Bob Bly Direct Response Copywriter Official Banner

4 Secrets of Achieving Outrageous Success

April 9th, 2007 by Bob Bly

Why are some people so much more successful than others?

After thinking about this on and off for almost 3 decades, I’ve reached the conclusion that 4 factors are responsible for success:

1. Hard work — “work smarter, not harder,” is largely B.S. Yes, you have to work smart. But most of the really successful people I know have a puritan work ethic, despite the claims of some of them to the contrary.

2. Persistence — the only way to ensure permanent failure is to give up. Successful people never give up.

3. “Smarts” — successful people are either highly intelligent or have some aptitude that helps them in achieving their goals.

4. Luck — some people are just luckier than others. They are fortunate to be born with an aptitude (#3 above) that makes money in today’s society. Or they benefit from timing: market factors align favorably with their ventures and goals.

I am debating adding a fifth factor to my list above: ambition.

Financial talk show host Bill Bresnan began a lecture once by asking the audience: “Why are you not rich? Because you don’t want to be rich.”

People who achieve success — fame, wealth, building a company, launching a product, inventing — do so because doing so is important to them.

The difference between a humble successful person and an egotistical one?

The humble achiever acknowledges the role #4 played in his success, and the egotistical one does not.

Do you think my 4 (5) factors above adequately explain why some people are so much more successful than others?

Or am I missing an important factor required to achieve success?

Share

This entry was posted on Monday, April 9th, 2007 at 6:37 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

53 responses about “4 Secrets of Achieving Outrageous Success”

  1. Dianna Huff said:

    How do you determine success? Is it by money only?

  2. Lisa Taylor Huff said:

    I both agree and disagree, depending on the points you raised. I think the world’s most successful people got that way as a result of knowing how to leverage the Law of Attraction to their advantage, COUPLED WITH some of what you described in your points. The Law of Attraction (LoA for short) tell us that you get what you focus on, you reap what you sow, and is the “intention” part of “attention + intention = results”… there are many ways to describe the Law of Attraction but basically it’s that because everything in the Universe is energy and like energies are attracted to other like energies (quantum physics), then we automatically create/attract whatever we turn our energies toward… both the good and the bad.

    So, to your points and do they adequately explain success:

    Hard work. Yes and no… I do think there is a difference between good old-fashioned hard work and STRUGGLING. Successful people who are using the LoA are willing to put reasonable, if not extreme, efforts into creating what they want, but they do not seem to struggle or SUFFER endlessly to do it. The hard work is a joy to them because they are focusing on creating something they really want and feel good about. So I think there is a subtle distinction to be made here: Hard work, YES; struggle and beating your head against a wall, NO. If you’re struggling, take another path around, through or over, or back away completely and try something new. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” – Ben Franklin.

    Persistence and smarts. Absolutely necessary for success. I’ll buy that! Also the ambition part if by ambition you mean when someone has a strong desire to create something that matters to them. In other words, they have to want it and care deeply about it happening, independent of whether or not there is a big pile of money attached to it. I read that Bill Gates has been known to say that if money were the point of the work he’s been doing all his life, it wouldn’t be worth getting up to go to work in the morning. Oprah Winfrey seems to attract abundance, not because she’s seeking it but because she’s focused on doing work she absolutely loves and where she can make a difference. So the ambition has to be for something more than money in order for someone to be “successful” — and then the money is a lovely by-product that is a well-deserved bonus!

    It’s the “luck” factor I don’t agree with because I don’t believe in luck. It suggests randomness, a “coincidence” and things being “accidental” and I don’t believe in those either. This is where I think the Attraction principle comes in. It’s the component that I think replaces this idea of “luck”. Luck suggests that we have no influence or control over the outcomes and Attraction suggests that our energy influences (attracts) what we’re getting. If we don’t like what we’re getting all we need do is shift our energy in the right way and things will begin to change. Someone whose energy is fearful, pessimistic and negative is no doubt attracting MORE things to be fearful, pessimistic and negative about, whereas someone who is focused on feeling good, on creating positive things, on thinking positive things, and on taking positive actions that support those positive thoughts and feelings, THAT person is going to find it much easier to achieve what they want and therefore will feel he/she has “succeeded”.

    So, to sum up: the Law of Attraction (consciously applied) PLUS your points of ambition, hard work (but no struggle), persistence and “smarts” = a Very Successful Person.

  3. Doe said:

    It is luck because it is not just Law of Attraction that govern this world. We have many other Law involved in. Law of Attraction is just one of the Law. It’s luck because there are many other things than just Law of Attraction. Can’t explain everything in one comment though 😉

  4. Bob Bly said:

    DH: Good point. My answer: everyone has to create their own definition of what success means for them. Mine is: I want to do what I want to do, when I want to do it — and get paid very, very well for it.

    LTH: Many people swear by LoA. I have to say, however, that I am skeptical, as it has never worked for me.

  5. Jim Logan said:

    Great question Bob! I think #2 is a big key to success. I’d add “Taking Action” to your list.

    Successful people take the steps necessary to be successful – make the phone call, write the letter, ask for help, ask the dumb question, visit, etc.

    Successful people act and willingly take action. Which in my opinion is the real secret behind the Law of Attraction. Sitting around thinking about being a success doesn’t make you successful…being clear on what you want and taking action to get it does.

  6. Bob Bly said:

    Jim: how do you see “taking action” as different and distinct from #1 “hard work”? Also, I am not conversant in LoA, but if the Law of Attraction just means “sitting around thinking about being a success,” than I certainly agree with you: action, not thought, is more likely to produce results. Perhaps the LoA crowd disagrees.

  7. copywriting services said:

    Hi Bob,

    What an inspiring post.

    I am a copywriter in the making. I handwrite the classics like crazy. Infact, I love doing it, over and over again.

    I am told the fastest way to become successful is to “model”.

    Is it still a valid notion?

    Or am I wasting time ?

    Edward Santosh

    PS: My friends and foes(my household 😉 alike swear that my writing has become way better than what it was just a few months ago.

  8. Suzanne Ryan said:

    Bob, using my own roller coaster experiences as the observatory, I would have to say it is 1, 2, 3, combined with a strong inner focus. A decision to concentrate and get it right…and to dig into my inner reserves to get it right.

    When I have practiced any of the above components on their own, or together without the focus, I have floundered horribly.

    Maybe focus is persistance? or ambition? But yet, I see it as something different.

    As for LOA…bought into it for a short time….but I find it a lot more useful to be 100% in touch with my inner core (focus).

    One of the earliest lessons I learned is that you can’t be afraid to fail and you had better be damn ready to learn from your mistakes….

  9. Bob Bly said:

    Edward: modeling is not the ONLY route to success, but for most, it is the surest, quickest route. 9 times out of 10, you will do better learning what successful people do, and doing the same things they do, than ignoring their precedence and reinventing the wheel on your own. Exceptions? Of course.

  10. JB said:

    Perhaps one way to, at least partially, bridge the luck/no-luck worldviews is by the concept of awareness/vision. Sometimes luck is merely one person’s superior awareness of situation, context, points of leverage, political issues, etc. combined with a vision of what to do with this awareness, which direction to travel, etc. Of course, the first 3 factors you cite are required otherwise the person of vision/awareness is merely a dreamer/prophet.

  11. Stacey DePolo said:

    Great list, great qualities, I agree. But isn’t it maddening how many people you know who have all of these qualities, and are NOT successful? What about people like George W. Bush, who have none of
    them–except persistence–yet achieve “success” by their own measure anyway? Notice that successful people usually hang together, right? Maybe that’s the key.

  12. Jim Logan said:

    Bob, I think Taking Action is close to persistence. Successful people I know never accept failure as an outcome. Sure, they abandon failed ideas, but they try a different approach. To me, Taking Action is about doing the things we know we should or ought to do, but don’t do for whatever reason…often fear. Fear of failure or rejection.

    If you eliminate failure as a possible out come, the worst you can achieve is a temporary setback. Food for thought.

    Regarding LoA, my understanding is the emphasis is placed on positive thinking and sending “messages” to the “universe” on what you want and desire…then taking action on the thoughts that enter your mind (I’m not a follower of LoA). In my understanding…the key is taking action…making the phone call, sending the letter, initiating the engagement with others, etc. Without action, the rest is for not.

  13. Bob Bly said:

    My understanding of LoA is if you think about what you want, verbalize it with positive affirmations (“I am rich” and not “I want to be rich”), and visualize it, you will manifest it in your life. Others claim this works and I have no cause to dispute them, but it does not work for me. It does make logical sense, however: whatever you focus on, you tend to work on, consciously or subconsciously. Example: I am working on a direct mail package on weight loss. I suddenly see great articles on weight loss in my daily reading. I am sure the media did not coincidentally start covering weight loss more since I started the project. Rather, my mind is subconsciouly programmed to concentrate on my desire: in this case, to get good source material on weight loss.

  14. John Kelly said:

    Although I could probably outwork almost anyone, in the past I chose not to. In other words, I was the antithesis of HARD WORK. I was LAZY. I was smart enough to figure out how not to work to hard. Despite this, today I am successful in many facets of life: financial, family, etc.

    But, oh, the things I could have accomplished if I had worked hard!

    This is not to say HARD WORK isn’t important when it comes to succeeding. It plainly is. Today, I’m a hard worker and will become even more successful.

    I think a missing ingredient in your mix is either choosing the right mentor or having the right mentor choose you. That was a missing piece in my life looking back. Not complaining here, only saying that I had to figure out everything on my own. I did, but it took a long time.

    My own advice — to those seeking such advice — is to simply ask. Ask those who know how how they do it. Most successful people are honored to give someone else their secrets.

  15. Marek said:

    Bob, thanks for asking this question. I am, let’s say, a few years after starting my career of little independent agency. When looking back, I can confirm the importance of Persistence / Taking Action, Smarts and to Learn from others or mistakes. Often you can get used to work more. But do not underestimate Independence too – it makes everyone stronger and more succesfull.

    Good discussion, thanks!

  16. Lucky Links | Crayon Writer said:

    […] Bob Bly talks about four or five characteristics that successful people seem to have. It gives me some food for thought. I’m not the success I know I can be, and I often wonder why. If I go by his list, hard work and ambition seem to be the traits that I need to work on. What about you? […]

  17. wdvoyssgwj said:

    Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! vwnrkbjxhyg

  18. syvkztbnir said:

    Thanks for this site!
    s.dsbcxb.biz
    uf.dzbdxb.biz
    f.dzbdxb.biz

  19. quantum-touch and matrix workshops gunther de jong said:

    quantum-touch and matrix workshops gunther de jong…

    […]4 Secrets of Achieving Outrageous Success – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog[…]…

  20. power brands corp mn said:

    Car Scrap Yards Vs Junk Car Removal, which do you think is the best?

  21. power brands evan silver said:

    Δεν έχουμε καμιά υποχρέωση να συμπληρώσουμε κανένα έντυπο. Απλά, αναφέρουμε τον αριθμό κυκλοφορίας μας και ΕΙΝΑΙ ΥΠΟΧΡΕΩΜΕΝΟΙ ΝΑ ΜΑΣ ΑΝΟΙΞΟΥΝ ΝΑ ΠΕΡΑΣΟΥΜΕ.Αν παρά ταύτα, επιμένουν, καλέστε εσείς την τροχαία, και θα δείτε για πότε θα ανοίξουν τη μπάρα!Είναι ιδιωτική εταιρεία και δεν έχει κανένα δικαίωμα ούτε να εμποδίζει την κυκλοφορία ούτε να επιβάλει πρόστιμα.Το μόνο που μπορεί να κάνει – αλλά δεν το έχει κάνει μέχρι τώρα, γιατί άραγε;;; – είναι να μας πάει στο δικαστήριο (ένα – ένα και όχι ομαδικά) όπου ΑΝ δικαιωθεί ( αν πίστευε η εταιρεία ότι θα δικαιωνόταν, θα το είχε κάνει), θα καταβάλλουμε τα 2,70 ευρώ!Αυτά με ενημέρωσε πριν λίγο καιρό ένας από τους δικηγόρους που έχουν αναλάβει δράση κατά της ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΣ ΟΔΟΥ.Όχι και να πληρώνουμε διόδια για το χάρο!!!

  22. power brands a/s said:

    Çok teşekkürler mükemmel bir konuya değinilmiş sürekli takip ediyorum selamlar.

  23. powerbrands.us said:

    Lovely just what I was searching for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one. – I had a terrible education. I attended a school for emotionally disturbed teachers. Woody Allen Born 1935

  24. power brands distributing said:

    I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed scaning what you all have to say

  25. power brands hospitality said:

    Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…

  26. power brands hospitality rak said:

    Your site is among the most influential web sites in this industry. Almost every posting that you create is golden. Your way of writing is eloquent, stimulating,and somewhat appealing.

  27. Corwin said:

    puppies for sale,pug puppies for sale in oregon,pug puppies for sale in az,pug puppies for sale in va,pug puppies near mepugs for sale,pug puppies for sale,pugs for sale near me,cheap pugs for sale,pug puppies for sale near me teacup pug [ We breed with exception. We are engaged in the breeding of Pug puppy for sale, which is the most desired bulky puppy. During many years of work we could breed Pug puppies, with the most unique and exceptional colors you will dream of having. At the moment our cattery is one of the biggest in the USA who produced these valuable Pug puppies. All our Pug puppy for sale are transferred according to the law with documentation and all our Pug puppy and puppies are with registration AKC. As a family, we have loved, cared, breed, and lived with different kinds of puppies for over 10 years, family/friendly environment making our Pug puppies completely at ease with other pets.pugs for sale,pugs for sale near me,cheap pugs for sale,pug puppies for sale,pug puppies for sale near me.
    https://pugslandbreeder.company.com

  28. robert said:

    https://savannahbengal.company.com/

  29. Na time said:

    ????? ????? marriage anniversary wishes in Marathi ???????? ????.

  30. evden eve nakliyat izmir said:

    Kaliteli ve Guvenli Hizmet; izmir evden eve nakliyat izmir evden eve nakliyat evden eve nakliyat izmiristanbul izmir evden eve nakliyat

  31. mitrabisa mitrabisa said:

    Game with stunning graphics and impressive gameplay. I like it very much. I look forward to playing more games similar to Vampire Survivors

  32. Aspire said:

    With a broad selection of high-quality bedding products, Aspire Bedding is among the best sheet brands in Pakistan. The best materials are used to make their bed sheets, which come in various designs and sizes to suit every need. Aspire Bedding has gained a reputation for its exceptional customer service and timely delivery of orders. Aspire Bedding is the best place to go if you want luxurious and comfortable bed sheets in Pakistan.

  33. Mannat said:

    Mannat Clothing is one of Pakistan’s best online clothing store that provides online shopping for women. Mannat Clothing offers a wide range of clothes to choose from, including both casual and formal wear.

  34. Panache Apparel said:

    Panache Apparel is a popular online clothing store and ladies’ clothes brand in Pakistan. They provide women with various stylish and trendy clothes, from casual to formal clothes. Panache Apparel is one of the top online clothing stores in the country; Panache Apparel has established a reputation for offering premium goods at competitive prices. They are known for paying close attention to every detail, providing excellent customer service, and timely delivery. Panache Apparel is a ladies clothes shop for fashion-conscious women in Pakistan.

  35. Qhaaf said:

    Qhaaf Bedding is a leading bed sheet brand in Pakistan, offering a diverse range of luxurious bedding sets to elevate the comfort of your sleep. With a strong reputation for quality and design, they are among the top bed sheets brands in Pakistan, providing the perfect blend of style and coziness in their bed sheets.

  36. Adoro said:

    Step out in style with our range of men shoes. Our selection of quality shoes is perfect for any occasion, and no matter what your style is, we have something to suit everyone. From classic dress shoes to trend-setting sneakers, you’ll find the perfect pair for any event. Make a statement with men’s shoes from our collection today!

  37. Ammara khan said:

    Discover the latest New Kurti Design collection online at Ammara Khan. We offer the latest shirts design online all over Pakistan. Get your favorite kurti online at reasonable prices.

  38. Walkeaze said:

    Get the best Wedges Shoes for women online in Pakistan. Walkeaze provides the best quality wedge shoes online across Pakistan. So, grab your favorite shoes for women online at the best prices.

  39. Shahtaj said:

    Are you looking for ladies dresses Pakistani? Shahtaj Qaiser presents a wide range of Pakistani dresses including traditional designs with beautiful embroidery and modern styles. Find your favorite apperal online today.

  40. Mohagni said:

    Discover the dignity and sophistication of Mohagni, with a leading party dress and a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. We provide a large number of party dresses online in Pakistan. Buy your favorite dress and feel precious and attractive.

  41. Freshwater Builders said:

    If you want to achieve outrageous success, you need to keep a few key secrets in mind. These secrets can help guide you on your journey to greatness and ensure that you reach your goals.

  42. Chatswood Dental Veneers said:

    The comment highlights the reader’s personal experiences and provides additional practical tips and recommendations for those seeking to achieve outstanding results in their chosen endeavors.

  43. Ombre Brows Adelaide said:

    These secrets not only provide valuable insights but also serve as actionable guidelines for those who are determined to reach their full potential and surpass their own expectations. Bly’s first secret revolves around the power of setting specific goals and consistently working towards them with unwavering focus and determination.

  44. Builders Woodlands said:

    The author emphasizes that the right mix of ambition, perseverance, and patience can lead individuals to achieve remarkable feats. Secret number three highlights the significance of self-discipline in the pursuit of success. By cultivating a disciplined mindset and implementing effective strategies to stay focused, individuals can overcome obstacles and consistently move towards their goals.

  45. Electrician Willoughby said:

    The commenter emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision, staying committed to continuous self-improvement, embracing risk-taking, and maintaining a resilient mindset, all of which are key components in achieving extraordinary success. This thought-provoking comment provides additional perspectives on the secrets to achieving outrageous success and serves as a valuable contribution to the discussion.

  46. Electrician Marangaroo said:

    Throughout the article, Bly emphasizes the importance of setting clear and ambitious goals, maintaining a positive mindset, leveraging one’s unique talents and strengths, and taking consistent action towards one’s objectives. By following these secrets, readers can unlock their true potential and embark on a journey towards unprecedented success in their personal and professional lives.

  47. BabyBoxShop said:

    A baby boy gift hamper is a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of a baby boy. These hampers are filled with a selection of baby essentials and cute items tailored to boys, ensuring that the little one is both comfortable and stylish.

  48. iHost VPS said:

    VPS Canada Hosting refers to virtual private server hosting services available in Canada. This hosting option allows users to host their websites, applications, or services on virtual servers located within Canadian data centers. VPS Canada Hosting provides users with a dedicated portion of server resources, flexibility, and control over their hosting environment, and localized hosting infrastructure for improved performance and data privacy compliance within Canada.

  49. iHost VPS said:

    An inexpensive virtual private server hosted in Canada. The cheap VPS canada option provides users with a reliable and affordable hosting solution within the Canadian hosting infrastructure. It offers a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance, making it suitable for individuals or businesses targeting a Canadian audience.

  50. Tiptop-einrichtung said:

    A friseurstuhl vintage adds a nostalgic ambiance to the salon. These chairs often have a classic design and can be antique or retro-styled. They are designed to be comfortable and allow the hairdresser easy access to the client’s hair.

  51. We Buy Dead Stocks.. said:

    Transform scrap copper into valuable assets with We Buy Dead Stocks. Our commitment to fair pricing and environmental responsibility ensures that selling your scrap copper is not only profitable but also eco-friendly. Join the ranks of satisfied sellers and experience the difference.

  52. Ramadan Hampers said:

    In the hustle and bustle of Ramadan preparations, the convenience offered by Ramadan Grocery Hampers cannot be overstated. These hampers are meticulously packed with a variety of items, eliminating the need for multiple trips to the grocery store. Convenience meets quality, allowing you to focus on the spiritual aspects of the month without compromising on the essentials.

  53. Solar said:

    Thank you for making this topic easier to understand. I appreciate it.

Leave a Reply