The Success Principles

The Success Principles Plot Summary

Introduction

Success isn't accidental. It's the result of deliberate choices, consistent actions, and unwavering commitment to personal growth. Many people drift through life waiting for circumstances to change or for someone else to lift them up. But true transformation begins when you decide to take complete ownership of your life and your results. The principles that guide extraordinary achievement aren't complicated or mysterious—they're timeless truths that have empowered countless individuals to rise from ordinary to exceptional. Whether you're seeking professional advancement, financial freedom, deeper relationships, or greater fulfillment, the journey starts with a fundamental shift in mindset. When you embrace full responsibility for your destiny and apply proven strategies with persistence, you unlock capabilities within yourself that you may never have imagined possible.

Chapter 1: Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life

The most powerful principle on the path to success is taking complete responsibility for your life. This means acknowledging that you—not external circumstances, not other people, not luck—create your results. When you embrace this truth, you gain the power to change anything in your life that isn't working. Many people get trapped in a victim mentality, blaming others for their circumstances. They point to the economy, their boss, their upbringing, or bad luck as reasons for their lack of success. But successful people understand that while they can't control every event that happens, they can always control their response to those events. As the formula E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome) teaches us, it's not the events in your life but how you respond to them that determines your outcomes. The story of Raj Bhavsar perfectly illustrates this principle. As a gymnast who dreamed of competing in the Olympics, Raj faced devastating disappointment when, despite performing brilliantly in the Olympic trials, he was named only as an alternate for the 2004 Olympic team. For years afterward, he burned with resentment, looking for someone to blame for this perceived injustice. This blame-focused mindset affected his performance, and at the 2007 U.S. Nationals, he performed poorly. For the first time in nine years, he didn't even make the national team. This failure became his wake-up call, forcing him to confront an uncomfortable truth: his attitude wasn't working. Shortly after, he encountered the principle of taking 100% responsibility, which transformed his perspective. Instead of dwelling on "what happened to him," Raj began examining how his own mindset of fear and negativity had contributed to his recent poor performance. With this new outlook, Raj recommitted to his Olympic dream with a different attitude—one of personal responsibility rather than blame. When the 2008 Olympic trials came, Raj performed brilliantly but was again named an alternate. This time, instead of falling into resentment, he responded differently. When interviewed about being named an alternate a second time, he said, "There is no external event that can defeat my sense of inner accomplishment." A week later, when a team member had to withdraw due to injury, Raj was selected to replace him. He went on to help the U.S. team win the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics. To implement this principle in your own life, start by becoming aware of when you blame others or circumstances for your results. Catch yourself when you complain or make excuses. Instead, ask: "How did I create or allow this situation?" and "What can I do differently next time?" Pay attention to the results you're producing—they don't lie. If you're not getting what you want, change your responses.

Chapter 2: Clarify Your Purpose and Set Clear Goals

Understanding why you're here—your life purpose—is perhaps the most important action successful people take. Without a clear purpose, it's easy to drift through life, accomplishing little of significance. But with purpose, everything seems to fall into place. Your life purpose is that special mission that only you can fulfill. It's where your unique talents, passions, and values intersect with the needs of the world. When you're living on purpose, you feel energized, focused, and fulfilled. You attract the resources, opportunities, and people you need. And most importantly, your actions automatically serve others. Julie Marie Carrier's story demonstrates how discovering your purpose can transform your life. Growing up, Julie was constantly told she should become a veterinarian because she loved animals. Following this advice, she began studying veterinary medicine at Ohio State University. During her senior year while studying abroad in England, she had a revelation. Sitting at her desk surrounded by biology books, she realized she was completely miserable. Julie asked herself a powerful question: "What is a job I would love so much that I'd do it for free but that I could actually get paid for?" Reflecting on her past experiences, she realized her greatest joy came from youth leadership conferences and communications courses she had taken as electives. She had been ignoring her true passion while pursuing someone else's vision for her life. Upon returning to Ohio State, Julie convinced the administration to let her create her own program in "leadership studies." Though it took her two additional years to graduate, this decision aligned her with her true purpose. She went on to become a senior management consultant for the Pentagon, won the Miss Virginia USA contest (which allowed her to speak to youth across the state), and eventually reached over a million young people as one of the top national youth leadership speakers. To discover your own life purpose, try this simple but powerful exercise: First, list two of your unique personal qualities, such as enthusiasm and creativity. Next, list one or two ways you enjoy expressing these qualities when interacting with others, such as supporting and inspiring people. Then, imagine a perfect world as you see it. How are people interacting? What does it feel like? Finally, combine these elements into a statement: "My purpose is to use my [qualities] to [action] in order to [ideal world]." Once you've clarified your purpose, set specific, measurable goals with deadlines. Instead of saying "I want to lose weight," a proper goal would be "I will weigh 185 pounds by January 1, 2023." This level of detail activates your subconscious mind to work on solutions. Write your goals down, read them aloud daily, and visualize them as already accomplished, feeling the emotions you'll experience when you achieve them.

Chapter 3: Take Action Despite Fear

Taking action is where most dreams either flourish or fade. The universe rewards action—not plans, not intentions, not wishes. When you take decisive steps toward your goals, you trigger a chain reaction of positive events: people notice your seriousness, opportunities appear, and you begin learning from experience what cannot be learned from books or advice. Fear is the primary reason people fail to take action. Whether it's fear of failure, rejection, or looking foolish, these emotions can paralyze even the most ambitious among us. Successful people experience the same fears as everyone else—they just don't let those fears stop them from moving forward. Peter Douglas's story powerfully illustrates this principle. In 2009, Peter was a successful businessman, rancher, and self-described "cowboy" who had always been self-sufficient. After a routine shoulder surgery went terribly wrong due to an anesthesiologist's mistake, he woke up to find both his arms completely paralyzed from the shoulders down. For the first time in his life, Peter felt utterly helpless. For years following his surgery, Peter wouldn't go anywhere without his wife or someone else to help him. The thought of traveling alone terrified him. What if he needed help? What if he couldn't open his hotel room door? But one day, he decided enough was enough. He realized he was letting fear dictate his life, and he made the decision to travel on his own. Each step of the journey brought new fears: checking in at the airport, fastening his seat belt, setting up his hotel room, getting dressed, and eating by himself. But instead of letting these fears stop him, Peter faced them one by one. He asked for help when needed, prepared carefully (having his wife pack pre-buttoned shirts he could slip over his head), and discovered that people were remarkably willing to assist him. What Peter learned was profound: "The only way to find out if you can do something is to ACTUALLY DO IT." Though he still experiences some anxiety when traveling alone, most of the fear is gone and has been replaced with gratitude for the assistance people continue to offer him. After facing the fact that he would never rope cattle again, Peter decided to pursue a career as a public speaker and trainer, writing a book called "Cowboy Leadership" based on his experiences. To overcome your own fears, remember that most fears are self-created—Fantasized Experiences Appearing Real. When you catch yourself feeling afraid, identify exactly what you're imagining that scares you, then replace that image with its positive opposite. For example, if you're afraid of public speaking because you imagine forgetting your words, replace that image with one of yourself speaking confidently and the audience responding enthusiastically. Another technique is to scale down the risk if a fear feels overwhelming. Take on smaller challenges and work your way up. If you're starting in sales, call on easier prospects first. If you're learning a new skill, master the basics before tackling more advanced techniques. The key is to take some action, however small, that moves you in the direction of your goals.

Chapter 4: Build a Supportive Network

No one achieves significant success alone. Behind every extraordinary achievement is a network of people who provided support, guidance, mentorship, and collaboration. Building your success team is essential for reaching your highest potential. The most successful people surround themselves with mentors, coaches, and advisors who guide them, challenge them, and help them navigate obstacles. As the saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." Jason Dorsey was a typical college student when he unexpectedly met his first mentor, a local entrepreneur named Brad who had been invited to speak to his business class at the University of Texas. When Brad challenged the class by defining success as something greater than just making money, Jason was intrigued and took the risk of asking him to be his mentor. During their first meeting, Brad asked Jason about his plans. Jason explained that he intended to finish college, work on the New York Stock Exchange, get an MBA, start his own business, and eventually retire at 40. After retiring, he planned to work with hard-to-reach youth to ensure they received a good education and respectable jobs. Brad asked a life-changing question: "Why wait twenty-five years to start doing what you really want to do? Why not start now?" This simple question completely shifted Jason's perspective. Brad suggested that Jason write a book that young people would actually want to read, sharing his secrets for feeling good about himself despite negativity from others. Though Jason had no writing experience, he started writing that very night. Three weeks later, he completed the first draft of "Graduate to Your Perfect Job." The impact of this mentorship was extraordinary. By age 25, Jason had spoken to over 500,000 people, appeared on NBC's Today show three times, and seen his book become a course in over 1,500 schools. At 26, he won the Austin Under 40 Entrepreneur of the Year Award in education. Today, at 36, Jason speaks worldwide to companies like Mercedes-Benz and Visa, has written two more books, and writes a popular column for Success Magazine. All because he had the courage to ask someone to be his mentor. To build your own network of mentors, start by identifying people who have achieved what you want to achieve. Research their backgrounds, read their books or articles, and follow them on social media. When approaching potential mentors, be specific about what you're asking for. Instead of vaguely requesting mentorship, ask for 10 minutes of their time each month to get advice on specific challenges you're facing. Show that you value their time and have done your homework. Remember that mentorship doesn't have to be formal. You can learn from people through their books, podcasts, or online courses. The key is to actively apply what you learn and track your results. Also, be prepared to give back to your mentors by sharing relevant information, connecting them with useful contacts, or simply expressing genuine gratitude for their guidance.

Chapter 5: Persist Through Challenges

Persistence is the quality that separates those who achieve extraordinary success from those who merely dream about it. It's the ability to keep going despite obstacles, setbacks, and failures. As Calvin Coolidge said, "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." Success rarely comes easily or quickly. Often, the universe tests your commitment to your goals through unexpected challenges, setbacks, and what may seem like overwhelming odds. These moments require you to dig deep, learn new lessons, develop new aspects of yourself, and make difficult decisions. The journey of Debbie Macomber, now a bestselling author with over 170 million books in print, illustrates the power of persistence. When Debbie decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer, she rented a typewriter and placed it on her kitchen table. Each morning after her four children went to school, she would type until they returned home. Then she would move the typewriter to make dinner. When the children went to bed, she would bring it back out and continue writing. After two and a half years of this routine, her husband Wayne sat her down one night and said, "Honey, I'm sorry, but you're not bringing in any income. We can't do this anymore. We can't survive on just what I make." That night, unable to sleep, Debbie stared at the ceiling, heartbroken. She knew that working a full-time job would leave her no time to write with all her family responsibilities. Sensing her despair, Wayne woke up, turned on the light, and said, "All right, honey, go for it." With her husband's support, Debbie returned to her typewriter for another two and a half years. The family sacrificed vacations, pinched pennies, and wore hand-me-downs. After five years of struggling, Debbie finally sold her first book. Then another. And another. Today, Debbie has published more than 150 books, many becoming New York Times bestsellers and four adapted into television movies. The sacrifice and persistence paid off handsomely—Wayne was able to retire at age 50 and now spends his time building an airplane in the basement of their 7,000-square-foot mansion. To build your persistence muscle, adopt a "high intention, low attachment" mindset. Do everything you can to create your desired outcomes, then let go of exactly how and when they manifest. Sometimes the universe has different plans that turn out even better than what you originally envisioned. Surround yourself with stories of others who persevered through challenges, and remember that setbacks are not failures—they're opportunities to learn, grow, and adjust your approach. When facing obstacles, focus on what you can control rather than what you can't. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate each small victory along the way. This creates momentum and builds confidence for the larger challenges ahead. Remember that persistence isn't about blind stubbornness—it's about maintaining your commitment to your vision while being flexible about the path to get there.

Chapter 6: Practice Daily Success Habits

Your daily habits determine your long-term success. What you do consistently, day after day, shapes your future more powerfully than occasional bursts of effort. As Aristotle said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." Consider the story of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time with 22 medals. His success wasn't just about natural talent—it was built on extraordinary habits. Phelps was usually at the pool by 6:30 AM, swimming an average of 6 hours daily—around 8 miles. He swam 6 days a week including holidays, spent an hour 3 days a week lifting weights, and another hour 3 days a week stretching. This relentless commitment to his daily routine enabled him to achieve what seemed impossible. Similarly, bestselling author Stephen King writes every day of the year, including holidays, producing 10 pages daily without fail. This habit has enabled him to publish over 50 books, many of which have been made into successful movies. King emphasizes that "talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." To develop your own success habits, start by identifying the behaviors that will most directly impact your goals. If you want to become a successful writer, daily writing is non-negotiable. If you want to improve your health, consistent exercise and proper nutrition are essential. If you want to advance in your career, continuous learning and networking might be your key habits. The key to establishing new habits is to start small and build momentum. Psychologists tell us that up to 90% of our behavior is habitual, so changing those patterns requires conscious effort. Begin by focusing on just one new habit per quarter. Research shows that if you repeat a behavior for 13 weeks—whether it's meditating for 20 minutes daily, reviewing your goals, or writing thank-you letters to clients—it will become part of your routine. Make your habits specific and measurable. Instead of "exercise more," commit to "walk for 30 minutes every morning at 7 AM." Put up signs to remind yourself to follow through, and partner with someone who can hold you accountable. Track your progress daily, as this reinforces the behavior and builds momentum. Perhaps the most powerful approach is to follow the "no exceptions rule." When you make a 100% commitment to something, there are no exceptions. This eliminates the mental energy spent deciding whether or not to follow through each day. Remember that small, consistent actions compound dramatically over time. If you improve just 1% each day, you'll be 37 times better after a year. Your daily habits create your destiny, so choose them wisely and practice them consistently. The quality of your life will ultimately reflect the quality of your habits.

Chapter 7: Create Abundance Through Giving

Many people approach success with a scarcity mindset—believing that wealth, opportunity, and recognition are limited resources they must compete for and hoard. This perspective not only creates stress and isolation but also ironically limits their ability to achieve lasting success. The most fulfilled and successful individuals operate from an abundance mentality, recognizing that giving generously to others ultimately creates greater prosperity for everyone, including themselves. Kenneth Behring's journey exemplifies this principle. Growing up poor in Wisconsin, Behring was determined to achieve financial success. Through hard work and business acumen, he built a real estate empire that placed him on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans. Yet despite his vast wealth—estimated at $495 million—Behring found himself profoundly unhappy. He went through what he calls four stages in his quest for fulfillment. The first stage was "More Stuff," where he acquired basic possessions like a car and house. Finding this unsatisfying, he moved to the second stage, "Better Stuff"—purchasing mansions, private jets, and luxury vehicles. Still feeling empty, he entered the third stage, "Different Stuff," collecting rare automobiles and even buying the Seattle Seahawks NFL team. None of these acquisitions brought him the happiness he sought. The fourth stage began unexpectedly when a friend asked Behring to deliver six wheelchairs to a hospital in Romania during one of his international trips. While there, Behring helped lift an elderly stroke victim who had lost his wife into a wheelchair. The man began to cry with gratitude, and Behring found himself touched at a deeper level than he had ever experienced. He felt more joy in that moment of giving than in all his years of acquiring. Inspired by this experience, Behring founded the Wheelchair Foundation, which has since delivered over 940,000 wheelchairs to people with disabilities in 152 countries. Through this work, Behring discovered that the path to true fulfillment wasn't in accumulating more for himself but in creating value for others. "That was the first time in my life I felt pure joy," he later reflected. Creating abundance through giving operates on multiple levels. Financial giving—whether through charitable donations, tithing, or investing in others' development—often returns multiplied benefits through expanded networks, new opportunities, and the satisfaction of making a difference. Equally powerful is giving your time, knowledge, and encouragement to others without expectation of immediate return. To implement this principle, start by identifying your unique gifts—the talents, knowledge, resources, and connections you can share with others. Look for opportunities to contribute these gifts where they're needed, whether through formal volunteering, mentoring others, or simply being generous with your expertise. Approach giving with genuine care rather than calculation, but remain open to the unexpected returns that often follow.

Summary

The path to extraordinary achievement isn't a straight line—it's a dynamic journey filled with challenges, breakthroughs, setbacks, and growth. What separates those who reach their highest potential from those who fall short isn't talent or circumstances, but rather their commitment to applying proven principles consistently, even when progress seems slow or obstacles appear insurmountable. As Jack Canfield reminds us, "Everything you want is on the other side of fear." Your dreams and aspirations are waiting for you to claim them through responsibility, clarity, courage, connection, persistence, and generosity. The journey begins with a single step—a decision to take full ownership of your life and apply these principles starting today. Choose one area where you can immediately implement what you've learned, take action, and watch as new possibilities begin to unfold before you.

About Author

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Jack Canfield

Jack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.

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