This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
These two factors influence your long-term success
This person had a dangerous superiority complex.
They felt it necessary to surround themselves with people who could not challenge or disprove them. If someone were to challenge them, they would become aggressive, defensive, and dismissive.
And this is one reason why they will hinder their growth over the long haul.
People
The people you surround yourself with and the books you read are critical to your success.
There is only one reason (outside of books) I have been able to make as much progress as I have in life.
Surrounding myself with the right people.
And not just any “right” people, but people who knew more than me and could challenge me.
You might think it can take time to change your social circle, but I disagree.
One way to change your social circle is to immediately start attending events and networking with people who challenge you and know more than you.
Books
One way to change how you spend your time 100x more productively is to start reading more books.
I understand how easy it can be to spend time on social media, watching television, scrolling the internet, and watching mindless videos, but reading quality content will always guarantee elevation.
And here’s why:
The more books you read, the more knowledge you will have at your disposal.
I didn’t come from an economically sound background, but we read personal finance books at the dinner table, which shifted my mentality about money and ensured I had the power to make different choices.
And that’s what I love about information. The more you have, the more power you have to do better in life.
Some people have countless amounts of invaluable information at their disposal but still make poor choices, but that doesn’t have to be your story.
What kind of books should you be reading, you might ask?
Books that help you refine your weaker areas and strengthen your stronger areas.
A good friend recently told me I need to refine a specific area of my life. I was not excited to hear the feedback, but I immediately started reading a book they recommended, which has been helping me make strides in my personal and professional life.
This feedback required someone comfortable challenging me and had more information than I to help me realize I could do better in this area. Furthermore, the book was the final step leading to my evolution.
Never underestimate the power of a quality book. And always remember how much multiple-quality books can transform your current and future success.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.