I had noticed that many of these successful people, historical and contemporary, shared certain common traits. They had a way of thinking that was exceptionally fluid; they could adapt to almost any circumstance; when confronted with problems, they could look at them from novel perspectives and solve them.
Interpretation
Successful individuals possess adaptable and innovative thinking skills that allow them to tackle challenges effectively.
In this quote, Robert Greene highlights the shared characteristics of successful people, particularly their ability to think fluidly and adapt to various situations. This adaptability enables them to approach problems from unique angles, allowing for creative solutions and contributing to their overall success in life and work.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles in business.
In a society where the roles everyone plays are obvious, the refusal to conform to any standard will excite interest. Be both masculine and feminine, impudent and charming, subtle and outrageous. Let other people worry about being socially acceptable; those types are a dime a dozen, and you are after a power greater than they can imagine.
When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinxlike.
The moment people feel they know what to expect from you, your spell on them is broken. More: You have ceded them power.
The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.
The Nihilistic Troll might pretend to be acting in the service of some cause or leader, but don't be fooled. The cause and their supposedly strong convictions are simply a way to justify and provide cover for their abusive behavior.
Only create associations with positive affinities. Make this a rule of life and you will benefit more than from all the therapy in the world.
See the clock only when you have No work.... Don't see the clock when you are working.... Clock is a lock for success
Nobody has enough talent to live on talent alone. Even when you have talent, a life without work goes nowhere.
Profitability comes from loyalty, productivity, and having a character base from which to work.
An athlete must have ability to reach the top, but many who have ability and who do not live clean lives never have and never will be champions for obvious reasons.
Success is something you attract, by becoming an attractive person.
Concentration and mental toughness are the margins of victory.
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