52 Essential Habits of Success

About the Author

Robert Stevenson is a renowned expert in high-performance cultures and growth acceleration. With experience working with over 2,500 companies and conducting interviews with 10,000 employees, managers, and senior executives across 250 industries, Stevenson brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He has dedicated his career to understanding the nuances of success and has distilled his insights into actionable advice in his book "52 Essential Habits for Success." His practical approach, drawn from extensive experience, makes his teachings accessible and impactful for anyone looking to improve their life.

Main Idea

The central premise of "52 Essential Habits for Success" is that success is not a matter of chance but a result of consistent habits and choices. Stevenson argues that by internalizing and practicing specific habits, anyone can achieve success. The book provides a roadmap, offering one habit to focus on each week for a year. Stevenson emphasizes the power of the subconscious mind in embedding these habits, suggesting that a year-long commitment to these practices can lead to profound personal and professional growth. He also stresses the importance of self-belief, resilience, and the influence of one's environment on success.

Table of Contents

1. Believe in Yourself
2. Act as if the World Is Watching
3. Practice, Drill and Rehearse, Then Take the Initiative
4. Don't Be Afraid to Fail
5. Make Goal Setting a Habit
6. You Must Pay the Price
7. Never, Never, Never Give Up
8. Hang Out with Successful People
9. Success Requires Self-Discipline
10. Accept Criticism for the Benefits It Brings
11. Contain Your Anger
12. Smile—It's Good for You and Those Around You
13. Look for Ways to Praise Often
14. Shorten Your Learning Curve by Reading
15. Never Neglect Your Body
16. Be Positive—It's the Only Way to Act
17. Watch What You Say
18. Want an Advantage? Be Early
19. Do More Than Expected
20. Say "Thank You" Often
21. Remember People's Names
22. Let Them Know You Care
23. Always Use Good Manners
24. Beware of Fads
25. Pay Attention to Your First Impression
26. Prepare Now or Fail Later
27. Show Excitement in Your Greetings
28. Be Persistent, Relentless, Determined
29. Search Out Role Models
30. Never Waste Time
31. Always Be Truthful
32. Don't Gossip—It's a Waste of Time
33. Concentrate on Your Strengths and Interests
34. Become Interested in Others
35. Expand Your Vocabulary
36. Don't Cheat the Face in the Glass
37. Admit When You Are Wrong
38. Listen Every Chance You Get
39. Prepare a "Things to Do" List
40. Don't React—Get the Facts and Then Act
41. Beware of Quick Fixes
42. Become Courageous
43. Sometimes You Must Lose a Fight to Win a War
44. Strive to Follow the Golden Rule
45. Ask for Help and Advice
46. You Have to Stretch Yourself
47. Act Like You Have Been There
48. Handle Jerks Quickly and Cautiously
49. You Have Got to Take the Shot
50. Treat Everyone Special
51. Protect Your Integrity
52. Don't Procrastinate—It Kills Dreams

Believe in Yourself

The foundation of all success lies in self-belief. Stevenson emphasizes that if you don't believe in yourself, it's unlikely others will. Confidence is magnetic and essential for leadership. He acknowledges that everyone starts somewhere and may need to "fake it before they make it," underscoring the importance of learning from mistakes and continually building self-confidence. As the author states, "None of us were born with all the knowledge, experience, and talents we would need to be successful. These are all developed skills."

Act as if the World Is Watching

Stevenson draws on historical wisdom, such as Thomas Jefferson's advice: "Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were the world looking at you, and act accordingly." In today's world, where privacy is increasingly rare, acting with integrity and accountability is crucial. This habit encourages individuals to maintain high standards and ethical behavior, knowing that their actions could be scrutinized.

Practice, Drill and Rehearse, Then Take the Initiative

The concept of "Practice, Drill, and Rehearse" (PDR) is critical in achieving mastery. Stevenson asserts that the truly successful are those who put in the extra effort, practicing more than others to ensure they are prepared. This principle is particularly relevant in competitive fields where continuous improvement is necessary. The author notes, "If you want to be the best at what you do, then practice more than the rest and success will come to you."

Don't Be Afraid to Fail

Failure is an integral part of the journey to success. Stevenson highlights that many people fear failure, which can inhibit them from trying new things or pushing their limits. He advises reframing failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, quoting Henry Ford: "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." The key is not to see failure as a setback but as a stepping stone toward success.

Make Goal Setting a Habit

Goal setting is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Stevenson emphasizes the importance of having clear, written goals, often referred to as "thinking on paper." He introduces the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely—as a framework for effective goal setting. The process of setting and achieving goals builds confidence and provides a clear direction for one's efforts.

You Must Pay the Price

Success requires sacrifice and effort. Stevenson warns against the illusion of shortcuts, stating, "Great accomplishments come from great efforts." The habit of paying the price involves dedicating time, energy, and resources to achieve one's goals. This commitment often means forgoing short-term pleasures for long-term gains, a concept central to the path of success.

Never, Never, Never Give Up

Perseverance is a recurring theme in Stevenson's philosophy. He uses the examples of Walt Disney, Donald Trump, and Bill Gates, who all faced significant failures before achieving monumental success. The habit of never giving up is about resilience and determination, understanding that setbacks are part of the journey. Stevenson emphasizes that "failure is just a result in the learning process; giving up is a choice, a very bad choice."

Hang Out with Successful People

The people we surround ourselves with significantly impact our mindset and behaviors. Stevenson encourages associating with successful individuals to adopt their habits and attitudes. He references Dr. David McClelland's research, which found that negative associations could hinder personal success. By surrounding oneself with positive influences, one can learn valuable lessons and gain motivation to succeed.