Self-made billionaires applied hard work, talent, ingenuity and risk-taking to advance their careers. And, they often changed the world while they were at it. What advice do they have for you?
Success doesn’t come easily. But, some of the most powerful and notable self-made billionaires almost make it look that way.
These impressive figures, like Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates for example, approach their work (and the world in general) in a unique and powerful way. They are inspired and inspiring.
So, here are some words of wisdom from self-made billionaires to help get you thinking about how you can take your work to the next level.
1. Take initiative
“If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, you don’t ask what seat! Just get on.” –Sheryl Sandberg
2. Dream big
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” –Steve Jobs
3. Be positive
“If you get up in the morning and think the future is going to be better, it is a bright day. Otherwise, it’s not.” –Elon Musk
4. Never stop learning and growing
“The best investment you can make is in your own abilities. Anything you can do to develop your own abilities or business is likely to be more productive.” -Warren Buffett
5. Take risks
“Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” –Oprah Winfrey
6. Focus on the work and the customer, not the competition
“If you’re competitor-focused, you have to wait until there is a competitor doing something. Being customer-focused allows you to be more pioneering.” –Jeff Bezos
7. Contribute
“You graduates are coming of age in an amazing time. As you leave Harvard, you have technology that members of my class never had. You have awareness of global inequity, which we did not have. And with that awareness, you likely also have an informed conscience that will torment you if you abandon these people whose lives you could change with very little effort.” –Bill Gates, Harvard commencement address 2007.
Tell Us What You Think
How does your favorite piece of advice from this list apply to you and your work? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.
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