What do super successful people do differently

The stars are ambitious

No surprise here. Yet their ambition is sweet and unforced. Because…

The stars love what they do

Ronald Reagan had the time of his life as Governor of California and over eight White House years. Top authors adore writing in exotic locations. High flyers are vibrant, full of life, overflowing with quiet pleasure or infectious exuberance.

Researcher Srully Blotnick investigated self-made millionaires. He discovered that they loved their work. Their passion took them to the top.

Enjoyment, not effort or education, is the key to success. Hurrah! Picture millions slaving on the educational treadmill. Or working in dark Satanic towers for pinch-mouthed bosses and mean-spirited corporations. Could they all be barking up the wrong tree?

If that’s you, rejoice! Throw off your chains. Find something you love doing.

And if that’s not you, rejoice too! The treadmill ain’t necessary. Most successful entrepreneurs had no university education, usually no further education at all. More than half left school as soon as they could. It was enthusiasm that made them.

It can make you too. Those winners’ school grades were poor, but didn’t bar them from success. They found something they loved doing, where they could create something that other people wanted. You can do the same. Is there something you love doing that could become your business or profession?

The stars are lopsided

Stars are not all-rounders. The top people have massive strengths — and equally massive downsides. Their weaknesses don’t matter. What leads to extraordinary results is concentration on the strengths, honing these to Olympian standards.

Where you work — the profession, firm, department, job — is crucial. If 20 percent of potential jobs and professions yield 80 percent of the potential benefit, seek jobs where your lopsided strength comes to the fore. Balance is mediocrity.

The stars know a lot about a little

Have you been told to gain broad experience? Don’t. Focus all your energy on one area.

Become expert on a narrow front. Know 99 percent about 1 percent of something. Meet all the experts. See how they work, what kind of lives they lead. Mimic them.

The stars think and communicate clearly

They sell and market themselves concisely.

How can you learn this? Do a stint as a salesperson.

Selling is tough. It invites rejection. It also teaches you how to accept rejection, get on with different folks, communicate, and negotiate effectively.

Sell anything — autos, hi-fis, computers, advertising space, magazine subscriptions, anything at all — for a few months. You’ll learn to sell yourself, an essential life skill. The rest of your life will be so much easier and more successful!

The stars evolve their own success formula

Does your favorite comedian have a unique formula? Is it timing, tone of voice, material used, or something else distinctive? Whatever, it’s imitable and invaluable.

The stars didn’t arrive at their formula overnight. Neither need you. Observe many formulae. Adapt or combine them or invent your own. Experiment. See what delivers more with less.