If you view success as a single goal, chances are you’ll never reach it. But if doing exceptional work is what you’re passionate about, success will naturally follow.
When you encounter a genuinely successful executive or business leader—not just a self-proclaimed CEO of a one-person company—it’s easy to assume they’ve had a charmed life, with everything falling neatly into place. For most, though, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Many of these leaders started with nothing and faced significant challenges just to make it through their early years. Most began at the bottom and climbed their way to the top, one day at a time. Even after reaching high levels of success, the challenges never cease—and the stakes only get higher.
I’m not suggesting that success is always grueling or that it’s harder than it appears—both can be true. But what I’m saying is that success is an ongoing journey, not a final destination. Success isn’t a goal; it’s a way of life.
The remarkable thing about true executives and business leaders is that they don’t just wake up one day and think, “I’ve made it,” and then settle into a life of ease. They typically continue to work hard and seek out new challenges because that’s who they are—it’s simply what they do.
I’m not just saying this to motivate you. I’m saying it because it’s the truth. I can tell you from personal experience—through my own career and through the experiences of hundreds of senior executives I’ve known and worked with over the years—that this is reality.
I’ve written extensively about the struggles and eventual triumphs of great entrepreneurs like Howard Schultz of Starbucks, Larry Ellison of Oracle, Masayoshi Son of Softbank, Jack Ma of Alibaba, former Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg, and the late Steve Jobs.
Trust me when I say, it’s not what you think.
It’s not as simple as many who write about entrepreneurship and leadership make it seem. Those who portray success as easy and flaunt their self-proclaimed achievements are often selling a false narrative. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t write the kind of superficial content that floods social media and popular websites today.
Achieving success isn’t about trendy concepts like personal productivity, habits, inspiration, emotional intelligence, or positive thinking. It’s not about thinking like an entrepreneur or being a leader. And it’s certainly not about “faking it ‘til you make it.” For those who live the reality that others only dream about or write about, true success is rooted in these principles:
1. Experiencing Adversity: Those who grow up under challenging circumstances often develop the resilience and tenacity required to overcome the relentless challenges of leadership. There’s no better preparation for being a CEO than overcoming adversity.
2. Having Something to Prove: Many top executives seem to carry a chip on their shoulder, feeling the need to prove something—though it’s often unclear to whom. This drive is why they’re never fully satisfied with their achievements and why they continue to grow, innovate, and accomplish more.
3. Being Obsessed with Your Work: It’s widely known that true entrepreneurs are passionate about solving problems in innovative ways. But the most successful individuals—like Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, and Larry Page—aren’t just passionate; they’re obsessed. This obsession fuels their discipline and focus.
4. Believing You’re Special: A common trait among the greats is a belief that they’re special—not in an “I’m better than you” way, but in a way that drives them to play by their own rules. They’re unconcerned with conventional wisdom, which often enables them to achieve what others believe is impossible. This belief in themselves often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
5. Being Smart and Trusting Your Instincts: All the successful business leaders I’ve known are intelligent and astute. More importantly, they trust their instincts when making crucial decisions. While they hire top talent and value their input, in the end, they rely on their gut—and it usually pays off.
If you view success as a single goal, it’s unlikely you’ll ever achieve it. But if you’re passionate about doing great work, then success is almost inevitable.
About the Author : Harry (Hemant Kaushik), Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant
Harry (Hemant Kaushik) is an American global advisor and business consultant, renowned for his strategic insights and high-impact consultancy. He specializes in advising and coaching elite individuals, including business tycoons, world leaders, and top corporate leaders. His expertise has been sought by Presidents, Prime Ministers, influential politicians, CEOs, and industry leaders worldwide.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Global Advisors and Business Consultants by PWC International, Harry has transformed the lives of thousands across more than 100 countries with his unparalleled guidance. He has also been honored as one of the Top 10 Life and Business Strategists, shaping the success of global business leaders and visionaries.
Harry’s influence has earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition by the CEO Times Magazine as one of the 10 Most Powerful People in Global Business Consulting, Business Times News as a Top 10 Business Consultant, and Business Weekly Times as one of the Top 10 Business Advisors in the World, offering consulting services to billionaires, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals.
A Wall Street Times cover story famously dubbed him the “Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant” for his deep understanding of business dynamics and leadership strategies. Based in San Francisco, United States, Harry is widely respected for his international economic expertise, market analysis, and strategic business acumen. His collaborations with global brands and corporations have positioned him as a thought leader, contributing to the business world through insightful articles on global economic trends.
Learn more: https://ceosadvisory.com
