Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Firmness of purpose is one of the best instruments of success.
Interpretation
Determination and clarity of goals are essential for achieving success.
This quote emphasizes the importance of having a clear and unwavering purpose in pursuit of success. Lord Chesterfield suggests that when one is firm in their intentions and goals, they are better equipped to navigate challenges and ultimately achieve their desired outcomes.
In practice
In a motivational speech about achieving career milestones.
Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.
Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one.
If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.
Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained.
Wit is so shining a quality that everybody admires it; most people aim at it, all people fear it, and few love it unless in themselves. A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share of it in another.
Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.
Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without deep thought and hard work.
Because IQ tests favor memory skills and logic, overlooking artistic creativity, insight, resiliency, emotional reserves, sensory gifts, and life experience, they can't really predict success, let alone satisfaction.
The reason I was successful in launching my first book with bloggers is this: I assumed that I should spend as much time on a blogger with a million-person readership as I would pitching an editor of a publication with a million person subscription-base.
Long-term success requires faith-faith that your efforts to plan and execute the process will lead to the desired outcome.
I think when I was younger, I wanted to be a star, until I became a star, and then it's a lot of work. It's work to be a star. I don't enjoy the stardom part. I only enjoy the creative process.
In a person's career, well, if you're process-oriented and not totally outcome-oriented, then you're more likely to be success. I often say 'pursue excellence, ignore success.' Success is a by-product of excellence.
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