct professor at Trent University.

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You Might Be a Late Bloomer

The life secrets of those who flailed early but succeeded by old age

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P aul Cézanne always knew he wanted to be an artist. His father compelled him to enter law school, but after two desultory years he withdrew. In 1861, at the age of 22, he went to Paris to pursue his artistic dreams but was rejected by the École des Beaux-Arts, struggled as a painter, and retreated back to his hometown in the south of France, where he worked as a clerk in his father’s bank.

He returned to Paris the next year and was turned down again by the École. His paintings were rejected by the Salon de Paris every year from 1864 to 1869. He continued to submit paintings until 1882, but none were accepted. He joined with the Impressionists, many of whose works were also being rejected, but soon stopped showing with them as well.

By middle age, he was discouraged. He wrote to a friend, “On this matter I must tell you that the numerous studies to which I devoted myself having produced only negative results, and dreading criticism that is only too justified, I have resolved to work in silence, until the day when I should feel capable of defending theoretically the results of my endeavors.” No Cézanne paintings were put on public display when he was between 46 and 56, the prime years for many artists, including some of Cézanne’s most prominent contemporaries.

In 1886, when Cézanne was 47, the celebrated writer Émile Zola, the artist’s closest friend since adolescence, published a novel called The Oeuvre . It was about two young men, one who grows up to be a famous author and the other who grows up to be a failed painter and commits suicide. The painter character was based, at least in part, on Cézanne. (“I had grown up almost in the same cradle as my friend, my brother, Paul Cézanne,” Zola would later write in a French newspaper, “in whom one begins to realize only today the touches of genius of a great painter come to nothing.”) Upon publication of the novel, Zola sent a copy to Cézanne, who responded with a short, polite reply. After that, they rarely communicated.

Things began to turn around in 1895, when, at the age of 56, Cézanne had his first one-man show. Two years later, one of his paintings was purchased by a museum in Berlin, the first time any museum had shown that kind of interest in his work. By the time he was 60, his paintings had started selling, though for much lower prices than those fetched by Manet or Renoir. Soon he was famous, revered. Fellow artists made pilgrimages to watch him work.

What drove the man through all those decades of setbacks and obscurity? One biographer attributed it to his “ inquiétude ”—his drive, restlessness, anxiety. He just kept pushing himself to get better.

His continual sense of dissatisfaction was evident in a letter he wrote to his son in 1906, at age 67, a month before he died: “I want to tell you that as a painter I am becoming more clairvoyant to nature, but that it is always very difficult for me to realize my feelings. I cannot reach the intensity that unfolds before my senses. I do not possess that wonderful richness of color that animates nature.” He was still at it on the day he died, still working on his paintings, still teaching himself to improve.

The year after his death, a retrospective of his work was mounted in Paris. Before long, he would be widely recognized as one of the founders of modern art: “Cézanne is the father of us all,” both Matisse and Picasso are said to have declared.

T oday we live in a society structured to promote early bloomers. Our school system has sorted people by the time they are 18, using grades and SAT scores. Some of these people zoom to prestigious academic launching pads while others get left behind. Many of our most prominent models of success made it big while young—Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Taylor Swift, Michael Jordan. Magazines publish lists with headlines like “30 Under 30” to glamorize youthful superstars on the rise. Age discrimination is a fact of life. In California in 2010, for example, more people filed claims with the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing for age discrimination than for racial discrimination or sexual harassment. “Young people are just smarter,” Zuckerberg once said, in possibly the dumbest statement in American history. “There are no second acts in American lives,” F. Scott Fitzgerald once observed, in what might be the next dumbest.

But for many people, the talents that bloom later in life are more consequential than the ones that bloom early. A 2019 study by researchers in Denmark found that, on average, Nobel Prize winners made their crucial discoveries at the age of 44 . Even brilliant people apparently need at least a couple of decades to master their field.

The average age of a U.S. patent applicant is 47. A 45-year-old is twice as likely to produce a scientific breakthrough as a 25-year-old . A study published in The American Economic Review found 45 to be the average age of an entrepreneur–and found furthermore that the likelihood that an entrepreneur’s start-up will succeed increases significantly between ages 25 and 35, with the odds of success continuing to rise well into the 50s. A tech founder who is 50 is twice as likely to start a successful company as one who is 30 . A study by researchers at Northwestern University, MIT, and the U.S. Census Bureau found that the fastest-growing start-ups were founded by people whose average age was 45 when their company was launched . The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation produced a study that found that the peak innovation age is the late 40s .

Successful late bloomers are all around us. Morgan Freeman had his breakthrough roles in Street Smart and Driving Miss Daisy in his early 50s. Colonel Harland Sanders started Kentucky Fried Chicken in his 60s. Isak Dinesen published the book that established her literary reputation, Out of Africa , at 52. Morris Chang founded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, the world’s leading chipmaker, at 55. If Samuel Johnson had died at 40, few would remember him, but now he is considered one of the greatest writers in the history of the English language. Copernicus came up with his theory of planetary motion in his 60s. Grandma Moses started painting at 77. Noah was around 600 when he built his ark (though Noah truthers dispute his birth certificate).

Why do some people hit their peak later than others? In his book Late Bloomers , the journalist Rich Karlgaard points out that this is really two questions: First, why didn’t these people bloom earlier? Second, what traits or skills did they possess that enabled them to bloom late? It turns out that late bloomers are not simply early bloomers on a delayed timetable—they didn’t just do the things early bloomers did but at a later age. Late bloomers tend to be qualitatively different, possessing a different set of abilities that are mostly invisible to or discouraged by our current education system. They usually have to invent their own paths. Late bloomers “fulfill their potential frequently in novel and unexpected ways,” Karlgaard writes, “surprising even those closest to them.”

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If you survey history, a taxonomy of achievement emerges. In the first category are the early bloomers, the precocious geniuses. These are people like Picasso or Fitzgerald who succeeded young. As the University of Chicago economist David Galenson has pointed out, these high achievers usually made a conceptual breakthrough. They came up with a new idea and then executed it. Picasso had a clear idea of Cubism, and how he was going to revolutionize art, in his mid-20s. Then he went out and painted Les Demoiselles d’Avignon .

Then there are the “ second-mountain people ,” exemplified by, say, Albert Schweitzer. First, they conquer their career mountain; Schweitzer, for instance, was an accomplished musician and scholar. But these people find their career success unsatisfying, so they leave their career mountain to serve humanity—their whole motivational structure shifts from acquisition to altruism. Schweitzer became a doctor in the poorest parts of Africa, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in 1952.

Finally, there are the people Galenson calls “the masters.” In his book Old Masters and Young Geniuses , he writes about people like Cézanne or Alfred Hitchcock or Charles Darwin, who were not all that successful—and in some cases just not even very good at what they did—when they were young. This could have been discouraging, but they just kept improving.

These people don’t do as much advance planning as the conceptual geniuses, but they regard their entire lives as experiments. They try something and learn, and then they try something else and learn more. Their focus is not on their finished work, which they often toss away haphazardly. Their focus is on the process of learning itself: Am I closer to understanding, to mastering? They live their lives as a long period of trial and error, trying this and trying that, a slow process of accumulation and elaboration, so the quality of their work peaks late in life. They are the ugly ducklings of human achievement, who, over the decades, turn themselves into swans.

L et’s look at some of the traits that tend to distinguish late bloomers from early bloomers—the qualities that cause them to lag early in life but surge ahead over the long haul.

Intrinsic motivation. Most of our schools and workplaces are built around extrinsic motivation: If you work hard, you will be rewarded with good grades, better salaries, and performance bonuses. Extrinsic-motivation systems are built on the assumption that although work is unpleasant, if you give people external incentives to perform, they will respond productively.

People who submit to these extrinsic-reward systems are encouraged to develop a merit-badge mentality. They get good at complying with other people’s standards, following other people’s methods, and pursuing other people’s goals. The people who thrive in these sorts of systems are good at earning high GPAs—having the self-discipline to get A’s in all subjects, even the ones that don’t interest them. They are valuable to companies precisely because they’re good at competently completing whatever tasks are put in front of them.

People driven by intrinsic motivation are not like that. They are bad at paying attention to what other people tell them to pay attention to. Winston Churchill was a poor student for just this reason. “Where my reason, imagination or interest were not engaged, I would not or I could not learn,” he wrote in his autobiography, My Early Life .

But such people can be great at paying attention to things that do interest them. The intrinsically motivated have a strong need for autonomy. They are driven by their own curiosity, their own obsessions—and the power of this motivation eclipses the lesser ones fired by extrinsic rewards.

Extrinsically motivated people tend to race ahead during young adulthood, when the job is to please teachers, bosses, and other older people, but then stop working as hard once that goal is met. They’re likely to take short cuts if it can get them more quickly to the goal.

Worse, as research by scholars like the psychologist Edward L. Deci has established, if you reward people extrinsically, you can end up crushing the person’s capacity for intrinsic motivation . If you pay kids to read, they might read more in the short term—but over time they’ll regard reading as unpleasant work, best avoided. A 2009 London School of Economics study that looked at 51 corporate pay-for-performance plans found that financial incentives “can have a negative impact on overall performance.”

I once asked a group of students on their final day at their prestigious university what book had changed their life over the previous four years. A long, awkward silence followed. Finally a student said, “You have to understand, we don’t read like that. We only sample enough of each book to get through class.” These students were hurrying to be good enough to get their merit badges, but not getting deep enough into any subject to be transformed. They didn’t love the process of learning itself, which is what you need if you’re going to keep educating yourself decade after decade—which, in turn, is what you need to keep advancing when the world isn’t rewarding you with impressive grades and prizes.

Intrinsically motivated people, by contrast, are self-directed and often obsessed, burying themselves deep into some subject or task. They find learning about a subject or doing an activity to be their own reward, so they are less likely to cut corners. As Vincent van Gogh—a kind of early late bloomer, who struggled to find his way and didn’t create most of his signature works until the last two years of his life before dying at 37—wrote to his brother, “I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.”

In Drive , the writer Daniel Pink argues that extrinsic-motivation models work fine when tasks are routine, boring, and technical. But he cites a vast body of research showing that intrinsically motivated people are more productive, more persistent, and less likely to burn out. They also exhibit higher levels of well-being. Over the long run, Pink concludes, “intrinsically motivated people usually achieve more than their reward-seeking counterparts.”

Early screw-ups. Late bloomers often don’t fit into existing systems. To use William Deresiewicz’s term, they are bad at being “excellent sheep” —bad at following the conventional rules of success. Or to put it another way, they can be assholes. Buckminster Fuller was expelled from college twice, lost his job in the building business when he was 32, and later contemplated suicide so his family could live off his life insurance. But then he moved to Greenwich Village, took a teaching job at Black Mountain College, and eventually emerged as an architect, designer, futurist, and winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Colonel Sanders was fired for insubordination when he was a railway engineer, and then fired again for brawling with a colleague while working as a fireman. His career as a lawyer ended when he got into a fistfight with a client, and he lost his job as an insurance salesman because he was unsuited to working for other people. Then, at 62, he created the recipe for what became Kentucky Fried Chicken, began to succeed as a franchiser at 69, and sold the company for $2 million when he was 73.

Late bloomers often have an edge to them, a willingness to battle with authority.

“ Diversive curiosity .” Our culture pushes people to specialize early: Be like Tiger Woods driving golf balls as a toddler. Concentrate on one thing and get really good, really fast—whether it is golf or physics or investing. In the academic world, specialization is rewarded: Don’t be a scholar of Europe, be a scholar of Dutch basket weaving in the 16th century.

Yet when the journalist David Epstein looked at the lives of professional athletes, he found that most of them were less like Tiger Woods and more like Roger Federer, who played a lot of different sports when he was young. These athletes went through what researchers call a “sampling period” and only narrowed their focus to one sport later on. In his book Range , Epstein writes that people who went through a sampling period ended up enjoying greater success over the long run: “One study showed that early career specializers jumped out to an earning lead after college, but that later specializers made up for the head start by finding work that better fitted their skills and personalities.”

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Many late bloomers endure a brutal wandering period, as they cast about for a vocation. Julia Child made hats, worked for U.S. intelligence (where she was part of a team trying to develop an effective shark repellent), and thought about trying to become a novelist before enrolling in a French cooking school at 37. Van Gogh was an art dealer, a teacher, a bookseller, and a street preacher before taking up painting at 27. During those wandering years, he was a miserable failure. His family watched his repeated downward spirals with embarrassment.

During these early periods, late bloomers try and then quit so many jobs that the people around them might conclude that they lack resilience. But these are exactly the years when the late bloomers are developing what psychologists call “diversive curiosity” —the ability to wander into a broad range of interests in a manner that seems to have no rhyme or reason.

The benefits of this kind of curiosity might be hard to see in the short term, but they become obvious once the late bloomer begins to take advantage of their breadth of knowledge by putting discordant ideas together in new ways. When the psychologist Howard Gruber studied the diaries of Charles Darwin , he found that in the decades before he published On the Origin of Species , Darwin was “pen pals” (as David Epstein puts it) with at least 231 scientists, whose worked ranged across 13 broad streams, from economics to geology, the biology of barnacles to the sex life of birds. Darwin couldn’t have written his great masterworks if he hadn’t been able to combine these vastly different intellectual currents.

Epstein notes that many of the most successful scientists have had diverse interests, and especially in different kinds of performing: Nobel Prize winners are 22 times more likely to spend large chunks of time as an amateur actor, musician, magician, or other type of performer than non-Nobel-winning scientists are. Epstein quotes Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the founder of modern neuroscience: “To him who observes them from afar, it appears as though they are scattering and dissipating their energies,” Cajal wrote, speaking of these late-blooming Nobelists, “while in reality they are channeling and strengthening them.”

Late bloomers tend to have a high tolerance for ambiguity, and can bring multiple ways of thinking to bear on a single complex problem. They also have a high tolerance for inefficiency. They walk through life like a curious person browsing through a bookstore. In old age, the historian Daniel Boorstin wrote, “The amateur spirit has guided my thinking and writing.” He had wandered from subject to subject throughout his life, playing around.

The ability to self-teach. Late bloomers don’t find their calling until they are too old for traditional education systems. So they have to teach themselves. Successful autodidacts start with what psychologists call a “high need for cognition”—in other words, they like to think a lot. In his book Curious , Ian Leslie presents a series of statements that, when answered in the affirmative, indicate a high need for cognition: “I would prefer complex to simple problems”; “I prefer my life be filled with puzzles that I can’t solve”; “I find satisfaction in deliberating hard and for long hours.”

Leonardo da Vinci is the poster child for high-cognition needs. Consider his famous lists of self-assigned research projects : “Ask the master of arithmetic how to square a triangle … examine a crossbow … ask about the measurement of the sun … draw Milan.” Benjamin Franklin was similar. After he was appointed U.S. ambassador to France, he could have relaxed on his transatlantic voyages between home and work. Instead, he turned them into scientific expeditions, measuring the temperature of the water as he went, which allowed him to discover and chart the Gulf Stream.

Successful late bloomers combine this high need for cognition with a seemingly contradictory trait: epistemic humility. They are aggressive about wanting to acquire knowledge and learn—but they are also modest, possessing an accurate sense of how much they don’t know.

This mentality combines high self-belief ( I can figure this out on my own; I know my standards are right and the world’s standards are wrong ) with high self-doubt ( There’s a lot I don’t know, and I am falling short in many ways ).

The combination of a high need for cognition and epistemic humility is a recipe for lifelong learning. Late bloomers learn more slowly but also more deeply precisely because they’re exploring on their own. The benefits of acquiring this self-taught knowledge compound over time. The more you know about a subject, the faster you can learn. A chess grandmaster with thousands of past matches stored in their head will see a new strategy much faster than a chess beginner. Knowledge begets knowledge. Researchers call this “the Matthew effect” : “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance.” Pretty soon, the late bloomer is taking off.

The ability to finally commit. Of course, late bloomers can’t just wander forever. At some point they must grab onto some challenge that engages their powerful intrinsic drive. They have to commit. Ray Kroc endured a classic wandering period. He got a job selling ribbons. He played piano in a bordello. He read the ticker tape at the Chicago stock exchange. He sold paper cups and then milkshake mixers. In that latter job he noticed that one restaurant was ordering a tremendous number of milkshake machines. Curious, he drove halfway across the country to see it, and found a fast-food restaurant that was more efficiently churning out meals than any he had ever encountered. “There was something almost religious about Kroc’s inspirational moment when he discovered McDonald’s,” Henry Oliver writes in his forthcoming book, Second Act . Kroc just cared about hamburgers and fries (and milkshakes) more than most people. He bought the restaurant, and brought to it his own form of genius, which was the ability to franchise it on a massive scale.

The mind of the explorer. By middle age, many late bloomers have achieved lift-off and are getting to enjoy the pleasures of concentrated effort. They are absorbed, fascinated. But since they are freer from ties and associations than the early achiever, late bloomers can also change their mind and update their models without worrying about betraying any professional norms.

We have a notion that the happiest people are those who have aimed their life toward some goal and then attained it, like winning a championship trophy or achieving renown. But the best moments of life can be found within the lifelong learning or quest itself. It’s doing something so fulfilling that the work is its own reward. “Effort is the one thing that gives meaning to life,” the Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck once wrote. “Effort means you care about something.”

“The secret of life is to have a task, something you devote your entire life to, something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for the rest of your life,” the sculptor Henry Moore once told the poet Donald Hall . “And the most important thing is—it must be something you cannot possibly do.”

Crankiness in old age. So far, I’ve been describing late bloomers as if they were all openhearted curiosity and wonder. But remember that many of them have been butting against established institutions their whole lives—and they’ve naturally developed oppositional, chip-on-the-shoulder, even angry mindsets.

In his essay “ The Artist Grows Old ,” the great art critic Sir Kenneth Clark wrote about painters—like Titian, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Cézanne—who produced their best work at the end of their lives, sometimes in their 80s or even 90s. He noticed that while these older artists painted with passion, this passion was inflected with what he called “transcendental pessimism.” The artists who peak late, he found, “take a very poor view of human life.” They are energized by a holy rage. The British artist William Turner felt so hopeless late in life that he barely spoke. “Old artists are solitary,” Clark writes. “Like all old people they are bored and irritated by the company of their fellow bipeds and yet find their isolation depressing. They are also suspicious of interference.”

The angry old artists fight back with their brushes. They retreat from realism. Their handling of paint grows freer. “Cézanne, who in middle life painted with the delicacy of a watercolorist, and was almost afraid, as he said, to sully the whiteness of a canvas, ended by attacking it with heavy and passionate strokes,” Clark writes. “The increased vitality of an aged hand is hard to explain.”

Younger painters, like younger workers in any field, are trying to learn the language of the craft. Older painters, like older expert practitioners in other fields, have mastered the language and are willing to bend it. Older painters feel free to jettison the rules that stifle their prophetic voice. They can express what they need to more purely.

Clark’s analysis is insightful, but I think he may be overgeneralizing. His theory applies to an angry, pessimistic painting like Michelangelo’s late work The Crucifixion of St. Peter , a painting of an old man raging against the inhumanity of the world . But Clark’s theory doesn’t really apply to, say, Rembrandt’s late work The Return of the Prodigal Son . By the time he painted it, Rembrandt was old, broke, and out of fashion; his wife and many of his children had preceded him to the grave. But Prodigal Son is infused with a spirit of holy forgiveness. It shows a father offering infinite love to a wayward, emaciated, and grateful son. It couldn’t be gentler.

Wisdom. After a lifetime of experimentation, some late bloomers transcend their craft or career and achieve a kind of comprehensive wisdom.

Wisdom is a complicated trait. It starts with pattern recognition—using experience to understand what is really going on. The neuroscientist Elkhonon Goldberg provides a classic expression of this ability in his book The Wisdom Paradox . “Frequently when I am faced with what would appear from the outside to be a challenging problem, the grinding mental computation is somehow circumvented, rendered, as if by magic, unnecessary,” he writes. “The solution comes effortlessly, seamlessly, seemingly by itself. What I have lost with age in my capacity for hard mental work, I seem to have gained in my capacity for instantaneous, almost unfairly easy insight.”

But the trait we call wisdom is more than just pattern recognition; it’s the ability to see things from multiple points of view, the ability to aggregate perspectives and rest in the tensions between them. When he was in his 60s, Cézanne built a study in Provence and painted a series of paintings of a single mountain, Mont Sainte-Victoire , which are now often considered his greatest works. He painted the mountain at different times of day, in different sorts of light. He wasn’t so much painting the mountain as painting time. He was also painting perception itself, its continual flow, its uncertainties and evolutions. “I progress very slowly,” he wrote to the painter Émile Bernard, “for nature reveals herself to me in complex ways; and the progress needed is endless.”

“Old men ought to be explorers,” T. S. Eliot wrote in East Coker. “Here and there does not matter / We must be still and still moving / Into another intensity / For a further union, a deeper communion.” For some late bloomers, the exploration never ends. They have a certain distinct way of being in the world, but they express that way of being at greater and greater levels of complexity as they age.

Wisdom is an intellectual trait—the ability to see reality as it really is. But it is also a moral trait; we wouldn’t call a self-centered person wise. It is also a spiritual trait; the wise person possesses a certain tranquility, the ability to stay calm when others are overwhelmed with negative emotions.

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When I was young I was mentored by William F. Buckley and Milton Friedman, both at that time approaching the end of their careers. Both men had changed history. Buckley created the modern conservative movement that led to the election of Ronald Reagan. Friedman changed economics and won the Nobel Prize. I had a chance to ask each of them, separately, if they ever felt completion, if they ever had a sense that they’d done their work and now they had crossed the finish line and could relax. Neither man even understood my question. They were never at rest, pushing for what they saw as a better society all the days of their lives.

My friend Tim Keller, the late pastor, was in some ways not a classic late bloomer—his talents were already evident when he was a young man. But those talents weren’t afforded much public scope at the church in rural Virginia where his calling had taken him.

Tim didn’t feel qualified to publish his first major book until he was 58. Over the next 10 years he published nearly three dozen more, harvesting the wisdom he’d been gathering all along. His books have sold more than 25 million copies. During this same time, he founded Redeemer, the most influential church in New York and maybe America.

When Tim got pancreatic cancer at the age of 70, he was still in the prime of his late-blooming life. Under the shadow of death, as he wrote in The Atlanti c , his spiritual awareness grew deeper. He experienced more sadness and also more joy. But what I will always remember about those final years is how much more eager Tim was to talk about the state of the world than about the state of his own health. He had more to give, and he worked feverishly until the end. He left behind an agenda for how to repair the American church —a specific action plan for how to mend the Christian presence in our torn land.

I’ve noticed this pattern again and again: Slow at the start, late bloomers are still sprinting during that final lap—they do not slow down as age brings its decay. They are seeking. They are striving. They are in it with all their heart.

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Essay on Success

List of essays on success in english, short essay on success – essay 1 (100 words), essay on success: definition and how to achieve success – essay 2 (250 words), essay on success: parameters, qualities for achieving success and conclusion – essay 3 (300 words), essay on success: what is real success – essay 4 (500 words), essay on success: success and hard work – essay 5 (500 words), essay on success: education is the road to success – essay 6 (650 words), long essay on success – essay 7 (1000 words), essay on success: intro, success in life and success for students – essay 8 (2500 words).

The students should be able to distinguish between true success and success of ill deeds. The short essays for students shall enlighten them with the true meaning of success. The essays written in simple language are very informative and shall prove to be beneficial for students of all classes.

Success is much more than riches, power or fame. Success is simply the feeling of satisfaction and happiness one gets from leading a particular way of life or carrying out a particular activity. Success in any field or aspect of life can only be achieved through serious hard work and a little bit of opportunity. One of the most important recipes of success is determination and it might as well be the most important secret of success. To become successful, it is necessary to never give up until the aim of happiness and satisfaction in life is fully met. The happiness and satisfaction can be found in very different things in different people.

‘Success’ is a very powerful word. Many of us run behind it; most of us want to conquer it. So, what is success all about? Does this mean acquiring money or fame? Success means different things to different people.

Definition of Success

The Oxford dictionary defines success as “ The accomplishment of an aim or purpose ”.

This is the definition of success in theory, but in reality it differs according to people’s interests and goals.

It is very important for every individual to define their own concept of success rather than following someone else’s footsteps. We must analyze what makes us happy, what gives us contentment, and what motivates us . No one can list out our needs better than us.

True success means understanding our dreams and working joyfully to make those dreams come true.

How to Achieve Success

Many great people have suggested various ways to achieve success. But the real secret ingredient to nail success is to believe that we are already successful . With this strong affirmative thought, success can be easily achieved if we follow these three success factors:-

We should follow our passion because that is where our heart and soul is. When we follow our passion there is no need for us to put any extra effort.
The path to success is always challenging. We should build confidence to face any challenging situations.
The third and most important success factor is discipline . When we work in a disciplined manner, things will automatically fall in place.

If we stick to these three factors, nothing can stop us from tasting success. Success is a journey which continues even after the goal is achieved.

Success is perhaps the most desired feeling that all of us want to experience in the pursuit of our goals and also in day to day life. Apparently, every individual has his or her own definition of success.

Parameters of Success

None can deny that the world blindly respects and trusts wealthy people. Money is the prime dynamic force that drives this world. The sooner we acknowledge and appreciate this fact the better. Academic success is a prime concern for all in the initial part of life, especially in the school days. For those who continue perusing studies, academic success is the epitome of everything. It is mostly observed that success in personal life becomes a tough task for those who have all the riches. Here is where the common people feel successful to have a happy personal life.

Qualities for Achieving Success

One should not regret their decisions taken in the past and must refrain dwelling in the past. We must give deep thought before taking any decisions and uttering words from the mouth. For making a successful decision one must ask questions to oneself like: What Do I Need To Do? What Will Be The Outcome? Will It Be Worth Doing? One must keep the emotions for success and failures intact and should not showcase it to others. Successful people never wait for applause or acknowledgement of their work as they eventually get it. To become successful one must keep friends close and enemies closer. A successful person never demeans the weak and never underestimates anyone.

To become successful one has to understand what is important in that instant, recognize and work on the weaknesses, take criticism and hold on to the strengths. From a broader perspective Success defines the contentment, peace of mind and sheer happiness that is achieved. One should remember that only perseverance can lead the path to success.

Introduction

Real success is something we should all strive to attain. Real success can simply be said to be achieving a higher position or very high position in our chosen field or area; it can be politics or business or even education. In the world we live in today, we have equated success to riches, prosperity, fortunes, cars, houses and so many mundane things. We believe that once a person has enough money to be able to afford what he or she wants, the person is successful. This is a total and complete misconception that will be discussed here.

Money isn’t a measure of success?

While it is important to note that having money is a part of being successful and you can classify as rich person as being successful, money is not all that success is about and we have a lot of people around us that are seemingly rich but still count themselves as not successful. In fact, sometimes we see wealthy people and conclude that they aren’t successful. If this is true then we can safely conclude that success is deeper that money or other superficial and physical things can we might acquire or own. Money is very important to success in life but it is not a necessity and neither is it the only key to success in life.

What is real success?

Real success is way beyond the physical things we can see, real success is all about the feeling of satisfaction we get when we accomplish a task or do something, it is the happiness we get just by remembering what we have achieved and how we did it, real success has to do with a lot of positive feelings about ourselves and pride in what we have been able to do. As we can see, real success can only be achieved within one’s self and that is why a lot of people who we think are successful still believe they aren’t just because they aren’t happy with what they are doing or they feel they can get so much more out of life. From this, we can see that it is very important to attain true success in life.

How one can attain real success

For one to be successful, the first and most important thing one needs to do is to set goals and objectives. Only through the setting of goals can one really have something to pursue and claim success when we got those things or meet the set goals and target. A very important ingredient in achieving real success is determination. If one is going to get real success, one has to be determined to never give up no matter what the situation might be. Another very important ingredient is hard work as we can’t expect to be successful if we don’t work hard and do all it takes to meet all of our set goals. It is important that we get all the skills that are required for us to be successful in our chosen field.

The yardstick of success varies from people to people. The success story of an individual begins from the moment of his/her birth. A human child begins the winning streak by challenging every obstacle from the moment of conception to delivery. So no human is ever a failure, and hence confidently we can say that the very existence of every human in this word bear an element of success.

At the primary level, success lies within the parameters of cracking competitive exams and identifying one’s aptitude as to which profession the individual can flourish. On broader terms, a successful life is indeed a happy life reflecting upon how far one has reached. Success is not just related to material success.

How to become successful in life?

Nobody has ever become successful within a split of a moment. It is not an arduous task either. Strong determination coupled with hard work is the key to success. The first step to any attempt is to set the goal. There can be short-term goals, and long-term goals and both play a significant role on your road to success. Once the target set, then you have to do strategic planning. It is advisable to set a time frame as well. It will enable you to evaluate yourself on a regular basis. Fixing a time frame can also check into our procrastinating nature.

The next most important factor to become successful in life is hard work. It is the key to success. The adage rightly says that ‘no pain, no gain.’ You need to keep in mind that nobody else is going to do what we ought to do. If we put little effort and saw the seeds of hard work and perseverance, then we are sure to reap success and bounty. If you have strong willpower and the fire to ignite your dreams, then nothing can pull you back.

Stay focused on your objectives rather than hoping:

You can inspire yourself by being a self-motivator and critic. It opens room for self-improvement and appreciation. As it is said that ‘well begun is half done,’ do not hesitate to sparkle a start. Once we get a push, the rest will fall right in place. Even if we stumble down a couple of times, do not let go of our dreams. Failures are part and parcel of any successful entity. Mistakes are quite common and what needs to do is that we acknowledge them, and bear them in our mind. It ensures that we learn from the mistakes and in turn do not repeat them.

Nobody has ever been successful overnight. Patience is yet another golden rule. Just convince your mind that you are strong enough to be successful, though not today, at least some day. Never be disappointed if you lose. Trust in yourself and believe that you will reach there and you deserve to reach there. Your strength and weakness define the person you are, and the realization of it is rather important. Selfless dedication and hard work will definitely get you there.

Once you achieve your goals, you can be a strong inspiration to others. There is a warrior in you and never shut it down. You are capable of climbing higher and boom into a fantastic personality. Whatsoever, live a humble life, spread positivity and bear the torch to others’ road to success.

Saying education is the road to success is just another way of saying education is very important for all of us in life, without education there would not be a lot of progression in both our individual and collective lives as human. It is very important that we get education in order to get success in life. Most times, people generally limit education to the four walls of a classroom or a school.

Education has roots in every area of our existence; education can be said to begin from the home, parents and family members educate and train the children on good characters that they should imbibe and teach them to remove some habits and characters. All of these good characters imbibed by the child through education at home can help the child become very successful in future.

We all know that without good characters and morals, it is extremely hard to become successful or make it in life as people would not want to be associated with such person. We are also educated on good communication and interpersonal skills that are very necessary for us to make it and become successful in life.

Importance of education to success

We need to know the true value and worth of education. Education helps to facilitate our skill, knowledge and learning; it gives us a different view of the world and refines our personality, helping us to build very positive attitudes. Education is a totally essential tool in ensuring a bright future.

Education can serve as a tool in achieving anything and everything good about life. When we get a high level and degree of education, we earn respect and recognition from our family and the society at large.

Education can go a very long way in changing our thoughts and level of reasoning; it broadens our worldview and provides us with the opportunity to get knowledge and technical skills that are highly needed in life. We can improve our knowledge level and skill by watching educational documentaries and programmes on the TV, reading the news and keeping up to date with all of the happenings all over the world, reading a lot of books that can educate us. Education can go a long way to make us into more rational and civilised people. Education guarantees our place among people in the society and can help us achieve all of our dreams and aspirations in life.

Education and success

Success is the goal of all of us and it is our mission. Life can sometimes be full of different opportunities and challenges. Success can only be attained if we have all of the required and needed tools.

The most important tool for success is education because without education, we wouldn’t be able to have a wide view of the world and be able to innovate and develop. A lot of youths and children today cite the examples of the successful people that didn’t graduate from school and still went ahead to be successful in life. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook famously did not graduate from Harvard university but still went ahead to become very successful. The truth is even though Mark didn’t graduate, he was well educated and wouldn’t have been able to start Facebook if he had no knowledge of coding and wasn’t enrolled in Harvard at all. From him, we can learn that education isn’t limited and can basically be any way of widening our knowledge and improving ourselves. We should never confuse education with getting a diploma or a degree. Only education in or out of school can make us be successful in life and give us the true career we want.

Without education, life would be totally meaningless without education. The only path to true success in life is education, every one that has been, is and would be successful in life needs education to do that.

The modern world has a way of doing things, that is, modern man has his own particular view on how things should look. That view is completely different from the perspectives upheld by those who came before us, so to say. Like the ancient Greeks were obsessed with performing heroic deeds, or medieval European Christians with martyrdom and upholding saintly principles, we can argue that modern man has an obsession with success. Or more precisely, one aspect of that new worldview is to compare people between each other through the notion of success.

In a way, the beginning of the 21 st century is preoccupied with the concept of success more than ever before, both individual and collective. That fact can is seen in many aspects of our daily lives, people are not just oppressed with celebrities and successful people they want to live that lifestyle or achieve some sort of greatness. Looking at the current state of things one is encouraged to analyze the situation further and to find the reason behind these phenomena, or at least to offer a new perspective on worldwide trend.

What Makes a Person Successful?

There are many ways a person can be successful. Most people will think of celebrities, politicians, artists, entrepreneurs, etc. They will think of someone who is known the world over because of the thing they do, the thing they are good at. That’s all fine, but there are successful people who do not like to be celebrities and there are, most definitely, celebrities who cannot count as successful people.

What then makes a successful person? Is it how they do things? Is it what they get in return? Is it in the number of things they can amass in their life? Most of those things can count as some part of our overall image of such a person. But, how can we define it? What is it actually?

What I like is simple answers, they are usually correct and the most practical at the same time. Even though not all answers can be simple, this one is. When you look up the word success in any dictionary you will find that it is considered an accomplishment of an aim or a purpose.

Surely people were able to accomplish an aim or a pulpous in their lifetimes, even several, before the 21 st century. Why is it that this noun has such relevance for the classification of people in this age?

History of Success

If we take a look at history, as I mentioned before, we can see that every age has a different occupation. When we talk about the ancient Egyptians, we do not talk about single individuals who made this country so great we talk about the collective in general. But also, we do not know the names of the people who actually accomplished the construction of the pyramid we remember the person who ordered it and did nothing to build it.

Sometimes when I think about all the great artists whose names I do not know, that built humanity in the name of kings, it seems as if it was forbidden for individuals to be famous if they were not born into some sort of noble family.

That drastically changed with the return of democracy to Europe and the liberation from the old-world view that separated people into casts, genders, and races. The new perspective born from revolutions gave every man the right to control their destiny and therefore the right to become successful, to achieve one’s dreams and ideals. Celebrating success can be seen as a collective celebration of the boundless human potential to do incredible things. Is it always so shiny? Or is there a dark side to the story?

Can Success Harm us?

We all know that being successful has its price and the people on the top can often be alone, because of the many sacrifices they had to make to get there. There are also countless examples of people who have achieved success professionally but their health and social lives fail because they cannot handle the strain that comes with maintaining that image of perfection that is expected of them.

Then there is also the psychological pressure any person can experience when they become obsessed with succeeding in the things they do. This emotion can cause such discomfort for people that they can freeze in key moments when they should be at the top of their game. Not to mention the depression some people experience when they come in contact with the images of people that exist on social media. There is a lot in being successful that we put under the carpet, or we just consider it as part of the game, something that we should bear. It does not have to be that way.

Sharing Success

People are made to be in a group and therefore everything they do they should do for each other; however, this fact of human existence has also been a breeding ground for nationalism and other group-oriented ideologies that made the 20 th century so dark. The striving to be successful, the best, the most dominant will make people perform incredible and inspiring things but it will also make them give legitimacy to the worst monstrosities. How do we draw the line between the good and bad aspect of wanting individual and collective success?

Maybe we should stop looking at success as part of domination and make it part of what makes us authentic as human beings. What do I mean? If we start celebrating everyday people when they express themselves or make something that is fulfilling for them and makes other people grow we will support others to develop this aspect of their humanity and not concentrate on domination and subordination. We should support the celebration of collective endeavors that strive to enhance the human race as a whole and not adore individual examples as if they were the meaning of life.

The secret to success is not in money and fame, but in reaching that feeling of fulfillment when you know you have accomplished something that truly matters to you and other people around you. Dreaming big and then having it, it’s not impossible.

If you’ve been feeling a little low lately, this essay on success is sure to boost your motivation levels and set the goals right for you! We hear about so many successful people from all the areas. Some of them may be our favorite singers, actors, scientists, writers, social workers, politicians, and what not. Their achievements inspire the hearts of many and urge them to do better.

While we tend to focus on the sensation of the final outcome, the journey toward the goal is what matters the most. Sadly, human nature forces us to look at everything through the eyes of instant gratification. But the stories of success are not created overnight. In real life, any small big achievement demands tons of efforts and sacrifices.

If success is a building, consider each effort to be a brick, that has to be put in day and night tirelessly. Dreaming about achieving a goal in life is a lovely idea. Nonetheless, working on it every day is more than just a fantasy. You have to make it happen.

Do you pray or meditate? What happens at that moment? You sit quietly and focus all your attention and energy into the prayer or in watching those thoughts. Prayer commands sincerity. True worshipping is when the heart is pure and honest.

In the same way, success is a conscientious phenomenon. It asks for dedication and ethical diligence. For a real success, there are no shortcuts and there is no quitting too! Yes, we all get tired and hopeless. That doesn’t mean we have to give in to those feelings and quit. Keep working no matter what!

At times, when you feel that you can’t go on anymore, take a break. Rejuvenate yourself, talk to your loved ones, rest a lot, create a fresh perspective. And come back again with a greater force and zeal. You never know when the efforts will turn into the sweet fruits of success. One thing common in all the great personalities was that they never quit!

Personal Definition of Success

There is no fixed definition of success. You see, success is quite a relative term and its meaning changes from one person to another. However, it is sure to say that being able to feel content with your life and achieve what you dreamed of, is what makes you a successful person!

A prosperous life is not strictly about having all the materialistic comforts around. To some extent, this may be true. But, all in all, it’s only a microscopic way to measure someone’s success.

Let us introduce you to some of the most powerful quotes on success given by the different eminent personalities.

Everybody’s favorite, the great feminist and poetess, Maya Angelou says, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

Winston Churchill quotes it as, “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”

Not to mention, America’s former first lady, Michelle Obama who expresses her own views on success. According to her, “Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”

In the words of Albert Einstein, “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”

Anne Sweeney, who remained the president of the Disney Channel from 1996 to 2014. In her words, “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.”

It is evident enough how these miraculous and charismatic visionaries have described success in various terms and that there is no particular way to define it. The only authentic parameter should be your own satisfaction and happiness.

What is Success

We have understood that success is an abstract notion. Now, it is time to get to the bottom and explore some basic questions about it. Have you ever tried to inquire into what success means to you? What are the things that would make you convinced that you are a successful person now? Does your heart yearn for fame, money, peace, joy, love, or something else?

These questions are crucial. They make your mind clear and set your priorities more effectively. Always remember that a virtue that appeals to you may not mean the same to another person. Everybody has their own preferences and goals in life.

The bottom line is regardless of what the goal is, we can each be successful in our lives as long as the achievement makes us happy and content. It could be your education, a well-paying job, having a loving family, social security, or freedom to live the way you want to.

Anything, no matter how small or big, that fills us with a sense of purpose and gratifies the heart leads to success. If you are a happy person and love your life, then success is yours! For a long time, our minds have been trained to believe that money is the greatest source of joy. However, it’s not true!

Undoubtedly, wealth is a strong means to create comfort and security for us. But if it was the only thing needed for success, why do the richest people still deal with depression, anxiety, fears, and failures? Have you ever thought about it?

Physical wealth does not guarantee an insusceptibility to dissatisfaction and failure. Thinking otherwise would only create a bottomless void within you. People madly run after money and career. And yet when they are well-established, they still may not feel the joy and peace within. What is the missing piece in their lives?

Success in Life

Life is a rollercoaster, isn’t it! We all have our own strengths and weaknesses. Overcoming your flaws and frailty is a victory in itself. If you are thinking of coming out as a winner in life, don’t confine yourself to monetary values. With money, you may feel “technically” rich and yet have no access to the truest joy.

There are many dimensions to success. But everything depends upon our ability to recognize them. What are these dimensions, by the way! Let us explore a few of them.

You must have heard the famous quote, “Health is Wealth”. We need to understand the hidden value of this quote today more than ever. Ask yourself, if you would be able to enjoy anything in the same way if you were suffering from an acute or chronic illness? No, but such physical ailments are a bitter truth to many. To these people, achieving a partial or full recovery, having a long and respectful life is a success.

For the emotional souls, having their loved ones around, giving them a quality life, and taking care of them is what counts as the real victory. A person who cares about the whole society, for him/ her the true meaning of succeeding would be providing the basic amenities to the underprivileged, fighting for human rights, or creating awareness.

And yes, the biggest of the aims could be as simple and meaningful as leading a peaceful life. It could be about not having regrets and ill feelings toward others. They could also be as big as winning a gold medal in the Olympics, breaking the stereotypes, getting out of a toxic relationship and having a stable life.

The point is, success cannot be put into a singular category. And comparing one’s goal with the other person would be like comparing apple to an orange, or fruits to vegetables. Each person is unique. Their journey of life is different and so are their goals and parameters of success.

Success for Students

The keys to successful academic life are open secrets. As a student, your progress depends on the level of self-discipline, dedication, and hard work. If you are able to pull off these habits in long-term success would never leave you. Right? Nonetheless, the matter is not so simple.

In today’s time, students are looking for “success” more desperately than ever! Considering the cut-throat competitions, it is quite understandable also. The pressure of family’s expectations makes things even more complicated. The students have no option except to excel in their studies, but at what costs?

First of all, academic success is dependent on a limited number of subjects. The true potential of a child or a young one cannot be fairly measured based on such a narrow line. Moreover, somehow we have come to believe that excellent grades are a must for a student’s survival in this world. Fortunately, that’s not completely correct.

The practical life is much more than a few subjects. Most of the things we learn at school and colleges are plain theories. The bookish knowledge hardly proves to be of any help in the real world. What makes you rich is the experiences you gain on a daily basis.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that grades and books shouldn’t be taken seriously at all. You need to understand that these things play a partial role in forming the ladder of success. The better word to focus on would be ‘growth’.

If winning the race and grabbing a seat in some reputed college takes a toll on your mental, physical, and psychological health, then, we are seriously doing something wrong here. After all, these are the same factors leading to the rising number of suicides among the youths.

Not getting good marks doesn’t mean that you are not good enough for anything. It just means that you haven’t explored everything yet. There are many great personalities like Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, J.K. Rowling, who were a failure on the scales of conventional methods. But they proved everyone wrong.

All you need to remember is that never lose faith in yourself. If you really love what you do and consistently pour all of your energy into that task, then, definitely success is waiting for you! Make a routine of your choice and follow it religiously. Stay punctual. Fix your eyes on the goal and keep working.

Success and Hard Work

You can only work hard when you are fit overall. A good health is not just about having a strong body but also a strong mind and willpower. For all these things, you need energy. So, pay attention to things that you are feeding to your sensory organs. This includes from the proper diet to releasing stress, stay positive, working out, having those around who believe in you.

Don’t just work hard on your curriculum only. Take charge of other aspects too. As much as possible, include healthy foods in the diet. Staying positive induces good hormones in the body and the effect clearly shows in your performance. To strengthen your mental health, meditate every day.

Sitting around greenery, talking to your loved ones, reading positive books, are some of the other ways to replenish your energy levels. Make sure to work out every day, or at least go for a 30-minutes walk. Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other fluids.

Apart from focusing on the positive steps, be careful of the negative factors too. For instance, any negative conversation or toxic people in your life may suck away all your energy and charm. Try your best to avoid these triggers. Not only that, distractions like television, online chats, social media, parties, etc. should not be underestimated.

Keep your body and mind clean like a temple. It will help you work harder and with more effectiveness. There are no shortcuts to success. However, prefer to work smart rather than work hard. Never ever neglect the amount of sleep you get. There is no substitute for proper sleep.

Lack of sleep makes you cranky. Your concentration and memory become poorer. The learning becomes slower. So, a million dollar advice would be to get sufficient sleep, that means up to 8-10 hours. A few hours may be up and down depending on the person’s body requirements.

It is okay if the hard work makes you tired. However, the whole idea of hard work should not suffocate you. They say that if you love what you do, you don’t have to work a day in your life! If the set goals don’t well-align with your heart, explore something that does. Your goals should be set by you and not anyone else.

Success and Failure

Do you fear failure? What is the definition of failure according to you? How important is a failure for success? Let us find some answers to these amazing questions and doubts that we all face within us. To make things easier, here are a few great quotes for you!

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy

“Giving up is the only sure way to fail.” – Gena Showalter

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison

Must have changed your perspective a bit! Well, it won’t be wrong to say that failure is a part of success. It is an inevitable part of that process. Like two sides of a coin. You cannot expect to taste success until you have learned to embrace the failures.

There is an interesting story about it with a strong message. There used to live a guy who owned a grand and luxurious car. That car always stayed inside the house. The man never drove it. One day, one of his friends visited him and asked the reason for not taking the car out on the road.

Do you know what the man replied? He said that he would take the car out when all the traffic lights are green. He was waiting for an impossible thing to happen! Can you believe that? It’s ironic but yes, we all do the same metaphorically.

When we don’t take steps due to the fear of failure, subconsciously, we are waiting for everything to be perfect. So perfect that there would be no tiny scope for failing. That means there would be no red lights at all. How is that even possible!

Leave the fear of failure behind. The only thing you should be scared of is not making efforts. Because that kills even the slightest chance of success. Be humble and embrace failure. Learn from your mistakes. These lessons are valuable. No book would teach you the way your experiences will.

Success is a cumulative and relative term. Without peace and love, money and fame don’t count as success. True success would satiate your soul. It would fill your life with joy. Shrug off the idea of comparing your life with someone else’s. Every person follows a different path and journey. That is why the meaning of success also varies from one individual to another.

No matter how difficult or impossible seems the goal, never quit. Keep working and one day you would succeed. Don’t confine your ambitions to just making money. Listen to your heart and follow it. The voices within us are our guiding lights!

Try to be a good person before becoming a successful person. Only an individual who has earned the love and respect of all has achieved the truest success.

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Katy Perry: a Glimpse into her Life and Career

This essay is about the life and career of Katy Perry, born on October 25, 1984, in Santa Barbara, California. It highlights her early life in a conservative household, her initial foray into gospel music, and her subsequent reinvention as a pop star. The essay covers her breakthrough with the hit single “I Kissed a Girl” and the success of her albums, particularly “Teenage Dream,” which produced five number-one singles. It also touches on her bold fashion choices, theatrical performances, and advocacy for social causes. Additionally, the essay addresses Perry’s personal challenges and her influence on the music industry and popular culture.

How it works

Since her success in the late 2000s, Katy Perry—a name synonymous with colorful pop anthems and energetic stage performances—has emerged as a cultural icon. Perry was born in Santa Barbara, California, on October 25, 1984. His meteoric rise to fame is a story of tenacity, comeback, and indisputable skill. This article explores the early years, professional turning points, and personal development of this remarkable artist, offering a thorough analysis of the ways in which Katy Perry has influenced and been influenced by the music industry.

Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, known professionally as Katy Perry, grew up in a conservative household. Her parents, both Pentecostal pastors, had strict rules regarding the music and media consumed in their home. Despite these constraints, Perry developed a passion for music, performing in church and learning to play the guitar. Her early exposure to gospel music laid the foundation for her musical journey, but it was not long before she began to seek a broader audience.

Perry’s first foray into the music industry came under her birth name, Katheryn Hudson. She released a gospel album in 2001, which, while not commercially successful, demonstrated her vocal talent and potential. However, it was her reinvention as Katy Perry and her shift to pop music that marked the beginning of her ascent to stardom. In 2008, Perry released her second album, “One of the Boys,” featuring the provocative and catchy single “I Kissed a Girl.” The song’s success catapulted her into the spotlight, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning widespread acclaim.

The success of “I Kissed a Girl” was just the beginning. Perry followed up with a string of hits, including “Hot n Cold,” “Waking Up in Vegas,” and “California Gurls.” Her third album, “Teenage Dream,” released in 2010, solidified her status as a pop powerhouse. The album produced five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat previously achieved only by Michael Jackson’s “Bad.” Songs like “Firework,” “E.T.,” and “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” showcased her ability to craft infectious pop melodies while exploring themes of self-empowerment, love, and escapism.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Katy Perry’s influence extends into various facets of popular culture. Known for her bold fashion choices and elaborate music videos, she has become a style icon, frequently pushing the boundaries of conventional pop star aesthetics. Her performances are often theatrical spectacles, incorporating elaborate sets, costumes, and choreography, making her concerts a visual as well as auditory experience.

Perry’s impact is not limited to her artistic endeavors. She has been an outspoken advocate for various social and political causes, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire change. From supporting LGBTQ+ rights to campaigning for mental health awareness, Perry’s activism reflects her commitment to leveraging her influence for the greater good. In 2016, she was a prominent supporter of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, using her music and public appearances to encourage political engagement among her fans.

Despite her many achievements, Perry’s journey has not been without challenges. She has openly discussed her struggles with mental health, relationships, and the pressures of fame. Her vulnerability and honesty have endeared her to fans, humanizing a figure often seen as larger-than-life. Perry’s ability to navigate personal and professional obstacles while maintaining her authenticity has been a source of inspiration for many.

Katy Perry’s influence on the music industry and popular culture is undeniable. With over a decade of chart-topping hits, numerous awards, and a dedicated fanbase, she has cemented her place as one of the defining artists of her generation. Her story is a testament to the power of reinvention and resilience, illustrating that success often requires navigating setbacks and embracing change.

As she continues to evolve as an artist and individual, Katy Perry remains a compelling figure in the entertainment world. Her journey from a sheltered upbringing to global superstardom is a narrative of transformation and triumph. Born on October 25, 1984, Katy Perry’s life and career reflect the dynamic interplay between talent, perseverance, and the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

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My Parents' Obsession With Purity Nearly Ruined Us. Years Later, I Found Their Secret In A Box Of Their Things.

Guest Writer

The author is pictured at age 12, around the time that all the chastity drama began in her family.

My first sexual intercourse, just before I started college, was unplanned. It would have been largely forgettable if we’d used birth control.

Looking back, it’s hard to admit to my own foolishness. I’d had the same boyfriend for 18 months. While our Catholic upbringings were a factor in this long period of chastity, my unpreparedness was also due to my mother’s admonition that a girl using birth control is sinning by anticipating sex.

Five years before, my parents relentlessly belittled my older sisters after finding out that they were sexually active. Our household exploded in screaming and lectures on the “type of girl no decent man wanted.” Drawers were regularly searched.

“I’d feel better if you weren’t using birth control and got pregnant,” our mother yelled. “At least your intentions would be good.”

My sisters gave our mother’s advice all the consideration it deserved, but as a slowly maturing 12 year old, I took it seriously. Desperately wanting to please my parents, I took their words as a viable ethical position.

By the time I was 17, my parents’ dysfunctional marriage had become a vicious, albeit silent, war. My philandering father often stayed out all night. My mother lost so much weight that her co-workers thought she had cancer. Yet she would stand in the doorway when Mitch dropped me off from dates, making sure I didn’t linger in the car parked in the driveway. She had begun emptying my drawers.

I matriculated at the University of California, Los Angeles, a few months after my 18th birthday and about a month after I first had intercourse. I ended up on a waiting list for student housing. Since I lived too far away to commute, I stayed for the first quarter in the home of well-to-do family friends, taking a public bus to school.

The family’s eldest daughter, Laura, was a high school senior. Grateful that she’d agreed to share her room with me, I was also indebted to her for her understanding of moral ambiguity. “I’m on the pill,” she said. “You can think about whether sex is right or wrong, but use birth control while you decide.”

Meanwhile, my irregular periods were usually about 45 days apart, but I hadn’t menstruated in over two months. A few nights later, Laura crept into the kitchen to empty and wash a glass mayonnaise jar. The following morning, I peed in the jar, placed it in a brown paper bag and carried it on the bus, perfectly upright, hoping it looked like a bag lunch and that it wouldn’t leak or break.

I waited two days for the negative results. I’d set up a simple cipher for the conversation with Mitch because I’d have to call him on a very public pay phone. He was a sophomore at a college across town, far enough that there would be a charge for “local long distance.” I brought a coin purse full of quarters and dimes.

When Mitch answered the phone, I said, “I’m not going to the mountains.”

“Wait,” he said. I could hear him moving across the room, pulling the phone cord into the hallway.

“What?” he finally asked.

“I’m not going to the mountains.”

“Are you pregnant?”

“I’m NOT pregnant,” I exclaimed in frustration, my three minutes coming to a close, the automated operator’s voice giving me my first warning.

A girl standing in front of a vending machine turned to look at me. “Congratulations,” she said. I think she meant it. When she left, I got some chocolate chip cookies with change left over from the phone call. That was the beginning of my freshman 10, the anxiety pounds.

I didn’t have a period until the academic quarter was over, and I’d moved into the dorms. As if all three missing periods had accumulated until the dam burst, I woke in the middle of the night slick with blood. Fearful of disturbing my new roommate, I found a towel without turning on the light and puttered to the restroom. At that hour, no one was in the hallway to see my blood-soaked pajamas. I cleaned up under one in a row of showerheads separated by white curtains.

Multiple thoughts occurred to me: This could have been a miscarriage; I’d failed my mother’s strict chastity standard; Mitch and I were gambling with our futures.

And still, I hesitated to act. Mitch was unwilling to buy condoms because it was embarrassing. His interest in a girl he’d met at work blossomed, and he sometimes treated me with cruelty, a thing that mimicked my father’s behavior. Despite the dysfunction of our relationship and my guilt when I came home and caught my mother searching my bathroom cabinets, Mitch and I occasionally ended up in bed when one or the other of our roommates went home for the weekend. I missed another period.

Sin or not, I was pressing my luck. Now that I was on campus, the student health clinic was within walking distance. I made an appointment for the birth control lecture, a requirement before being prescribed the pill.

At the student health center, I filled out a long, invasive questionnaire about my sexual activity. I found it humiliating, as if an unseen judge was now my in loco parentis. H aving never developed boundaries, I answered honestly.

After completing the survey, I sat with a group of girls watching a film. One memorable scene had a woman talking about how she was never without her “condominium” — an embossed leather pendant pouch, worn like a necklace, which she squeezed open, and from which she pulled a wrapped condom. Tooled leather had been wildly popular a decade earlier, but this effort to make birth control hip felt flat. All the girls snickered, shook their heads — and put up with it. Because at the end of the film, we got what we came for: permission.

Though I finally had monthly pill packs in hand, I’d been instructed not to start them until the end of my next period, which showed no sign of arriving soon.

Mitch’s parents were going away for a weekend, so we were meeting at their house for our next date. Five days before, I figured I’d waited long enough. With no way of knowing when my next period would start, but certain that we would have sex that weekend, I started taking the pill. I figured it would make my periods regular, and my constant state of anxiety about the possibility of pregnancy would disappear.

When I met Mitch at his parents’ house, we had a typical afternoon. A meal, sex, some TV. I started to feel cramps low in my abdomen. They quickly increased in strength. I went to the bathroom, sat on the toilet, and doubled over. A mass of blood flowed out, heavy, full of clots, pocked with fibrous strings.

I wanted to tell Mitch I might have miscarried a pregnancy. That it was in the toilet and I wasn’t sure what to do. But Mitch didn’t like talking about the female body, waving off what he felt had an “ick” factor. All I could manage to say was that I’d passed a lot of blood. He stared a moment, shrugged his shoulders and turned back to the TV. I returned to the bathroom and flushed the toilet.

Decades later, I still think back on that moment, my denial of reality. It was clear that Mitch’s affection for me had waned. My convenience as a sex partner was my primary appeal to him. He wasn’t someone I could have an honest conversation with, much less a baby, and I knew it. But I persisted in my hope that he would love me again, and imagined a future together. He was, after all, in the model of my father.

It’d be a lie to say that day haunts me. And I imagine if someone asked Mitch about it, he wouldn’t be able to recall it. But I do think of it periodically, knowing that if I did accidentally terminate a pregnancy, I altered the course of my life.

The author is shown in a recent photo at a library where she worked.

My parents died during the COVID-19 pandemic. My father had been declining for a few years. That, combined with my mother’s increasing dementia, brought my sisters and me into caregiving roles. With our father’s death, we were packing up what remained at their assisted-living apartment and moving our mom to more intensive care. I found a box of papers in the back of the closet. During the first move we’d pulled these papers from a safe bolted to the concrete floor, boxed them, and took them with us. Now, I was flipping through them.

“Mom and Dad’s wedding certificate,” I said. None of us had ever seen it. My sisters peered over my shoulders. “April 18, 1954.” Four months before my oldest sister was born.

We’d always been told our parents were married in September 1953.

All of us were coming to the same realization at once. That was why they’d been married in the rectory rather than the church, our mother in a blue tailored suit.

“I’m so angry,” my second sister said, visibly shaking. “I’m not kidding, I’m mad.” Our parents had been cruelest to her, telling her that, having slept with her boyfriend, he would then bring his friends over to have sex with her in front of him.

There was no way to talk with our mother about this. Deep into her dementia journey, she was forgetting our names. Our sister conversation pinged. Was this purely hypocrisy? Did our parents think they were doing us a favor, hoping to shame us into not doing what they did? The only lesson I’d learned was how to lack agency.

An old joke of my mother’s came back.

“You can eat an apple for birth control.”

“Before or after?”

“Instead of.”

The author participates in a photo event during "Banned Books Week," holding some banned and challenged library books.

My sexual decisions were not my parents’ to make. Nor did they belong to the university with its lecture, invasive questionnaire, and film. And though the country should have progressed on the matter in the decades since then, the U.S. is now hurling toward a dystopian invasion of women’s privacy and negation of their autonomy.

My adult career choices always had me working with teens, first as a teacher and later as a high school librarian. When I read “ Girls & Sex” by Peggy Orenstein to see if it was a fit for our library collection, I wasn’t surprised to learn that research shows teens who take purity pledges are more likely to get pregnant than those who don’t.

Along with other informative sex ed titles, I featured the book in my library and reviewed it on my school library blog because I am certain of this: Shame is no more an effective method of birth control than it ever was. Girls should know that the only permission they need is their own.

Victoria Waddle is a Pushcart Prize-nominated writer and was included in “Best Short Stories From The Saturday Evening Post Great American Fiction Contest 2016.” The author of “Acts of Contrition” and “The Mortality of Dogs and Humans,” her upcoming novel about a teen escaping a polygamist cult is set to launch in 2025. Formerly the managing editor of the journal Inlandia: A Literary Journey and a teacher librarian, she discusses both writing and library book censorship in her Substack newsletter, “ Be a Cactus .”

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch at [email protected].

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READ: Biden-Trump debate transcript

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump participated in their first debate of the 2024 election season on CNN in Atlanta Thursday.

Read the final, corrected transcript of the debate below:

JAKE TAPPER, CNN MODERATOR: We’re live from Georgia, a key battleground state in the race for the White House. In just moments, the current U.S. president will debate the former U.S. president as their parties’ presumptive nominees, a first in American history.

We want to welcome our viewers in the United States and around the world to our studios in Atlanta.

This is the CNN presidential debate.

DANA BASH, CNN MODERATOR: This debate is being produced by CNN and it’s coming to you live on CNN, CNN International, CNN.com, CNN Max, and CNN Espanol.

This is a pivotal moment between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in their rematch for the nation’s highest office. Each will make his case to the American people with just over four months until Election Day.

Good evening. I’m Dana Bash, anchor of CNN’s “Inside Politics” and co-anchor of “State Of The Union.”

TAPPER: I’m Jake Tapper, anchor of CNN’s “The Lead” and co-anchor of “State Of The Union.”

Dana and I will co-moderate this evening. Our job is to facilitate a debate between the two candidates tonight.

Before we introduce them, we want to share the rules of the debate with the audience at home.

Former President Trump will be on the left side of the screen. President Biden will be appearing on the right. A coin toss determined their positions.

Each candidate will have two minutes to answer a question, and one minute each for responses and rebuttals. An additional minute for follow-up, clarification or response is at the moderators’ discretion.

BASH: When it’s time for a candidate to speak, his microphone will be turned on and his opponent’s microphone will be turned off. Should a candidate interrupt when his microphone is muted, he will be difficult to understand for viewers at home.

At the end of the debate, each candidate will get two minutes for closing statements.

There is no studio audience tonight. Pre-written notes, props or contact with campaign staff are not permitted during the debate.

By accepting our invitation to debate, both candidates and their campaigns agreed to accept these rules.

TAPPER: Now please welcome the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden.

JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: How are you? Good to be here. Thank you.

TAPPER: And please welcome the 45th president of the United States, Donald Trump.

Gentlemen, thanks so much for being here. Let’s begin the debate. And let’s start with the issue that voters consistently say is their top concern, the economy.

President Biden, inflation has slowed, but prices remain high. Since you took office, the price of essentials has increased. For example, a basket of groceries that cost $100 then, now costs more than $12; and typical home prices have jumped more than 30 percent.

What do you say to voters who feel they are worse off under your presidency than they were under President Trump?

BIDEN: You have to take a look at what I was left when I became president, what Mr. Trump left me.

We had an economy that was in freefall. The pandemic are so badly handled, many people were dying. All he said was, it’s not that serious. Just inject a little bleach in your arm. It’d be all right.

The economy collapsed. There were no jobs. Unemployment rate rose to 15 percent. It was terrible.

And so, what we had to do is try to put things back together again. That’s exactly what we began to do. We created 15,000 new jobs. We brought on – in a position where we have 800,000 new manufacturing jobs.

But there’s more to be done. There’s more to be done. Working class people are still in trouble.

I come from Scranton, Pennsylvania. I come from a household where the kitchen table – if things weren’t able to be met during the month was a problem. Price of eggs, the price of gas, the price of housing, the price of a whole range of things.

That’s why I’m working so hard to make sure I deal with those problems. And we’re going to make sure that we reduce the price of housing. We’re going to make sure we build 2 million new units. We’re going to make sure we cap rents, so corporate greed can’t take over.

The combination of what I was left and then corporate greed are the reason why we’re in this problem right now.

In addition to that, we’re in a situation where if you had – take a look at all that was done in his administration, he didn’t do much at all. By the time he left, there’s – things had been in chaos. There was (ph) literally chaos.

And so, we put things back together. We created, as I said, those (ph) jobs. We made sure we had a situation where we now – we brought down the price of prescription drugs, which is a major issue for many people, to $15 for – for an insulin shot, as opposed to $400. No senior has to pay more than $200 for any drug – all the drugs they (inaudible) beginning next year.

And the situation is making – and we’re going to make that available to everybody, to all Americans. So we’re working to bring down the prices around the kitchen table. And that’s what we’re going to get done.

TAPPER: Thank you.

President Trump?

DONALD TRUMP, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND CURRENT U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We had the greatest economy in the history of our country. We had never done so well. Every – everybody was amazed by it. Other countries were copying us.

We got hit with COVID. And when we did, we spent the money necessary so we wouldn’t end up in a Great Depression the likes of which we had in 1929. By the time we finished – so we did a great job. We got a lot of credit for the economy, a lot of credit for the military, and no wars and so many other things. Everything was rocking good.

But the thing we never got the credit for, and we should have, is getting us out of that COVID mess. He created mandates; that was a disaster for our country.

But other than that, we had – we had given them back a – a country where the stock market actually was higher than pre-COVID, and nobody thought that was even possible. The only jobs he created are for illegal immigrants and bounceback jobs; they’re bounced back from the COVID.

He has not done a good job. He’s done a poor job. And inflation’s killing our country. It is absolutely killing us.

President Biden?

BIDEN: Well, look, the greatest economy in the world, he’s the only one who thinks that, I think. I don’t know anybody else who thinks it was great – he had the greatest economy in the world.

And, you know, the fact of the matter is that we found ourselves in a situation where his economy – he rewarded the wealthy. He had the largest tax cut in American history, $2 trillion. He raised the deficit larger than any president has in any one term. He’s the only president other than Herbert Hoover who has lost more jobs than he had when he began, since Herbert Hoover. The idea that he did something that was significant.

And the military – you know, when he was president, they were still killing people in Afghanistan. He didn’t do anything about that. When he was president, we still found ourselves in a position where you had a notion that we were this safe country. The truth is, I’m the only president this century that doesn’t have any – this – this decade – doesn’t have any troops dying anywhere in the world, like he did.

TAPPER: President Trump, I want to follow up, if I can. You wanted…

TRUMP: Am I allowed to respond to him?

TAPPER: Well, I’m going to ask you a follow-up. You can do whatever you want with the minute that we give you.

I want to follow up. You want to impose a 10 percent tariff on all goods coming into the U.S. How will you ensure that that doesn’t drive prices even higher?

TRUMP: Not going to drive them higher. It’s just going to cause countries that have been ripping us off for years, like China and many others, in all fairness to China – it’s going to just force them to pay us a lot of money, reduce our deficit tremendously, and give us a lot of power for other things.

But he – he made a statement. The only thing he was right about is I gave you the largest tax cut in history. I also gave you the largest regulation cut in history. That’s why we had all the jobs. And the jobs went down and then they bounced back and he’s taking credit for bounceback jobs. You can’t do that.

He also said he inherited 9 percent inflation. No, he inherited almost no inflation and it stayed that way for 14 months. And then it blew up under his leadership, because they spent money like a bunch of people that didn’t know what they were doing. And they don’t know what they were doing. It was the worst – probably the worst administration in history. There’s never been.

And as far as Afghanistan is concerned, I was getting out of Afghanistan, but we were getting out with dignity, with strength, with power. He got out, it was the most embarrassing day in the history of our country’s life.

TAPPER: President Trump, over the last eight years, under both of your administrations, the national debt soared to record highs. And according to a new non-partisan analysis, President Trump, your administration approved $8.4 trillion in new debt. While so far, President Biden, you’ve approved $4.3 trillion in new debt.

So former President Trump, many of the tax cuts that you signed into law are set to expire next year. You want to extend them and go even further, you say. With the U.S. facing trillion-dollar deficits and record debt, why should top earners and corporations pay even less in taxes than they do now?

TRUMP: Because the tax cuts spurred the greatest economy that we’ve ever seen just prior to COVID, and even after COVID. It was so strong that we were able to get through COVID much better than just about any other country. But we spurred – that tax spurred.

Now, when we cut the taxes – as an example, the corporate tax was cut down to 21 percent from 39 percent, plus beyond that – we took in more revenue with much less tax and companies were bringing back trillions of dollars back into our country.

The country was going like never before. And we were ready to start paying down debt. We were ready to start using the liquid gold right under our feet, the oil and gas right under our feet. We were going to have something that nobody else has had. We got hit with COVID. We did a lot to fix it. I gave him an unbelievable situation, with all of the therapeutics and all of the things that we came up with. We – we gave him something great.

Remember, more people died under his administration, even though we had largely fixed it. More people died under his administration than our administration, and we were right in the middle of it. Something which a lot of people don’t like to talk about, but he had far more people dying in his administration.

He did the mandate, which is a disaster. Mandating it. The vaccine went out. He did a mandate on the vaccine, which is the thing that people most objected to about the vaccine. And he did a very poor job, just a very poor job.

And I will tell you, not only poor there, but throughout the entire world, we’re no longer respected as a country. They don’t respect our leadership. They don’t respect the United States anymore.

We’re like a Third World nation. Between weaponization of his election, trying to go after his political opponent, all of the things he’s done, we’ve become like a Third World nation. And it’s a shame the damage he’s done to our country.

And I’d love to ask him, and will, why he allowed millions of people to come in here from prisons, jails and mental institutions to come into our country and destroy our country.

TAPPER: President Trump, we will get to immigration later in this block.

President Biden, I want to give you an opportunity to respond to this question about the national debt.

BIDEN: He had the largest national debt of any president four-year period, number one.

Number two, he got $2 trillion tax cut, benefited the very wealthy.

What I’m going to do is fix the taxes.

For example, we have a thousand trillionaires in America – I mean, billionaires in America. And what’s happening? They’re in a situation where they, in fact, pay 8.2 percent in taxes. If they just paid 24 percent or 25 percent, either one of those numbers, they’d raised $500 million – billion dollars, I should say, in a 10-year period.

We’d be able to right – wipe out his debt. We’d be able to help make sure that – all those things we need to do, childcare, elder care, making sure that we continue to strengthen our healthcare system, making sure that we’re able to make every single solitary person eligible for what I’ve been able to do with the COVID – excuse me, with dealing with everything we have to do with.

Look, if – we finally beat Medicare.

TAPPER: Thank you, President Biden.

TRUMP: Well, he’s right: He did beat Medicaid (ph). He beat it to death. And he’s destroying Medicare, because all of these people are coming in, they’re putting them on Medicare, they’re putting them on Social Security. They’re going to destroy Social Security.

This man is going to single-handedly destroy Social Security. These millions and millions of people coming in, they’re trying to put them on Social Security. He will wipe out Social Security. He will wipe out Medicare. So he was right in the way he finished that sentence, and it’s a shame.

What’s happened to our country in the last four years is not to be believed. Foreign countries – I’m friends with a lot of people. They cannot believe what happened to the United States of America. We’re no longer respected. They don’t like us. We give them everything they want, and they – they think we’re stupid. They think we’re very stupid people.

What we’re doing for other countries, and they do nothing for us. What this man has done is absolutely criminal.

TAPPER: Thank you, President Trump.

BASH: This is the first presidential election since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. This morning, the court ruled on yet another abortion case, temporarily allowing emergency abortions to continue in Idaho despite that state’s restrictive ban.

Former President Trump, you take credit for the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which returned the issue of abortion to the states.

TRUMP: Correct.

BASH: However, the federal government still plays a role in whether or not women have access to abortion pills. They’re used in about two-thirds of all abortions.

As president, would you block abortion medication?

TRUMP: First of all, the Supreme Court just approved the abortion pill. And I agree with their decision to have done that, and I will not block it.

And if you look at this whole question that you’re asking, a complex, but not really complex – 51 years ago, you had Roe v. Wade, and everybody wanted to get it back to the states, everybody, without exception. Democrats, Republicans, liberals, conservatives, everybody wanted it back. Religious leaders.

And what I did is I put three great Supreme Court justices on the court, and they happened to vote in favor of killing Roe v. Wade and moving it back to the states. This is something that everybody wanted.

Now, 10 years ago or so, they started talking about how many weeks and how many of this – getting into other things, But every legal scholar, throughout the world, the most respected, wanted it brought back to the states. I did that.

Now the states are working it out. If you look at Ohio, it was a decision that was – that was an end result that was a little bit more liberal than you would have thought. Kansas I would say the same thing. Texas is different. Florida is different. But they’re all making their own decisions right now. And right now, the states control it. That’s the vote of the people.

Like Ronald Reagan, I believe in the exceptions. I am a person that believes. And frankly, I think it’s important to believe in the exceptions. Some people – you have to follow your heart. Some people don’t believe in that. But I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. I think it’s very important. Some people don’t. Follow your heart.

But you have to get elected also and – because that has to do with other things. You got to get elected.

The problem they have is they’re radical, because they will take the life of a child in the eighth month, the ninth month, and even after birth – after birth.

If you look at the former governor of Virginia, he was willing to do this. He said, we’ll put the baby aside and we’ll determine what we do with the baby. Meaning, we’ll kill the baby.

What happened is we brought it back to the states and the country is now coming together on this issue. It’s been a great thing.

BASH: Thank you.

BIDEN: It’s been a terrible thing what you’ve done.

The fact is that the vast majority of constitutional scholars supported Roe when it was decided, supported Roe. And I was – that’s – this idea that they were all against it is just ridiculous.

And this is the guy who says the states should be able to have it. We’re in a state where in six weeks you don’t even know whether you’re pregnant or not, but you cannot see a doctor, have your – and have him decide on what your circumstances are, whether you need help.

The idea that states are able to do this is a little like saying, we’re going to turn civil rights back to the states, let each state have a different rule.

Look, there’s so many young women who have been – including a young woman who just was murdered and he went to the funeral. The idea that she was murdered by – by – by an immigrant coming in and (inaudible) talk about that.

But here’s the deal, there’s a lot of young women who are being raped by their – by their in-laws, by their – by their spouses, brothers and sisters, by – just – it’s just – it’s just ridiculous. And they can do nothing about it. And they try to arrest them when they cross state lines.

TRUMP: There have been many young women murdered by the same people he allows to come across our border. We have a border that’s the most dangerous place anywhere in the world – considered the most dangerous place anywhere in the world. And he opened it up, and these killers are coming into our country, and they are raping and killing women. And it’s a terrible thing.

As far as the abortion’s concerned, it is now back with the states. The states are voting and in many cases, they – it’s, frankly, a very liberal decision. In many cases, it’s the opposite.

But they’re voting and it’s bringing it back to the vote of the people, which is what everybody wanted, including the founders, if they knew about this issue, which frankly they didn’t, but they would have – everybody want it brought back.

Ronald Reagan wanted it brought back. He wasn’t able to get it.

Everybody wanted it brought back and many presidents had tried to get it back. I was the one to do it.

And again, this gives it the vote of the people. And that’s where they wanted it. Every legal scholar wanted it that way.

BASH: Staying on the topic of abortion, President Biden, seven states – I’ll let you do that. This is the same topic.

Seven states have no legal restrictions on how far into a pregnancy a woman can obtain an abortion. Do you support any legal limits on how late a woman should be able to terminate a pregnancy?

BIDEN: I supported Roe v. Wade, which had three trimesters.

First time is between a woman and a doctor. Second time is between a doctor and an extreme situation. A third time is between the doctor – I mean, it’d be between the woman and the state.

The idea that the politicians – that the founders wanted the politicians to be the ones making decisions about a woman’s health is ridiculous. That’s the last – no politician should be making that decision. A doctor should be making those decisions. That’s how it should be run. That’s what you’re going to do.

And if I’m elected, I’m going to restore Roe v. Wade.

TRUMP: So that means he can take the life of the baby in the ninth month and even after birth, because some states, Democrat-run, take it after birth. Again, the governor – former governor of Virginia: put the baby down, then we decide what to do with it.

So he’s in – he’s willing to, as we say, rip the baby out of the womb in the ninth month and kill the baby.

Nobody wants that to happen. Democrat or Republican, nobody wants it to happen.

BIDEN: He’s lying. That is simply not true.

That – Roe v. Wade does not provide for that. That’s not the circumstance. Only when the woman’s life is in danger, she’s going to die, that’s the only circumstance in which that can happen.

But we are not for late-term abortion, period, period, period.

TRUMP: Under Roe v. Wade, you have late-term abortion. You can do whatever you want. Depending on the state, you can do whatever you want.

We don’t think that’s a good thing. We think it’s a radical thing. We think the Democrats are the radicals, not the Republicans.

BIDEN: For 51 years, that was the law. 51 years, constitutional scholarship said it was the right way to go. 51 years. And it was taken away because this guy put very conservative members on the Supreme Court. Takes credit for taking it away.

What’s he going to do? What’s he going to do, in fact, if – if the MAGA Republicans – he gets elected, and the MAGA Republicans control the Congress and they pass a universal ban on abortion, period, across the board at six weeks or seven or eight or 10 weeks, something very, very conservative? Is he going to sign that bill? I’ll veto it. He’ll sign it.

TAPPER: Let’s turn now to the issue of immigration and border security.

President Biden, a record number of migrants have illegally crossed the southern border on your watch, overwhelming border states and overburdening cities such as New York and Chicago, and in some cases causing real safety and security concerns. Given that, why should voters trust you to solve this crisis?

BIDEN: Because we worked very hard to get a bipartisan agreement that not only changed all of that, it made sure that we are in a situation where you had no circumstance where they could come across the border with the number of border police there are now. We significantly increased the number of asylum officers. Significantly – by the way, the Border Patrol endorsed me, endorsed my position.

In addition to that, we found ourselves in a situation where, when he was president, he was taking – separating babies from their mothers, putting them in cages, making sure the families were separated. That’s not the right way to go.

What I’ve done – since I’ve changed the law, what’s happened? I’ve changed it in a way that now you’re in a situation where there are 40 percent fewer people coming across the border illegally. It’s better than when he left office. And I’m going to continue to move until we get the total ban on the – the total initiative relative to what we’re going to do with more Border Patrol and more asylum officers.

TAPPER: President Trump?

TRUMP: I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said either.

Look, we had the safest border in the history of our country. The border – all he had to do was leave it. All he had to do was leave it.

He decided to open up our border, open up our country to people that are from prisons, people that are from mental institutions, insane asylum, terrorists. We have the largest number of terrorists coming into our country right now. All terrorists, all over the world – not just in South America, all over the world. They come from the Middle East, everywhere. All over the world, they’re pouring in. And this guy just left it open.

And he didn’t need legislation because I didn’t have legislation. I said, close the border. We had the safest border in history. In that final couple of months of my presidency, we had, according to Border Patrol – who is great, and, by the way, who endorsed me for president. But I won’t say that. But they endorsed me for president.

Brandon, just speak to him.

But, look, we had the safest border in history. Now we have the worst border in history. There’s never been anything like it. And people are dying all over the place, including the people that are coming up in caravans.

BIDEN: The only terrorist who has done anything crossing the border is one who came along and killed three in his administration, killed – an al-Qaida person in his administration killed three American soldiers, killed three American soldiers. That’s the only terrorist that’s there.

I’m not saying no terrorist ever got through. But the idea they’re emptying their prisons, we’re welcoming these people, that’s simply not true. There’s no data to support what he said.

Once again, he’s exaggerating. He’s lying.

TAPPER: President Trump, staying on the topic of immigration, you’ve said that you’re going to carry out, quote, “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” unquote. Does that mean that you will deport every undocumented immigrant in America, including those who have jobs, including those whose spouses are citizens, and including those who have lived here for decades? And if so, how will you do it?

TRUMP: Can I get one second?

He said we killed three people. The people we killed are al-Baghdadi and Salamani (sic), the two greatest terrorists, biggest terrorists anywhere in the world. And it had a huge impact on everything; not just border, on everything.

He’s the one that killed people with the bad border, including hundreds of thousands of people dying, and also killing our citizens when they come in. We – we are living right now in a rat’s nest. They’re killing our people in New York, in California, in every state in the union, because we don’t have borders anymore. Every state is now a border.

And because of his ridiculous, insane and very stupid policies, people are coming in and they’re killing our citizens at a level that we’ve never seen. We call it migrant crime. I call it Biden migrant crime.

They’re killing our citizens at a level that we’ve never seen before. And you’re reading it like these three incredible young girls over the last few days. One of them, I just spoke to the mother, and we just had the funeral for this girl, 12 years old.

This is horrible what’s taken place. What’s taken place in our country, we’re literally an uncivilized country now.

He doesn’t want it to be. He just doesn’t know. He opened the borders nobody’s ever seen anything like. And we have to get a lot of these people out and we have to get them out fast, because they’re going to destroy our country.

Just take a look at where they’re living. They’re living in luxury hotels in New York City and other places. Our veterans are on the street, they’re dying, because he doesn’t care about our veterans. He doesn’t care. He doesn’t like the military at all. And he doesn’t care about our veterans.

Nobody’s been worse. I had the highest approval rating for veterans, taking care of the V.A. He has the worst. He’s gotten rid of all the things that I approved, choice, that I got through Congress. All of the different things I approved, they abandoned.

We had, by far, the highest, and now it’s down in less than half because he’s done – all these great things that we did – and I think he did it just because I approved it, which is crazy. But he has killed so many people at our border by allowing…

TRUMP: … all of these people to come in.

TAPPER: President Biden…

TRUMP: And it’s a very sad day in America.

TAPPER: President Biden, you have the mic.

BIDEN: Every single thing he said is a lie, every single one.

For example, veterans are a hell of a lot better off since I passed the PACT Act. One million of them now have insurance, and their families have it – and their families have it. Because what happened, whether was Agent Orange or burn pits, they’re all being covered now. And he opposed – his group opposed that.

We’re also in a situation where we have great respect for veterans. My – my son spent a year in Iraq living next to one of those burn pits. Came back with stage four glioblastoma.

I was recently in – in – in France for D-Day, and I spoke to all – about those heroes that died. I went to the World War II cemetery – World War I cemetery he refused to go to. He was standing with his four-star general, and he told him – he said, I don’t want to go in there because they’re a bunch of losers and suckers.

My son was not a loser. He was not a sucker. You’re the sucker. You’re the loser.

TRUMP: First of all, that was a made-up quote, suckers and losers. They made it up. It was in a third-rate magazine that’s failing, like many of these magazines. He made that up. He put it in commercials. We’ve notified them. We had 19 people that said I didn’t say it.

And think of this, who would say – I’m at a cemetery, or I’m talking about our veterans – because nobody’s taken better care – I’m so glad this came up, and he brought it up. There’s nobody that’s taken better care of our soldiers than I have.

To think that I would, in front of generals and others, say suckers and losers – we have 19 people that said it was never said by me. It was made up by him, just like Russia, Russia, Russia was made up, just like the 51 intelligence agents are made up, just like the new thing with the 16 economists are talking.

It’s the same thing. Fifty-one intelligence agents said that the laptop was Russia disinformation. It wasn’t. That came from his son Hunter. It wasn’t Russia disinformation. He made up the suckers and losers, so he should apologize to me right now.

BIDEN: You had a four-star general stand at your side, who was on your staff, who said you said it, period. That’s number one.

And, number two, the idea – the idea that I have to apologize to you for anything along the lines. We’ve done more for veterans than any president has in American history – American history. And they now – and their family. The only sacred obligation we have as a country is to care for our veterans when they come home, and their families, and equip them when they go to war.

That’s what we’re doing. That’s what the V.A. is doing now. They’re doing more for veterans than ever before in our history.

TAPPER: All right. Thank you so much.

BASH: Let’s move to the topic of foreign policy. I want to begin with Russia’s war against Ukraine, which is now in its third year.

Former President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin says he’ll only end this war if Russia keeps the Ukrainian territory it has already claimed and Ukraine abandons its bid to join NATO.

Are Putin’s terms acceptable to you?

TRUMP: First of all, our veterans and our soldiers can’t stand this guy. They can’t stand him. They think he’s the worst commander in chief, if that’s what you call him, that we’ve ever had. They can’t stand him. So let’s get that straight.

And they like me more than just about any of them. And that’s based on every single bit of information.

As far as Russia and Ukraine, if we had a real president, a president that knew – that was respected by Putin, he would have never – he would have never invaded Ukraine.

A lot of people are dead right now, much more than people know. You know, they talk about numbers. You can double those numbers, maybe triple those numbers. He did nothing to stop it. In fact, I think he encouraged Russia from going in.

I’ll tell you what happened, he was so bad with Afghanistan, it was such a horrible embarrassment, most embarrassing moment in the history of our country, that when Putin watched that and he saw the incompetence that he should – he should have fired those generals like I fired the one that you mentioned, and so he’s got no love lost. But he should have fired those generals.

No general got fired for the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country, Afghanistan, where we left billions of dollars of equipment behind, we lost 13 beautiful soldiers and 38 soldiers were obliterated. And by the way, we left people behind too. We left American citizens behind.

When Putin saw that, he said, you know what? I think we’re going to go in and maybe take my – this was his dream. I talked to him about it, his dream. The difference is he never would have invaded Ukraine. Never.

Just like Israel would have never been invaded, in a million years, by Hamas. You know why? Because Iran was broke with me. I wouldn’t let anybody do business with them. They ran out of money. They were broke. They had no money for Hamas. They had no money for anything. No money for terror.

That’s why you had no terror at all during my administration. This place, the whole world is blowing up under him.

BASH: President Biden?

BIDEN: I’ve never heard so much malarkey in my whole life.

Look, the fact of the matter is that we’re in a situation where – let’s take the last point first. Iran attacked American troops, killed, caused brain damage for a number of these troops, and he did nothing about it. Recently – when he was president, they attacked. He said they’re just having headaches. That’s all it is. We didn’t do a thing when the attack took place, number one.

Number two, we got over 100,000 Americans and others out of Afghanistan during that airlift.

Number three, we found ourselves in a situation where, if you take a look at what Trump did in Ukraine, he’s – this guy told Ukraine – told Trump, do whatever you want. Do whatever you want. And that’s exactly what Trump did to Putin, encouraged him, do whatever you want. And he went in.

And listen to what he said when he went in, he was going to take Kyiv in five days, remember? Because it’s part of the old Soviet Union. That’s what he wanted to re-establish, Kyiv. And he, in fact, didn’t do it at all. He didn’t – wasn’t able to get it done. And they’ve lost over – they’ve lost thousands and thousands of troops, 500,000 troops.

President Trump…

TRUMP: I never said that.

BASH: … I’m going to come back to you for one minute. I just want to go back to my original question, which is, are Putin’s terms acceptable to you, keeping the territory in Ukraine?

TRUMP: No, they’re not acceptable. No, they’re not acceptable.

But look, this is a war that never should have started. If we had a leader in this war – he led everybody along. He’s given $200 billion now or more to Ukraine. He’s given $200 billion. That’s a lot of money. I don’t think there’s ever been anything like it. Every time that Zelenskyy comes to this country, he walks away with $60 billion. He’s the greatest salesman ever.

And I’m not knocking him, I’m not knocking anything. I’m only saying, the money that we’re spending on this war, and we shouldn’t be spending, it should have never happened.

I will have that war settled between Putin and Zelenskyy as president-elect before I take office on January 20th. I’ll have that war settled.

People being killed so needlessly, so stupidly, and I will get it settled and I’ll get it settled fast, before I take office.

BASH: President Biden, you have a minute.

BIDEN: The fact is that Putin is a war criminal. He’s killed thousands and thousands of people. And he has made one thing clear: He wants to re-establish what was part of the Soviet Empire. Not just a piece, he wants all of Ukraine. That’s what he wants.

And then do you think he’ll stop there? Do you think he’ll stop when he – if he takes Ukraine? What do you think happens to Poland? What do you think of Belarus? What do you think happens to those NATO countries?

And so, if you want a war, you ought to find out what he’s going to do. Because if, in fact, he does what he says and walks away – by the way, all that money we give Ukraine and weapons we make here in the United States. We give them the weapons, not the money at this point. And our NATO allies have produced as much funding for Ukraine as we have. That’s why it’s – that’s why we’re strong.

Moving on to the Middle East, in October, Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than a thousand people and taking hundreds of hostages. Among those held and thought to still be alive are five Americans. Israel’s response has killed thousands of Palestinians and created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

President Biden, you’ve put forward a proposal to resolve this conflict. But so far, Hamas has not released the remaining hostages and Israel is continuing its military offensive in Gaza.

So what additional leverage will you use to get Hamas and Israel to end the war? You have two minutes.

BIDEN: Number one, everyone from the United Nations Security Council straight through to the G7 to the Israelis and Netanyahu himself have endorsed the plan I put forward, endorsed the plan I put forward, which has three stages to it.

The first stage is trade the hostages for a ceasefire. Second phase is a ceasefire with additional conditions. The third phase is know – the end of the war.

The only one who wants the war to continue is Hamas, number one. They’re the only ones standing out (ph). We’re still pushing hard from – to get them to accept.

In the meantime, what’s happened in Israel? We’re finally – the only thing I’ve denied Israel was 2,000-pound bombs. They don’t work very well in populated areas. They kill a lot of innocent people. We are providing Israel with all the weapons they need and when they need them.

And by the way, I’m the guy that organized the world against Iran when they had a full-blown kind of ballistic – ballistic missile attack on Israel. No one was hurt. No – one Israeli was accidentally killed. And it stopped. We saved Israel.

We are the biggest producer of support for Israel than anyone in the world. And so, that’s – there’re two different things.

Hamas cannot be allowed to be continued. We continue to send our experts and our intelligence people to how they can get Hamas like we did Bin Laden. You don’t have to do it.

And by the way, they’ve been greatly weakened, Hamas, greatly weakened. And they should be. They should be eliminated.

But you got to be careful for what you use these certain weapons among population centers.

TRUMP: Just going back to Ukraine for one second, we have an ocean separating us. The European nations together have spent $100 billion, or maybe more than that, less than us. Why doesn’t he call them so you got to put up your money like I did with NATO? I got them to put up hundreds of billions of dollars. The secretary general of NATO said Trump did the most incredible job I’ve ever seen. You wouldn’t – they wouldn’t have any – they were going out of business. We were spending – almost 100 percent of the money was – it was paid by us.

He didn’t do that. He is getting all – you got to ask these people to put up the money. We’re over $100 billion more spent, and it has a bigger impact on them, because of location, because we have an ocean in between. You got to ask them.

As far as Israel and Hamas, Israel’s the one that wants to go – he said the only one who wants to keep going is Hamas. Actually, Israel is the one. And you should them go and let them finish the job.

He doesn’t want to do it. He’s become like a Palestinian. But they don’t like him, because he’s a very bad Palestinian. He’s a weak one.

BIDEN: I’ve never heard so much foolishness.

This is a guy who wants to get out of NATO. You’re going to stay in NATO or you’re going to pull out of NATO?

The idea that we have – our strength lies in our alliances as well. It may be a big ocean, but we’re – (inaudible) able to avoid a war in Europe, a major war in Europe. What happens if, in fact, you have Putin continue to go into NATO? We have an Article Five agreement, attack on one is attack on all. You want to start the nuclear war he keeps talking about, go ahead, let Putin go in and control Ukraine and then move on to Poland and other places. See what happens then.

He has no idea what the hell he’s talking about.

And by the way, I got 50 other nations around the world to support Ukraine, including Japan and South Korea, because they understand that this was – this – this kind of dislocation has a serious threat to the whole world peace. No – no major war in Europe has ever been able to be contained just to Europe.

BASH: President Trump, just to follow up, would you support the creation of an independent Palestinian state in order to achieve peace in the region?

TRUMP: I’d have to see.

But before we do that, the problem we have is that we spend all the money. So they kill us on trade. I made great trade deals with the European nations, because if you add them up, they’re about the same size economically. Their economy is about the same size as the United States. And they were – no cars. No – they don’t want anything that we have. But we’re supposed to take their cars, their food, their everything, their agriculture. I changed that.

But the big thing I changed is they don’t want to pay. And the only reason that he can play games with NATO is because I got them to put up hundreds of billions of dollars. I said – and he’s right about this, I said, no, I’m not going to support NATO if you don’t pay. They asked me that question: Would you guard us against Russia? – at a very secret meeting of the 28 states at that time, nations at that time. And they (sic) said, no, if you don’t pay, I won’t do that. And you know what happened? Billions and billions of dollars came flowing in the next day and the next months.

But now, we’re in the same position. We’re paying everybody’s bills.

TAPPER: Let’s turn to the issue of democracy. Former President Trump, I want to ask you about January 6, 2021.

After you rallied your supporters that day, some of them stormed the Capitol to stop the constitutionally mandated counting of electoral votes. As president, you swore an oath to, quote, “preserve, protect and defend,” unquote, the Constitution. What do you say to voters who believe that you violated that oath through your actions and inaction on January 6th and worry that you’ll do it again?

TRUMP: Well, I don’t think too many believe that.

And let me tell you about January 6th, on January 6th, we had a great border, nobody coming through, very few. On January 6th, we were energy independent. On January 6th, we had the lowest taxes ever, we had the lowest regulations ever. On January 6th, we were respected all over the world.

All over the world we were respected, and then he comes in, and we’re now laughed at, we’re like a bunch of stupid people. What happened to the United States’ reputation under this man’s leadership is horrible, including weaponization, which I’m sure at some point you’ll be talking about, where he goes after his political opponent because he can’t beat him fair and square.

TAPPER: You have 80 seconds left. My question was: What do you say to those voters who believe that you violated your constitutional oath through your actions, inaction on January 6th, 2021, and worry that you’ll do it again?

TRUMP: Well, I didn’t say that to anybody. I said peacefully and patriotically.

And Nancy Pelosi, if you just watch the news from two days ago, on tape to her daughter, who’s a documentary filmmaker, as they say, what she’s saying, oh, no, it’s my responsibility, I was responsible for this. Because I offered her 10,000 soldiers or National Guard, and she turned them down. And the mayor of – in writing, by the way, the mayor. In writing turned it down, the mayor of D.C. They turned it down.

I offered 10,000 because I could see – I had virtually nothing to do. They asked me to go make a speech. I could see what was happening. Everybody was saying they’re going to be there on January 6th. They’re going to be there. And I said, you know what? There’s a lot of people coming, you could feel it. You could feel it too. And you could feel it. And I said, they ought to have some National Guard or whatever. And I offered it to her. And she now admits that she turned it down. And it was the same day. She was – I don’t know, you can’t be very happy with her daughter because it made her into a liar. She said, I take full responsibility for January 6th.

TAPPER: President Biden?

BIDEN: Look, he encouraged those folks to go up on Capitol Hill, number one.

I sat in that dining room off the Oval Office – he sat there for three hours, three hours, watching, begging – being begged by his vice president and a number of his colleagues and Republicans as well to do something, to call for a stop, to end it. Instead, he talked – they’ve talked about these people being patriots and – and great patrons of America. In fact, he says he’ll now forgive them for what they’ve done. They’ve been convicted. He says he wants to commute their sentences and say that – no.

He went to every single court in the nation, I don’t know how many cases, scores of cases, including the Supreme Court, and they said they said – they said, no, no, this guy, this guy is responsible for doing what is being – was done.

He didn’t do a damn thing. And these people should be in jail. And they should be the ones who are being held accountable. And he wants to let them all out.

And now he says if he loses again, such a whiner that he is, that there could be a bloodbath.

TRUMP: What they’ve done to some people that are so innocent, you ought to be ashamed of yourself, what you have done, how you’ve destroyed the lives of so many people.

When they ripped down Portland, when they ripped down many other cities – you go to Minnesota, Minneapolis, what they’ve done there with the fires all over the city. If I didn’t bring in the National Guard, that city would have been destroyed.

When you look at all of the – they took over big chunks of Seattle. I was all set to bring in the National Guard. They heard that, they saw them coming and they left immediately.

What he said about this whole subject is so off. Peacefully patriotic.

One other thing, the unselect committee, which is basically two horrible Republicans that are all gone now, out of office, and Democrats, all Democrats, they destroyed and deleted all of the information they found, because they found out we were right. We were right. And they deleted and destroyed all of the information.

They should go to jail for that. If a Republican did that, they’d go to jail.

President Biden, I want to give you a minute.

BIDEN: The only person on this stage that is a convicted felon is the man I’m looking at right now. And the fact of the matter is he is – what he’s telling you is simply not true.

The fact is that there was no effort on his part to stop what was going on up on Capitol Hill. And all those people, every one of those who were convicted, deserves to be convicted. The idea that they didn’t kill somebody, just went in and broke down doors, broke the windows, occupied offices, turned over desks, turned them over, statues – the idea that those people are patriots? Come on.

When I asked him, the first of two debates we had – debates we had the first time around, I said, will you denounce the Proud Boys? He said, no, I’ll tell them to stand by. The idea he’s refusing – will you denounce these guys? Will you denounce the people we’re talking about now? Will you denounce the people who attacked that Capitol? What are you going to do?

TAPPER: I’m going to give you a – a minute, President Trump, for a follow-up question I have.

After a jury convicted you of 34 felonies last month, you said if re-elected you would, quote, “have every right to go after,” unquote, your political opponents. You just talked about members of the Select Committee on January 6th going to jail.

Your main political opponent is standing on stage with you tonight. Can you clarify exactly what it means about you feeling you have every right to go after your political opponents?

TRUMP: Well, I said my retribution is going to be success. We’re going to make this country successful again, because right now it’s a failing nation. My retribution’s going to be success.

But when he talks about a convicted felon, his son is a convicted felon at a very high level. His son is convicted. Going to be convicted probably numerous other times. He should have been convicted before, but his Justice Department let the statute of limitations lapse on the most important things.

But he could be a convicted felon as soon as he gets out of office. Joe could be a convicted felon with all of the things that he’s done. He’s done horrible things. All of the death caused at the border, telling the Ukrainian people that we’re going to want a billion dollars or you change the prosecutor, otherwise, you’re not getting a billion dollars.

If I ever said that, that’s quid pro quo. That – we’re not going to do anything, we’re not going to give you a billion dollars unless you change your prosecutor having to do with his son.

This man is a criminal. This man – you’re lucky. You’re lucky.

I did nothing wrong. We’d have a system that was rigged and disgusting. I did nothing wrong.

President Biden, you have said – I’m coming right to you, sir. You – well, you want to respond? Go ahead. I’ll give you a minute to respond.

BIDEN: The idea that I did anything wrong relative to what you’re talking about is outrageous. It’s simply a lie, number one.

Number two, the idea that you have a right to seek retribution against any American just because you’re a president is wrong, is simply wrong. No president’s ever spoken like that before. No president in our history has spoken like that before.

Number three, the crimes that you are still charged with – and think of all the civil penalties you have. How many billions of dollars do you owe in civil penalties for molesting a woman in public, for doing a whole range of things, of having sex with a porn star on the night – and – while your wife was pregnant?

I mean, what are you talking about? You have the morals of an alley cat.

TAPPER: Give you a minute, sir.

TRUMP: I didn’t have sex with a porn star, number one.

Number two, that was a case that was started and moved – they moved a high-ranking official, a DOJ, into the Manhattan D.A.’s office to start that case. That case is going to be appealed in one.

We had a very terrible judge, a horrible judge, Democrat. The prosecutor were all high-ranking Democrats, appointed people. And the – both the civil and the criminal.

He basically went after his political opponent because he thought it was going to damage me. But when the public found out about these cases – because they understand it better than he does, he has no idea what these cases are. But when he – they – when they found out about these cases, you know what they did? My poll numbers went up way up. You know that because you’re reporting it. And we took in more money in the last two weeks than we’ve ever taken in in the history of any campaign, I don’t think any campaign has ever taken.

Hundreds of millions of dollars came pouring in because the public knows it’s a scam and it’s a guy that’s after his political opponent because he can’t win fair and square.

President Biden, you have said, quote, “Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans are determined to destroy American democracy.”

Do you believe that the tens of millions of Americans who are likely to vote for President Trump will be voting against American democracy?

BIDEN: The more they know about what he’s done, yes. The more they know about what he’s done.

And there’s a lot more coming. He’s got a lot of cases around the road coming around. He’s got – he’s got a whole range of issues he has to face. I don’t know what the juries will do, but I do know – I do know he has a real problem.

And so the fact that – could you ever think you’re hearing any president say that, I’m going to seek retribution? Do you ever hear any president say that he thought it might be a good idea?

What got me involved to run in the first place after my son had died, I decided – in Iraq – because of Iraq, I said, I wasn’t going to run again. Until I saw what happened in Charlottesville, Virginia, people coming out of the woods carrying swastikas on torches – torches and singing the same antisemitic bile they sang when – back in Germany.

And what did – and the young woman got killed. I spoke to the mother. And she – they asked him, they said, what – well, what do you think of those people, the people who – the one who – the ones who tried to stop it and the ones who said, I think there’s fine people on both sides?

What American president would ever say Nazis coming out of fields, carrying torches, singing the same antisemitic bile, carrying swastikas, were fine people?

This is a guy who says Hitler’s done some good things. I’d like to know what they are, the good things Hitler’s done. That’s what he said.

This guy has no sense of American democracy.

TRUMP: Jake, both of you know that story’s been totally wiped out. Because when you see the sentence, it said 100 percent exoneration on there. So he just keeps it going.

He says he ran because of Charlottesville. He didn’t run because of Charlottesville. He ran because it was his last chance at – he’s not equipped to be president. You know it and I know it.

It’s ridiculous. We have a debate. We’re trying to justify his presidency.

His presidency, his – without question, the worst president, the worst presidency in the history of our country. We shouldn’t be having a debate about it. There’s nothing to debate.

He made up the Charlottesville story and you’ll see it’s debunked all over the place. Every anchor has – every reasonable anchor has debunked it.

And just the other day it came out where it was fully debunked. It’s a nonsense story. He knows that.

And he didn’t run because of Charlottesville. He used that as an excuse to run.

BIDEN: And debunk. It happened. All you have to do is listen to what was said at the time.

And the idea that somehow that’s the only reason I ran. I ran because I was worried a guy like this guy can get elected.

If he thought they were good people coming out of that all – that forest, carrying those – those woods, carrying those torches, then he didn’t deserve to be president, didn’t deserve to be president at all.

And the idea that he’s talking about all of this being fabricated, we saw it with our own eyes. We saw what happened on January 6. We saw the people breaking through the windows. We saw people occupying there.

His own vice president – look, there’s a reason why 40 of his 44 top cabinet officers refused to endorse him this time. His vice president hasn’t endorsed him this time.

So, why? Why? They know him well. They serve with them. Why are they not endorsing him?

We’re going to be right back with more from the CNN presidential debate.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BASH: Welcome back to the CNN Presidential Debate live from Georgia.

Let’s talk about persistent challenges you both faced in your first terms, and you’d certainly face again in a second term. President Biden, while black unemployment dropped to a record low under your presidency, black families still earn far less than white families.

Black mothers are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes. And black Americans are imprisoned at five times the rate of white Americans. What do you say to black voters who are disappointed that you haven’t made more progress?

BIDEN: They acknowledge he made a lot of progress, number one. The facts of the matter is more small black businesses that have been started in any time in history. Number two, the wages of black – black unemployment is the lowest level it has been in a long, long time. Number three, we find them – they’re trying to provide housing for black Americans and dealing with segregation that exists among these corporate – these corporate operations that collude to keep people out of their houses.

And in addition to that, we find that the impact of, on the – the choice that black families have to make relative to childcare is incredibly difficult. When we did the first major piece of legislation in the past, I was able to reduce black childcare costs. I cut them in half, in half. We’ve got to make sure we provide for childcare costs. We’ve got to make sure – because when you provide that childcare protections, you increase economic growth because more people can be in the – in the job market.

So there’s more to be done, considerably more to be done, but we’ve done a great deal so far and I’m not letting up and they know it.

BASH: You have 49 seconds left. What do you say to black voters who are disappointed with the progress so far?

BIDEN: I say, I don’t blame them for being disappointed. Inflation is still hurting them badly. For example, I provided for the idea that any black family, first time home buyer should get a $10,000 tax credit to be able to buy their first home so they can get started.

I made sure that we’re in a situation where all those black families and those black individuals who provided had to take out student loans that were ballooning, that if they were engaged in nursing and anything having to do with volunteerism, if they paid their bills for 10 years on their student debt, all the rest was forgiven after 10 years. Millions have benefited from that and we’re going to do a whole lot more for black families.

BASH: Thank you. President Trump?

TRUMP: And he caused the inflation. He’s blaming inflation. And he’s right, it’s been very bad. He caused the inflation and it’s killing black families and Hispanic families and just about everybody. It’s killing people. They can’t buy groceries anymore. They can’t.

You look at the cost of food where it’s doubled and tripled and quadrupled. They can’t live. They’re not living anymore. He caused this inflation.

I gave him a country with no, essentially no inflation. It was perfect. It was so good. All he had to do is leave it alone. He destroyed it with his green new scam and all of the other – all this money that’s being thrown out the window.

He caused inflation. As sure as you’re sitting there, the fact is that his big kill on the black people is the millions of people that he’s allowed to come in through the border. They’re taking black jobs now and it could be 18. It could be 19 and even 20 million people. They’re taking black jobs and they’re taking Hispanic jobs and you haven’t seen it yet, but you’re going to see something that’s going to be the worst in our history.

BASH: Thank you. President Biden?

BIDEN: There was no inflation when I became president. You know why? The economy was flat on its back. 15 percent unemployment, he decimated the economy, absolutely decimated the economy. That’s why there was no inflation at the time.

There were no jobs. We provided thousands of millions of jobs for individuals who were involved in communities, including minority communities. We made sure that they have health insurance. We have covered with – the ACA has increased. I made sure that they’re $8,000 per person in the family to get written off in health care, but this guy wants to eliminate that. They tried 50 times. He wants to get rid of the ACA again, and they’re going to try again if they win.

You find ourselves in a position where the idea that we’re not doing it. I put more – we put more police on the street than any administration has. He wants to cut the cops. We’re providing for equity, equity, and making sure people have a shot to make it. There is a lot going on. But, on inflation, he caused it by his tremendous malfeasance in the way he handled the pandemic.

BASH: Thank you. Another persistent challenge is the climate crisis. 2023 was the hottest year in recorded history, and communities across the country are confronting the devastating effects of extreme heat, intensifying wildfires, stronger hurricanes, and rising sea levels.

Former President Trump, you’ve vowed to end your opponent’s climate initiatives. But, will you take any action as President to slow the climate crisis?

TRUMP: Well, let me just go back to what he said about the police, how close the police are to him. Almost every police group in the nation from every state is supporting Donald J. Trump, almost every police group. And what he has done to the black population is horrible, including the fact that for 10 years he called them super predators. We can’t, in the 1990s (ph), we can’t forget that. Super predators was his name. And he called it to them for 10, and they’ve taken great offense at it, and now they see it happening.

But, when they see what I did for criminal justice reform and for the historically black colleges and universities, where I funded them and got them all funded, and the opportunity zones with Tim. As you know, Tim Scott was - incredible, he did a great job, a great Senator from South Carolina. He came to me with the idea and it was a great idea. It’s one of the most successful economic development acts ever in the country, opportunity zones. And the biggest beneficiary are blacks. And that’s why we have the best numbers with them in maybe ever, they’re saying ever, I read this morning, wherever, the best numbers, he has lost much of the black population because he has done a horrible job for black people. He has also done a horrible job for Hispanics.

But, why do you see these millions of people pouring into our country and they’re going to take the jobs? And it’s already started. And you haven’t seen anything yet. It’s a disaster.

BASH: 38 seconds left, President Trump. Will you take any action as President to slow the climate crisis?

TRUMP: So, I want absolutely immaculate clean water and I want absolutely clean air, and we had it. We had H2O. We had the best numbers ever. And we did – we were using all forms of energy, all forms, everything. And yet, during my four years, I had the best environmental numbers ever. And my top environmental people gave me that statistic just before I walked on the stage, actually.

BIDEN: I don’t know where the hell he has been. The idea that, Dana, he said is true. I’ve passed the most extensive, it was the most extensive climate change legislation in history, in history. We find ourselves – and by the way, black colleges, I came up with $50 billion for HBCUs, historic black universities and colleges, because they don’t have the kind of contributors that they have to build these laboratories and the like. Any black student is capable in college in doing what any white student can do. They just have the money. But now, they’ll be able to get those jobs in high tech.

We’re in a situation where the idea that he kind of is claiming to have done something that had the cleanest water, the cleanest water? He had not done a damn thing with the environment. He – out of the Paris Peace Accord – Climate Accord, I immediately joined it, because if we reach for 1.5 degrees Celsius at any one point, well, there is no way back. The only existential threat to humanity is climate change. And he didn’t do a damn thing about it. He wants to undo all that I’ve done.

TRUMP: The Paris Accord was going to cost us a trillion dollars, and China nothing, and Russia nothing, and India nothing. It was a ripoff of the United States. And I ended it because I didn’t want to waste that money because they treat us horribly. We were the only ones – it was costing us money. Nobody else was paying into it. And it was a disaster.

But, everything that he said just now, I’ll give you an example. I heard him say before insulin, I’m the one that got the insulin down for the seniors. I took care of the seniors. What he is doing is destroying all of our medical programs because the migrants coming in. They want everybody. And look, I have the biggest heart on the stage. I guarantee you that. And I want to take care of people. But, we’re destroying our country. They’re taking over our schools, our hospitals, and they’re going to be taking over Social Security. He is destroying Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

BIDEN: Where does that come from? The idea is that we, in fact – we were the only ones of consequence or not who are not members of the Paris Accord. How can we do anything when (ph) we’re not able to – the United States can’t get it’s pollution under control? One of the largest polluters in the world, number one. We’re making significant progress. By 2035, we will have cut pollution in half. We have – we have made significant progress. And we’re continuing to make progress.

We set up a Climate Corps for thousands of young people will learn how to deal with climate, just like the Peace Corps. And we’re going to – we’re moving in directions that are going to significantly change the elements of the cause of pollution.

But the idea that he claims that he has the biggest heart up here and he’s really concerned about – about pollution and about climate, I’ve not seen any indication of that.

And, by the way, with regard to prescription drugs, one company agreed that they would reduce the price to $35, which I was calling for – one, voluntarily. I made sure every company in the world, every pharmaceutical company, cannot have to pay.

BIDEN: And, by the way…

TAPPER: So every day millions of Americans struggle just to make ends meet. For many older Americans, Social Security provides a critical lifeline.

President Biden, if nothing is done to Social Security, seniors will see their benefits cut in just over 10 years. Will you name tonight one specific step that you’re willing to take to keep Social Security solvent?

BIDEN: Yes, make the very wealthy begin to pay their fair share. Right now, everybody making under $170,000 pays 6 percent of their income, of their paycheck, every single time they get a paycheck, from the time of the first one they get when they’re 18 years old.

The idea that they’re going to – I’m not – I’ve been proposing that everybody, they pay – millionaires pay 1 percent – 1 percent. So no one after – I would not raise the cost of Social Security for anybody under $400,000. After that, I begin to make the wealthy begin to pay their fair share, by increasing from 1 percent beyond, to be able to guarantee the program for life.

TAPPER: So you still have 82 seconds left. Are there any other measures that you think that would be able to help keep Social Security solvent, or is just – is that one enough?

BIDEN: Well, that one enough will keep it solvent. But the biggest thing I’ll do, if we defeat this man, because he wants to get rid of Social Security; he thinks that there’s plenty to cut in Social Security. He’s wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare, both times. And that’s with – and if you look at the program put forward by the House Republican Caucus that he, I believe, supports, is in fact wanting to cut it as well.

The idea that we don’t need to protect our seniors is ridiculous. We put – and, by the way, the American public has greater health care coverage today than ever before. And under the ACA, as I said, you’re in a circumstance where 400,000 people – I mean, 40 million people – would not have insurance because they have a pre-existing condition. The only thing that allows them to have that insurance is the fact that they in fact are part of the ACA.

And, by the way, the other thing is we’re in a situation where I talk about education for black communities. I’ve raised the number, the amount of money for Pell grants by other $8,000 for anybody making under $70,000 a year, are going to be able to get $15,000 towards their tuition.

It’s just – he – he just doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

TRUMP: So I’ve dealt with politicians all my life. I’ve been on this side of the equation for the last eight years. I’ve never seen anybody lie like this guy. He lies – I’ve never seen it. He could look you in the face. So – and about so many other things, too.

And we mentioned the laptop, We mentioned “Russia, Russia, Russia,” “Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine.” And everything he does is a lie. It’s misinformation and disinformation. The “losers and suckers” story that he made up is a total lie on the military. It’s a disgrace.

But Social Security, he’s destroying it. Because millions of people are pouring into our country, and they’re putting them on to Social Security; they’re putting them on to Medicare, Medicaid. They’re putting them in our hospitals. They’re taking the place of our citizens.

They’re – what they’re doing to the V.A., to our veterans, is unbelievable. Our veterans are living in the street and these people are living in luxury hotels. He doesn’t know what he’s doing. And it – it’s really coming back. I’ve never seen such anger in our country before.

BIDEN: The idea that veterans are not being taken care of, I told you before – and, by the way, when I said “suckers and losers,” he said – he acknowledged after it that he fired that general. That general got fired because he’s the one that acknowledged that that’s what he said. He was the one standing with Trump when he said it, number one.

Number two, the idea that we’re going to be in a situation where all these millions and millions, the way he talks about it, illegal aliens are coming into the country and taking away our jobs, there’s a reason why we have the fastest-growing economy in the world, a reason why we have the most successful economy in the world. We’re doing better than any other nation in the world.

And, by the way, those 15 Nobel laureates he talked about being phony, those 15 Nobel laureates, economists, they all said that, if Trump is re-elected, we’re likely to have a recession, and inflation is going to increasingly go up.

And by the way, worst president in history – 159 presidential scholars voted him the worst president in the history of the United States of America.

TAPPER: President Biden, thank you so much. Let’s turn to the cost of childcare, which many American families struggle to afford.

President Trump, both you and President Biden have tried to address this issue, but the average cost of childcare in this country has risen to more than $11,000 a year per child. For many families, the cost of childcare for two children is more than their rent. In your second term, what would you do to make childcare more affordable?

TRUMP: Just to go back. The general got fired because he was no good. And if he said that, that’s why he made it up. But we have 19 people that said I didn’t say it, and they’re very highly respected, much more so than him.

The other thing is, he doesn’t fire people. He never fired people. I’ve never seen him fire anybody. I did fire a lot. I fired Comey because he was no good. I fired a lot of the top people at the FBI, drained the swamp. They were no good. Not easy to fire people. You’d pay a price for it, but they were no good. I inherited these people. I didn’t put him there. I didn’t put Comey there. He was no good. I fired him.

This guy hasn’t fired anybody. He never fires. He should have fired every military man that was involved with that Afghan – the Afghanistan horror show. The most embarrassing moment in the history of our country. He didn’t fire?

Did you fire anybody? Did you fire anybody that’s on the border, that’s allowed us to have the worst border in the history of the world? Did anybody get fired for allowing 18 million people, many from prisons, many from mental institutions? Did you fire anybody that allowed our country to be destroyed? Joe, our country is being destroyed as you and I sit up here and waste a lot of time on this debate. This shouldn’t be a debate.

He is the worst president. He just said it about me because I said it. But look, he’s the worst president in the history of our country. He’s destroyed our country. Now, all of a sudden, he’s trying to get a little tough on the border. He come out – came out with a nothing deal, and it reduced it a little bit. A little bit, like this much. It’s insignificant.

He wants open borders. He wants our country to either be destroyed or he wants to pick up those people as voters. And I don’t think – we just can’t let it happen. If he wins this election, our country doesn’t have a chance. Not even a chance of coming out of this rut. We probably won’t have a country left anymore. That’s how bad it is. He is the worst in history by far.

TAPPER: Thank you, President Trump. President Biden?

BIDEN: We are the most admired country in the world. We’re the United States of America. There’s nothing beyond our capacity. We have the finest military in the history of the world. The finest in the history of the world. No one thinks we’re weak. No one wants to screw around with us. Nobody. Number one.

Number two, the idea that we’re talking about worst presidents. I wasn’t joking. Look it up. Go online. 159 or 58, don’t hold me to the exact number, presidential historians. They’ve had meetings and they voted who’s the worst president in American history. One through best to worst. They said he was the worst in all of American history. That’s a fact. That’s not conjecture. He can argue they are wrong, but that’s what they voted.

The idea that he is knowing (ph) – doing anything to deal with child care. He did very – virtually nothing to child care. We should significantly increase the child care tax credit. We should significantly increase the availability of women and men for child or single parents to be able to go back to work, and we should encourage businesses to hold – to have child care facilities.

TAPPER: Thank you, President Biden. President Trump, the question was about what would you do to make child care more affordable? If you want to take your minute.

TRUMP: Just you understand, we have polling. We have other things that do – they rate him the worst because what he’s done is so bad. And they rate me – yes, I’ll show you. I will show you. And they rate me one of the best. OK.

And if I’m given another four years, I will be the best. I think I’ll be the best. Nobody’s ever created an economy like us. Nobody ever cut taxes like us. He’s the only one I know. He wants to raise your taxes by four times. He wants to raise everybody’s taxes by four times. He wants the Trump tax cuts to expire so everybody, including the two of you are going to pay four to five times. Nobody ever heard of this before.

All my life I’d grow up and I’d see politicians talking about cutting taxes. When we cut taxes, as I said, we did more business. Apple and all these companies, they were bringing money back into our country. The worst president in history by far, and everybody knows it.

BIDEN: Look, the fact of the matter is that he’s dead wrong about it. He’s increased the tariff – he’s increased – he will increase the taxes on middle class people. I said I’d never raise a tax on anybody making less than $400,000. I didn’t.

But this tariff, this 10 percent tariffs. Everything coming into the country, you know what the economists say? That’s going to cost the average American $2,500 a year and more, because they’re going to have to pay the difference in food and all the things that are very important.

Number two, he’s in a situation where he talks about how he has not raised – he somehow helped the middle class. The middle class has been devastated by you. Now you want a new tax cut of $5 trillion over the next ten years, which is going to fundamentally bankrupt the country. You had the largest deficit of any president in American history, number one.

Number two, you have not, in fact, made any contact, any progress with China. We are the lowest trade deficit with China since 2010.

TAPPER: Thank you, President Biden. Thank you, President Biden.

Let’s discuss an epidemic impacting millions of Americans that both of you have made a top priority in your first term, the opioid crisis. And for both of you, the number of overdose deaths in this country has gone up. Under your term, it went up. Under your term, it has gone up.

Former President Trump, despite the efforts that both of you have made, more than 100,000 Americans are dying from overdoses every year, primarily from fentanyl and other opioids. What will you do to help Americans right now in the throes of addiction, who are struggling to get the treatment they need?

TRUMP: To finish up, we now have the largest deficit in the history of our country under this guy, we have the largest deficit with China. He gets paid by China. He’s a Manchurian candidate. He gets money from China. So I think he’s afraid to deal with him or something.

But do you notice? He never took out my tariffs because we bring in so much money with the tariffs that I imposed on China. He never took them away. He can’t because it’s too much money. It’s tremendous. And we saved our steel industries. And there was more to come, but he hasn’t done that.

But he hasn’t cut the tariffs because he can’t, because it’s too much money. But he’s got the largest deficit in the history of our country and he’s got the worst situation with China. China is going to own us if you keep allowing them to do what they’re doing to us as a country. They are killing us as a country, Joe, and you can’t let that happen. You’re destroying our country.

TAPPER: So, President Trump, you have 67 seconds left. The question was, what are you going to do to help Americans in the throes of addiction right now who are struggling to get the treatment they need?

TRUMP: Jake, we’re doing very well at addiction until the COVID came along. We had the two-and-a-half, almost three years of like nobody’s ever had before, any country in every way. And then we had to get tough. And it was – the drugs pouring across the border, we’re – it started to increase.

We got great equipment. We bought the certain dog. That’s the most incredible thing that you’ve ever seen, the way they can spot it. We did a lot. And we had – we were getting very low numbers. Very, very low numbers.

Then he came along. The numbers – have you seen the numbers now? It’s not only the 18 million people that I believe is even low, because the gotaways, they don’t even talk about gotaways. But the numbers of – the amount of drugs and human trafficking in women coming across our border, the worst thing I’ve ever seen at numbers – nobody’s ever seen under him because the border is so bad. But the number of drugs coming across our border now is the largest we’ve ever had by far.

TAPPER: President Trump, thank you. President Biden?

BIDEN: Fentanyl and the byproducts of fentanyl went down for a while. And I wanted to make sure we use the machinery that can detect fentanyl, these big machines that roll over everything that comes across the border, and it costs a lot of money. That was part of this deal we put together, this bipartisan deal.

More fentanyl machines, were able to detect drugs, more numbers of agents, more numbers of all the people at the border. And when we had that deal done, he went – he called his Republican colleagues said don’t do it. It’s going to hurt me politically.

He never argued it’s not a good bill. It’s a really good bill. We need those machines. We need those machines. And we’re coming down very hard in every country in Asia in terms of precursors for fentanyl. And Mexico is working with us to make sure they don’t have the technology to be able to put it together. That’s what we have to do. We need those machines.

TAPPER: Thank you, President Biden. President Trump, and again, the question is about Americans in the throes of addiction right now struggling to get the treatment they need.

TRUMP: Because this does pertain to it. He ended remain in Mexico, he ended catch and release. I made it catch and release in Mexico, not catch and release here. We had so many things that we had done, hard negotiations with Mexico, and I got it all for nothing.

It’s just like when you have a hostage, we always pay $6 billion for a – every time we sees hostage. Now we have a hostage. A Wall Street Journal reporter, I think a good guy, and he’s over there because Putin is laughing at this guy, probably asking for billions of dollars for the reporter.

I will have him out very quickly, as soon as I take office, before I take office. I said by literally as soon as I win the election, I will have that reporter out. He should have had him out a long time ago. But Putin is probably asking for billions and billions of dollars because this guy pays it every time.

We had two cases where we paid $6 billion for five people. I got 58 people out and I paid essentially nothing.

BASH: Let’s turn to concerns that voters have about each of you.

President Biden, you would be 86 at the end of your second term. How do you address concerns about your capability to handle the toughest job in the world well into your 80s?

BIDEN: Well, first of all, I spent half my career being – being criticized being the youngest person in politics. I was the second-youngest person ever elected to the United States Senate. And now I’m the oldest. This guy’s three years younger and a lot less competent. I think that just look at the record. Look what I’ve done. Look how I’ve turned around the horrible situation he left me.

As I said, 50 million new jobs, 800,000 manufacturing jobs, more investment in America, over millions – billions of dollars in private investment and – and enterprises that we are growing. We’ve – by the way, we brought an awful a lot of people – the whole idea of computer chips. We used to have 40 percent of the market. We invented those chips. And we lost it because he was sending people to cheap – to find the cheapest jobs overseas and to bring home a product.

So I went – I went to South Korea. I convinced Samsung to invest billions of dollars here in the United States. And then guess what? Those fabs, they call them, to – to build these chips, those fabs pay over $100,000. You don’t need a college degree for them. And there’s billions, about $40 billion already being invested and being built right now in the United States, creating significant jobs for Americans all over – from all over the world.

BASH: President Biden, you have 40 seconds left. Would you like to add anything?

BIDEN: Yeah, I would. The idea that somehow we are this failing country, I never heard a president talk like this before. We – we’re the envy of the world. Name me a single major country president who wouldn’t trade places with the United States of America. For all our problems and all our opportunities, we’re the most progressive country in the world in getting things done. We’re the strongest country in the world. We’re a country in the world who keeps our word and everybody trusts us, all of our allies.

And our – those who he cuddles up to, from Kim Jong-un who he sends love letters to, or Putin, et cetera, they don’t want to screw around with us.

Former President Trump, to follow up, you would be 82 at the end of your second term. What do you say to voters who have concerns about your capabilities to serve?

TRUMP: Well, I took two tests, cognitive tests. I aced them, both of them, as you know. We made it public. He took none. I’d like to see him take one, just one, a real easy one. Like go through the first five questions, he couldn’t do it. But I took two cognitive tests. I took physical exams every year. And, you know, we knock on wood, wherever we may have wood, that I’m in very good health. I just won two club championships, not even senior, two regular club championships. To do that, you have to be quite smart and you have to be able to hit the ball a long way. And I do it. He doesn’t do it. He can’t hit a ball 50 yards. He challenged me to a golf match. He can’t hit a ball 50 yards.

I think I’m a very good shape. I feel that I’m in as good a shape as I was 25, 30 years ago. Actually, I’m probably a little bit lighter. But I’m in as good a shape as I was years ago. I feel very good. I feel the same.

But I took – I was willing to take a cognitive test. And you know what, if I didn’t do well – I aced them. Dr. Ronny Jackson, who’s a great guy, when he was White House doctor. And then I took another one, a similar one, and both – one of them said they’d never seen anybody ace them.

BIDEN: You’re going to see he’s six-foot-five and only 225 pounds – or 235 pounds.

TRUMP: (inaudible).

BIDEN: Well, you said six-four, 200.

BIDEN: Well, anyway, that’s – anyway, just take a look at what he says he is and take a look at what he is.

Look, I’d be happy to have a driving contest with him. I got my handicap, which, when I was vice president, down to a 6.

And by the way, I told you before I’m happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it?

TRUMP: That’s the biggest lie that he’s a 6 handicap, of all.

BIDEN: I was 8 handicap.

TRUMP: Yeah.

BIDEN: Eight, but I have – you know how many…

TRUMP: I’ve seen your swing, I know your swing.

(CROSSTALK)

BASH: President Trump, we’re going to…

TRUMP: Let’s not act like children.

BIDEN: You are a child.

BASH: To you, a specific concern that voters have about you. Will you pledge tonight that once all legal challenges have been exhausted that you will accept the results of this election regardless of who wins and you will say right now that political violence in any form is unacceptable?

TRUMP: Well, I shouldn’t have to say that, but, of course, I believe that. It’s totally unacceptable.

TRUMP: And if you would see my statements that I made on Twitter at the time, and also my statement that I made in the Rose Garden, you would say it’s one of the strongest statements you’ve ever seen.

In addition to the speech I made, in front of, I believe, the largest crowd I’ve ever spoken to, and I will tell you, nobody ever talks about that. They talk about a relatively small number of people that went to the Capitol. And in many cases were ushered in by the police.

And as Nancy Pelosi said, it was her responsibility, not mine. She said that loud and clear.

But the answer is, if the election is fair free, and I want that more than anybody.

And I’ll tell you something – I wish he was a great president because I wouldn’t be here right now. I’d be at one of my many places enjoying myself. I wouldn’t be under indictment because I wouldn’t have been his political appoint – you know, opponent. Because he indicted me because I was his opponent.

I wish he was a great president. I would rather have that.

I wouldn’t be here. I don’t mind being here, but the only reason I’m here is he’s so bad as a president that I’m going to make America great again. We’re going to make America great again.

We’re a failing nation right now. We’re a seriously failing nation. And we’re a failing nation because of him.

His policies are so bad. His military policies are insane. They’re insane.

These are wars that will never end with him. He will drive us into World War Three and we’re closer to World War Three than anybody can imagine. We are very, very close to World War Three, and he’s driving us there.

And Kim Jong-Un, and President Xi of China – Kim Jong-Un of North Korea, all of these – Putin – they don’t respect him. They don’t fear him. They have nothing going with this gentleman and he’s going to drive us into World War Three.

BIDEN: If you want a World War Three, let him follow (ph) and win, and let Putin say, do what you want to NATO – just do what you want.

There’s a thing called Article Five, an attack on one is attack on all, a required response.

The idea – the idea – I can’t think of a single major leader in the world who wouldn’t trade places with what job I’ve done and what they’ve done because we are a powerful nation, we have wonderful piece (ph), because of the people, not me, because of the American people. They’re capable of anything and they step up when they’re needed.

And right now, we’re needed. We’re needed to protect the world because our own safety is at stake.

And again, you want to have war, just let Putin go ahead and take Kyiv, make sure they move on, see what happens in Poland, Hungary, and other places along that border. Then you have a war.

BASH: President Trump, as I come back to you for a follow-up. The question was, will you accept the results of this election regardless of who wins?

TRUMP: Just to finish what he said, if I might, Russia – they took a lot of land from Bush. They took a lot of land from Obama and Biden. They took no land, nothing from Trump, nothing.

He knew not to do it. He’s not going to play games with me. He knew that. I got along with him very well, but he knew not to play games.

He took nothing from me, but now, he’s going to take the whole thing from this man right here.

That’s a war that should have never started. It would’ve never started ever with me. And he’s going to take Ukraine and, you know, you asked me a question before, would you do this with – he’s got us in such a bad position right now with Ukraine and Russia because Ukraine’s not winning that war.

He said, I will never settle until such time – they’re running out of people, they’re running out of soldiers, they’ve lost so many people. It’s so sad.

They’ve lost so many people and they’ve lost those gorgeous cities with the golden domes that are 1,000-years-old, all because of him and stupid decisions.

Russia would’ve never attacked if I were president.

BASH: President Trump, the question was, will you accept the results of the election regardless of who wins? Yes or no, please?

TRUMP: If it’s a fair and legal and good election – absolutely. I would have much rather accepted these but the fraud and everything else was ridiculous that if you want, we’ll have a news conference on it in a week or we’ll have another one of these on – in a week.

But I will absolutely – there’s nothing I’d rather do. It would be much easier for me to do that than I’m running again. I wasn’t really going to run until I saw the horrible job he did. He’s destroying our country.

I would be very happy to be someplace else, in a nice location someplace. And again, no indictments, no political opponent’s stuff, because it’s the only way he thinks he can win.

But unfortunately, it’s driven up by numbers and driven it up to a very high level, because the people understand it.

BIDEN: Let’s see what your numbers are when this election is over.

TRUMP: We’ll see.

BIDEN: Let’s see. You’re a whiner. When you lost the first time, you continued to appeal and appeal to courts all across the country.

Not one single court in America said any of your claims had any merit, state or local, none.

But you continue to promote this lie about somehow there’s all this misrepresentation, all the stealing. There’s no evidence of that at all.

And I tell you what? I doubt whether you’ll accept it because you’re such a whiner. The idea if you lose again, you’re accepting anything, you can’t stand the loss. Something snapped in you when you lost the last time.

BASH: We’ll be right back with more from the CNN presidential debate live from Georgia.

TAPPER: It is now time for the candidates to deliver their closing statements.

As predetermined by a coin toss, we’re going to begin with you, President Biden. You have two minutes.

BIDEN: We’ve made significant progress from the debacle that was left by President Trump in his – in his last term.

We find ourselves in a situation where, number one, we have to make sure that we have a fair tax system. I ask anyone out there in the audience, or anyone out watching this debate, do you think the tax system is fair?

The fact is that I said, nobody even making under $400,000 had a single penny increasing their taxes and it will not. And if I’m reelected, that’ll be the case again.

But this guy is – has increased your taxes because of the deficit. Number one, he’s increased inflation because of the debacle he left after – when he handled the pandemic. And he finds himself in a position where he now wants to tax you more by putting a 10 percent tariff on everything that comes into the United States America.

What I did, when, for example, he wants to get away with – and get rid of the ability of Medicare to – for the ability to – for the – us to be able to negotiate drug prices with big pharma companies.

Well, guess what? We got it – we got it down to 15 – excuse me, $35 for insulin instead of $400. No more than $2,000 for every senior no matter what they – how much prescription they need.

You know what that did? That reduced the federal deficit (ph) – debt by $160 billion over 10 years because the government doesn’t have to pay the exorbitant prices.

I’m going to make that available to every senior, all – or go longer. It’s happening now, and everybody in America. He wants to get rid of that.

We have – I’m going to make sure we have childcare. We’re going to significantly increase the credit people have for childcare. I’m going to make sure we do something about what we’re doing on lead pipes and all the things that are causing health problems for people across the country.

We’re going to continue to fight to bring down inflation and give people a break.

President Trump, you now have two minutes for your closing statement.

TRUMP: Like so many politicians, this man is just a complainer. He said we want to do this. We want to do that. We want to get rid of this tax, that tax, but he doesn’t do anything. He doesn’t do.

All he does is make our country unsafe by allowing millions and millions of people to pour in. Our military doesn’t respect him. We look like fools in Afghanistan.

We didn’t stop – Israel, it was such a horrible thing that would have never happened. It should have never happened.

Iran was broke. Anybody that did business with Iran, including China, they couldn’t do business with the United States. They all passed.

Iran was broke. They had no money for Hamas or Hezbollah, for terror, no money whatsoever.

Again, Ukraine should have never happened.

He talks about all this stuff, but he didn’t do it. For three-and-a-half years, we’re living in hell. We have the Palestinians and we have everybody else rioting all over the place.

You talk about Charlottesville. This is 100 times Charlottesville, 1,000 times.

The whole country is exploding because of you, because they don’t respect you. And they have to respect their president and they don’t respect you throughout the world.

What we did was incredible. We re – rebuilt the military. We got the largest tax cut in history, the largest regulation cut in history.

The reason he’s got jobs is because I cut the regulations that gave jobs, but he’s putting a lot of those regulations back on.

All of the things that we’ve done, nobody’s ever – never seen anything like – even from a medical standpoint. Right to Try, where we can try Space Age materials instead of going to Asia or going to Europe and trying to get when you’re terminally ill.

Now, you can go and you can get something. You sign a document. They’ve been trying to get it for 42 years.

But you know what we did for the military was incredible. Choice for our soldiers, where our soldiers, instead of waiting for three months to see a doctor, can go out and get themselves fixed up and readied up, and take care of themselves and they’re living. And that’s why I had the highest approval rating of the history of the V.A.

So, all of these things – we’re in a failing nation, but it’s not going to be failing anymore. We’re going to make it great again.

BASH: Thank you, former President Trump, President Biden.

Stay with us because we have full analysis of this debate. Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett starts now on CNN.

UPDATE: A previous version of this story contained an initial, rush transcript of the debate.

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