Inspired by Dev Basu, and Hamza Khan.

1. Define what ‘success’ means to you.

Is it to earn a specific amount of money? Expensive car? Or is it being happy? Everyone’s interpretation of success is different; find out what’s yours.

2. Don’t be a ‘busy’ man / woman.

We all know those type of people, whether at work or at home. The one’s who are too busy. Always busy. Busy, busy, busy. But when you break it down are they really?

Personally, I despise the word. If you find that your response to most things is ‘you’re too busy’ then you’re bullshitting yourself. Make time: for yourself and for others - to help, to listen, no matter how much is on your plate. You can learn something from everyone.

“There’s a difference between being busy and being productive.”

3. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

That’s right. At first I only thought that applied in design but the more I think about it, it applies to everything.

“No idea’s original, there’s nothing new under the sun
It’s never what you do, but how it’s done…” ~ Nas

4. Everyone wants to be happy.

It’s a basic human desire that fuels most actions. It’s why we do what we do. So in that respect, we are all the same.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ~ Plato.

5. If they don’t know you personally, then don’t take it personal.

No one is out to get you personally, and if they are then nothing infuriates them more then knowing what they are doing is not getting to you. It also rules out overthinking and emotion, letting you make decisions logically with a clear, unbiased head.

7. Talk less, do more.

There’s far too many ‘sayers’ and not enough ‘doers’ in the world. Don’t be one to waste your breath. Knowledge is only potential power — unless it’s put into action!

We are defined by what we do — don’t talk the talk, just walk the walk and let your hustle do your talking for you.

8. Fall down x7. Stand up x8.

To get anywhere in life you’ll have to learn to bounce back after a few knocks. In the history books all of the greats took a few knock but never gave up or took ‘no’ for an answer. They focused on the ‘can’s’ rather than the ‘can’ts’. They forged their path, knock after knock.

Develop a thick skin; go through a million ‘no’s to get to one breakthrough ‘yes’.

“Perseverance is the hallmark of a champion.”

9. Expect the bullshit, but never accept it.

This is what separates the leaders from the followers.

10. All or nothing.

If you’re gonna commit to something, go all in or don’t bother at all. Never go half-cocked. Do something because you want to do it and do it passionately, to the end.

11. Stand for something…

or fall for anything. So what do you stand? What do you not stand for? Write it down in a list side-by-side and and stick it up on a wall / mirror / somewhere you’ll see it daily. When you remind yourself of just that daily you’ll go about your day much more differently.

12. Stay Positive.

No matter where your stress is coming from, it’s not doing you or anyone else any good — until you learn how to address it. Sometimes the wrong helps us find the right.

“A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”

13. Read more.

Especially things you disagree with or don’t understand. In this modern digital age there is no excuse to not read. Arm yourself with knowledge.

14. Less is more.

When things don’t add up — start subtracting.

15. Learn how to play Chess.

Also links back to point 9: It will help you keep your brain sharp and become a better strategist. You’ll be surprised how many people don’t know how to play.

16. Go the extra mile.

A trait of a champion is someone who is willing to dig deep and go the extra distance. That extra mile where everyone else stops.

“Strength is the progress of struggle.
You must do what others don’t to achieve what others won’t.”

17. All you can do is your best.

Whatever I do, at the end I ask myself ‘Is that the best I could do?’. If not, then I go again and make sure I give it my all. Don’t kid yourself or cut yourself short.

18. Nobody likes a know-it-all.

This relates back to point 7 & 13. If people really admire you or seek your experience / advice they will ask.

“He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know.” — Lao Tzu.

19. Everyone should have one ‘activity’ they do on their own.

Away from the partner, away from the family and usual circle of friends: one activity. Not neccessarily in private, but one hobbie you can do on your own to wind down and develop yourself mentally, physically or spritually.

20. Travel.

Don’t just add ‘adventurer’ to your bio and not live up to it— get a passport, go out there and fill it up with stamps no one has ever seen. Expand your horizons and learn about the world.

21. Random acts of kindness don’t cost you anything.

If you see someone who needs help, stop asking yourself if they need help. Instead, just help. Serving others = serving self.

22. Let it go

You can’t control everything. Know when to be passionate and not precious.

23. Become a better man/woman than you were yesterday.

Making comparisons can spoil your happiness. Just focus on you — the only compeititon you need worry about is yourself. Move forward one step at a time and you will become better each day.

24. The best conversations are had side by side.

Not one in front of the other.

25. Learn to tell good stories.

Attention to detail is key.

26. Turn the page.

Imagine your life is a book and you are the author. You can’t write the story of your life as one big chapter. Embrace the struggles, embrace the changes. End one chapter and move onto the next. Who knows what it could bring?

27. Focus.

Keep your eyes on the prize. Know your why.

28. Gratitude attitude.

Be grateful for everything in your life, even the bad. It’s made you who you are today. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. This type of mindset will help you see the positive in all situations.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough”

Respect your elders, respect your enemies and always be polite; manners doesn’t cost a thing.

“Manners maketh the man.”

Never hate on others for doing what you don’t. I respect anybody who’s productive and on their hustle. Can’t knock a man / woman for going out and getting it. Go and get yours…

29. Address small problems first.

Before they will become big problems.

30. Never follow the trend.

Set them. First people will ask ‘why?’, after they will ask ‘how’.

31. Learn how to say ‘no’ …

to the insignificant and prioritise what’s relevant. Sounds so simple, and it is. So why don’t we all do it?

32. Your word is your bond.

Try to rely on no one — but if you have to always remember those who helped you. If you give your word, then keep it.

33. Surround yourself with smarter people.

Cut off the negative people and surround yourself with people that bring out the best in you, challenge you, and help you learn.

34. Blood, sweat & respect.

As infamously said by The Rock: the first two you give, the last one your earn.