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Successful people aren't born that way. They become successful by establishing the habit of doing things unsuccessful people don't like to do. The successful people don't always like these things themselves; they just get on and do them.
William Makepeace Thackeray
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Success is achieved through the development of disciplined habits rather than inherent talent.

This quote emphasizes that success is not a result of being born with certain traits but rather the outcome of consistent effort and discipline. It highlights the importance of adopting habits that may be uncomfortable or unappealing but are necessary for achieving one's goals, underscoring that successful individuals persist in their efforts despite their personal feelings about these tasks.

Themes

SuccessHabitsDisciplineEffortAchievement

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech at a conference about personal development.

More from William Makepeace Thackeray

There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.
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When you look at me, when you think of me, I am in paradise.
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And in those varieties of pain of which we spoke anon, what a part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindly plant was introduced among us! What myriads of women have cried over it, to be sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from out of it! Nature meant very gently by women when she made that teaplant; and with a little thought what a series of pictures and groups the fancy may conjure up and assemble round the teapot and cup!
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The play is done; the curtain drops,_x000D_ _x000D_ Slow falling to the prompter's bell_x000D_ _x000D_ A moment yet the actor stops_x000D_ _x000D_ And looks around to say farewell.
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The moral world has no particular objection to vice, but an insuperable repugnance to hearing vice called by its proper name.
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