The 10x Rule: Simple Awesome Rules For Success
Recently, I had developed a habit of listening to audiobooks while doing something completely unrelated – ironing the clothes. Two weeks ago, I listened to a summary of the book The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure. Since the number 10 is central in this book, I’d like to share with you 10 simple yet awesome rules for success, from job-hunting to life.
The 10x Rule constitute a way of life and is not just a mere idea. These are actionable points that can help you 10x your success in whatever you endeavor to do.
Rules for Success – On Goals and Effort
1) Be prepared to put in 10x the effort
If you wish to get 10x the result, you should be prepared to put in 10x the effort to succeed. This is a no-brainer if you think about it – if you want more success, you need to put in more effort. I love this saying:
“If you want want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done”
– Annonymous
Agreed.
2) Set 10x Goals
The notion of setting 10x goals reminds me of the above colloquial saying wherein we aim for the sky to hit the trees. In other words, a high goal will lead to a better outcome than otherwise. This is similar to the idea in the book that setting 10x goals i.e. goals that are outsized and lofty will drive you to take massive action. Massive action, in turn, leads to great success. Makes sense.
3) Write goals down once a day
I’ve heard about this before – that writing down your goals makes you more likely to act on them. This is because the act of writing signals a commitment to your subconscious mind, and you are more likely to act on something you’ve committed to. Furthermore, the daily frequency reminds you of your goals, daily. According to the mere exposure effect, just being exposed to it makes you like it more – so why not?
Rules for Success – On Interpreting Success
4) Success should be defined in your own way
I totally agree with this. Success means different things to different people and you need to understand what success means to you. As the saying goes, “one man’s meat is another man’s poison”. So, stop measuring success using someone else’s definition and start measuring success with your own definition.
5) Success is your duty
I found this to be a fascinating concept – that success is a duty, an obligation. This my first time hearing about this idea, but it does make sense if you think about it. The argument goes that for society to be successful, individuals like you and I need to succeed. Therefore, as dutiful citizens of society, we should strive for success. Makes sense.
6) Success is an attitude and a lifestyle choice
Definitely agree. A similar goes “Excellence is a choice” and is something I truly believe in. Indeed, we always have the power to decide how well we want to do something and the standard that we hold ourselves to. Success and excellence is truly a way of life and an approach, rather than a destination.
Rules for Success – On Action
7) 4 Degrees of Action
There are 4 degrees of action:
- No action
- Evasive action
- Normal action
- Massive action
Most people fall into the No Action and Evasive Action categories – they either do nothing or find excuses to avoid doing something. Definitely not helpful in the pursuit of goals. Taking Normal Action and Massive Action essentially is the difference between good and great – I believe both are good and valid choices, differing only in tradeoffs and sacrifices. You decide what is right for you.
8) Assume Control for Everything
This really means we take ownership of everything that happens and don’t blame someone or something for adverse outcomes – agree. By assuming control for everything, we hold ourselves accountable for outcomes and force ourselves to think comprehensively and do what it takes to make things right.
9) Average is a Failing Formula
This is an interesting point – it asserts that average is a failing formula and suggests that one needs to strive for excellence for success. While it sounds logical, this very much depends on a) what your definition of success is, and b) how much you’re willing to give up to attain excellence. If success means excelling in said activity and you are willing and able to pay the price for excellence, then this applies. Otherwise, the average may well be good enough.
Rules for Success – On Qualities
10) Courage is one of the most important qualities of a successful person
This is definitely true. Recall that the key to success is action, and the key to action, in my view, is courage. Often, the first step is the most difficult, and yet, it is the most important. It typically requires you to move courageously forward, trying out something totally new to you, or an endeavor you’re not sure would be worth your while. Nonetheless,
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”
-Laozi, ancient Chinese philospher
Which of the 10 ideas do you relate most with? Share with me in the comments below!
Risk Manager by Profession, Mentor and Coach by Passion.
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