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The Brian Tracy Success Library
Personal Success
Why are some people more successful than others? What gives them their “winning edge”?
World-renowned performance expert Brian Tracy has spent decades studying uncommonly high achievers, and in this short, inspiring volume, he shares what he has learned: Even small adjustments in outlook and behavior can lead to enormous differences in results. Personal Success explains how you, too, can unlock your potential. It helps you:
• Set clear personal and professional goals—because you can’t hit a target that you can’t see
• Change your mindset to attract opportunity
• Banish self-limiting beliefs
• Build your self-confidence
• Develop a bias for action
• Practice courage—because all successful people are risk takers
• Sharpen your natural intuition
• Maintain a positive mental attitude
• Continually upgrade your skills—seizing every opportunity to learn and grow
• Make a habit of networking
• Become a strong strategic planner
• Commit to excellence
• And more
Where do you want to be in one, three, or five years? Packed with simple but game-changing techniques, this energizing success manual shows you how to transform your dreams into tangible results.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2016
107 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Brian Tracy
1,401 books5,182 followersBrian Tracy is Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International, a company specializing in the training and development of individuals and organizations.
He has consulted for more than 1,000 companies and addressed more than 5,000,000 people in 5,000 talks and seminars throughout the US, Canada and 55 other countries worldwide. As a Keynote speaker and seminar leader, he addresses more than 250,000 people each year.
Brian has studied, researched, written and spoken for 30 years in the fields of economics, history, business, philosophy and psychology. He is the top selling author of over 45 books that have been translated into dozens of languages.
He has written and produced more than 300 audio and video learning programs, including the worldwide, best-selling Psychology of Achievement, which has been translated into more than 20 languages.
He speaks to corporate and public audiences on the subjects of Personal and Professional Development, including the executives and staff of many of America's largest corporations. His exciting talks and seminars on Leadership, Selling, Self-Esteem, Goals, Strategy, Creativity and Success Psychology bring about immediate changes and long-term results.
Prior to founding his company, Brian Tracy International, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million dollar development company. He has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution and management consulting. He has conducted high level consulting assignments with several billion-dollar plus corporations in strategic planning and organizational development.
He has traveled and worked in over 80 countries on six continents, and speaks four languages. Brian is happily married and has four children. He is active in community and national affairs, and is the President of three companies headquartered in San Diego, California.
His most popular training programs are centered around teaching authors how to write a book and helping public speakers create successful careers.
He has consulted for more than 1,000 companies and addressed more than 5,000,000 people in 5,000 talks and seminars throughout the US, Canada and 55 other countries worldwide. As a Keynote speaker and seminar leader, he addresses more than 250,000 people each year.
Brian has studied, researched, written and spoken for 30 years in the fields of economics, history, business, philosophy and psychology. He is the top selling author of over 45 books that have been translated into dozens of languages.
He has written and produced more than 300 audio and video learning programs, including the worldwide, best-selling Psychology of Achievement, which has been translated into more than 20 languages.
He speaks to corporate and public audiences on the subjects of Personal and Professional Development, including the executives and staff of many of America's largest corporations. His exciting talks and seminars on Leadership, Selling, Self-Esteem, Goals, Strategy, Creativity and Success Psychology bring about immediate changes and long-term results.
Prior to founding his company, Brian Tracy International, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million dollar development company. He has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution and management consulting. He has conducted high level consulting assignments with several billion-dollar plus corporations in strategic planning and organizational development.
He has traveled and worked in over 80 countries on six continents, and speaks four languages. Brian is happily married and has four children. He is active in community and national affairs, and is the President of three companies headquartered in San Diego, California.
His most popular training programs are centered around teaching authors how to write a book and helping public speakers create successful careers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 28, 2019
Everytime I pick up a Tracy book, I'm always so glad I did. Mostly a review, but here and there some new golden nuggets on human behavior enhancement that I'm grateful for.
NOTES
============
"Small marginal differences in competence in vital areas can translate to enormous differences in results."
"Everything counts."
"Whatever you believe with feeling. with emotion, becomes your reality. It doesn't even matter if the belief is true. If you believe it long enough and intensely enough, it becomes true for you, whether it is positive or negative."
"Think it, and be it."
"Take a clean sheet of paper and at the top and write the word GOALS... then write down 10 goals you'd like to accomplish in 12 months... Ask yourself one question: 'If I could achieve only any one goal on this list in 24 hours, which goal would have the greatest positive impact on my life?' This goal then becomes your major definite purpose."
"Act as if."
"How would I behave and act, walk and talk, if I had no fear at all?"
"You only do work that you care about, that you feel is important, and that makes a difference in the lives of other people. Perhaps the most important word is caring."
"Resolve to follow through, no matter how much it costs."
"Like flowers opening in the sunshine, people open up toward those that are warm and friendly toward them."
"The more you think about yourself as a valuable, good, and worthwhile person, the more optimistic, positive, and successful you will be."
"People with positive attitudes always tend to be promoted... This is because these people in a position to control their advancement prefer to be around nice people."
"How you communicate largely determines the quality of your life."
"If you expect to do well, you will do well... If you expect to follow through on your diet or learning plan, you will probably do it."
"Develop a bias for action."
"What results are expected of me?"
"Your boss is your main customer. Your success and happiness in your career are largely if not totally determined by how much you please your boss... Some people miss this point completely. They think they work for the company."
"As long as I made him [the boss] happy, I was completely free of the politics and back-biting that take place in a large corporation."
"Go the extra mile... There are never any traffic jams on the extra mile."
"If you're not happy with your current income, go to the nearest mirror and negotiate... That is the person who determines how much you earn."
"Top people with great futures ahead of them network approximately 2 nights per week."
"Network continually everywhere you go, even in restaurants and theater lines."
"... 95% of the first impression you make on other people comes from your dress and grooming. This is because your clothes and hair covers 95% of what other people can see."
"People are not comfortable working with or promoting others who are different."
"Some people say 'Well, people shouldn't judge me by the way I look on the outside.' But the fact is that you judge everyone else by the way they look on the outside, so why shouldn't they judge you the same way, which they're going to do anyway?"
"Proper business attire opens doors. Your wardrobe is too important to neglect. I've had situations in my career where the very fact that I was the best-dressed executive in the office brought me opportunities. The reason is simple. Credibility is everything. People tend to trust your judgement more when you look excellent in every respect."
"Look like a champion."
"Remember that the impression you make is totally under your control."
"There are two wars going on in the world of business today... the war of performance vs. the war of politics. You must choose one and decide to win on that ground. Avoid political gainsmanship... It turns out that people who focus on politics usually mask the poor quality of their work. The politics are inevitably bypassed in the long game by the performers. This is because an organization only survives to the degree to which it attracts top performing men and women."
"If you can eliminate negative emotions, all that will be left are the positive emotions that are life-enhancing."
"Never blame anyone for anything or try to make a person feel bad for a past event."
"The leader's job is to make sure that all other team members have all the resources they need to do their jobs correctly and on time.... Give credit away... The leader always accepts responsibility for problems and gives the credit away to team=members for successes and accomplishments."
"All success comes from moving out of your comfort zone."
"Don't try to sell your idea... Ask the magic question 'What do you think?' Be patient. When you present an idea, never ask for an immediate decision... When you present something new or different, always give the other person at least 72 hours to think about it... Suggest a pilot project... You will almost always get approval for a small test. With the results of your small test you can come back and make a case for implementing your ideas..."
"Look for moments when you can shine."
"Resolve in advance that you will never give up."
"The rule is : the more you try, the more you will triumph... The more likely it is you will do the right things at the right times that will open the right doors... And this will not be a matter of luck or chance, but of law."
.
NOTES
============
"Small marginal differences in competence in vital areas can translate to enormous differences in results."
"Everything counts."
"Whatever you believe with feeling. with emotion, becomes your reality. It doesn't even matter if the belief is true. If you believe it long enough and intensely enough, it becomes true for you, whether it is positive or negative."
"Think it, and be it."
"Take a clean sheet of paper and at the top and write the word GOALS... then write down 10 goals you'd like to accomplish in 12 months... Ask yourself one question: 'If I could achieve only any one goal on this list in 24 hours, which goal would have the greatest positive impact on my life?' This goal then becomes your major definite purpose."
"Act as if."
"How would I behave and act, walk and talk, if I had no fear at all?"
"You only do work that you care about, that you feel is important, and that makes a difference in the lives of other people. Perhaps the most important word is caring."
"Resolve to follow through, no matter how much it costs."
"Like flowers opening in the sunshine, people open up toward those that are warm and friendly toward them."
"The more you think about yourself as a valuable, good, and worthwhile person, the more optimistic, positive, and successful you will be."
"People with positive attitudes always tend to be promoted... This is because these people in a position to control their advancement prefer to be around nice people."
"How you communicate largely determines the quality of your life."
"If you expect to do well, you will do well... If you expect to follow through on your diet or learning plan, you will probably do it."
"Develop a bias for action."
"What results are expected of me?"
"Your boss is your main customer. Your success and happiness in your career are largely if not totally determined by how much you please your boss... Some people miss this point completely. They think they work for the company."
"As long as I made him [the boss] happy, I was completely free of the politics and back-biting that take place in a large corporation."
"Go the extra mile... There are never any traffic jams on the extra mile."
"If you're not happy with your current income, go to the nearest mirror and negotiate... That is the person who determines how much you earn."
"Top people with great futures ahead of them network approximately 2 nights per week."
"Network continually everywhere you go, even in restaurants and theater lines."
"... 95% of the first impression you make on other people comes from your dress and grooming. This is because your clothes and hair covers 95% of what other people can see."
"People are not comfortable working with or promoting others who are different."
"Some people say 'Well, people shouldn't judge me by the way I look on the outside.' But the fact is that you judge everyone else by the way they look on the outside, so why shouldn't they judge you the same way, which they're going to do anyway?"
"Proper business attire opens doors. Your wardrobe is too important to neglect. I've had situations in my career where the very fact that I was the best-dressed executive in the office brought me opportunities. The reason is simple. Credibility is everything. People tend to trust your judgement more when you look excellent in every respect."
"Look like a champion."
"Remember that the impression you make is totally under your control."
"There are two wars going on in the world of business today... the war of performance vs. the war of politics. You must choose one and decide to win on that ground. Avoid political gainsmanship... It turns out that people who focus on politics usually mask the poor quality of their work. The politics are inevitably bypassed in the long game by the performers. This is because an organization only survives to the degree to which it attracts top performing men and women."
"If you can eliminate negative emotions, all that will be left are the positive emotions that are life-enhancing."
"Never blame anyone for anything or try to make a person feel bad for a past event."
"The leader's job is to make sure that all other team members have all the resources they need to do their jobs correctly and on time.... Give credit away... The leader always accepts responsibility for problems and gives the credit away to team=members for successes and accomplishments."
"All success comes from moving out of your comfort zone."
"Don't try to sell your idea... Ask the magic question 'What do you think?' Be patient. When you present an idea, never ask for an immediate decision... When you present something new or different, always give the other person at least 72 hours to think about it... Suggest a pilot project... You will almost always get approval for a small test. With the results of your small test you can come back and make a case for implementing your ideas..."
"Look for moments when you can shine."
"Resolve in advance that you will never give up."
"The rule is : the more you try, the more you will triumph... The more likely it is you will do the right things at the right times that will open the right doors... And this will not be a matter of luck or chance, but of law."
.
August 11, 2020
3 Keys to success:
-Self-discipline.
-Proven success methods.
-Ask others the way.
Winning edge = Be 3% better than the competition by:
-Set Goals.Set career objectives. Write them down. Create action plans to achieve them.
-Face fears. Engage fearful tasks until they no longer feel intimidating (v.g. Public speaking).
-Develop optimistic mindsets. Be positive. Expect the best from others. Avoid toxic self-criticism.
-Network continuously. Go to events and connect with more successful, experienced professionals.
-Work hard. Arrive a little earlier. Stay a little later. Practice self-discipline.
Embrace de 3 Laws:
-Law of Cause and Effect: there are no coincidences. Increase the effort put into your professional endeavor, it will pay off.
-Law of Attraction: We all are magnets of people and opportunities that align to emotional thoughts. To attract different circumstances, you must change your mindset.
-Law of Correspondence. To create your desired OUTER LIFE (career, relationships, etc) you must improve your INNER LIFE by your state of mind.
Career Goals: Write at least 10 goals for 1 year and prioritize by life impact.
1. Be specific. (e.g. exact desired salary)
2- Write them down. Professional who write down their goals earn 10 times more that those who don’t.
3. Set deadlines. The most successful people identify specific dates to achieve their goals.
4. Make lists. Write a task plan to achieve the goal.
5. Organize lists. Prioritize and know how to spend your time.
6. Take action on lists. Don’t procrastinate your tasks.
7. Take action every day. Put effort toward the most important goals every day.
Courage and self-Confidence:
-Fake it until you make it. Face your nerve-breaking fear or situation regularly. Over time you will make it the new normal and yor subconscious mind will adapt.
Inner-Self:
-Have integrity. Be honest with your self and others. Live up to your values. Trust your intuition.
-Mental attitude: Be positive to be more persuasive and collaborative.
**Reflect on goals daily.
**Use mistakes and setbacks as learning opportunities.
**Feed your mind with books, podcasts, seminars, and other ideas.
**Prioritize and nourish your self-worth feelings.
95% of emotions are determined by your inner dialogue. To stay calm and clearheaded in stress you must:
-Engage in positive self-talk. Dońt self-criticize after making a mistake. Problems are challenges and opportunities.
-Program your subconscious. Optimistic and positive emotions will follow priming.
-Develop positive expectations. Expect great things from yourself.
-Become an inverse paranoid. Don’t expect the worst from others, believe that everyone is helping you.
Bias for action:
Promotions and higher salaries = reputation for always finishing work quickly and thoroughly. Develop “orientations” or thinking patterns in which you continuously identify specific actions to achieve any goal.
Satisfy MVPs:
Become the “go-to” person for MVPs
1. Bosses.
2. Staff members and coworkers.
3. Clients.
Work hard:
Self-made millionaires are not geniuses. They’ve worked harder and longer on their goals than anyone else.
Continuous learning:
1. Read 1 hour everyday about stuff to advance your career.
2. Listening and learning while commuting exercising, or waiting at the airport.
3. Going back to school. Develop new skills and take advantage of every araising training opportunity.
Be a competent speaker:
Regular practice.
Fly with the eagles:
-Associate with positive, successful people you can emulate. Find a mentor.
-Network continually (2 times per week) and be a Go-Giver. Ask open ending questions and practice active listening.
-Dress for success.
Commit to excellence:
Set high standards. Focus on the quality of your work:
-Know your value. Identify the value you bring to your company. Know the skills to develop to increase your value.
-Focus on the customer. Find their unique needs to fulfill.
-Deliver results. Focus on ONE GOAL at a time and achieve it as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Plan Strategically:
-Vision your career in 5 years.
-Values. Define what matters most to you.
-Mission. What positive change you want to bring in the world.
-Purpose. What are the reasons to get out of bed.
-Goals. Personal objectives.
-Priorities. Most important tasks to achieve your goals.
-Actions. Necessary steps to tackle your highest priorities.
Accountability:
Accept 100% responsibility for your work. Don’t complain, make excuses, blame others, when things go wrong. Be courageous and respectful.
Be a team player:
Peak performance team key elements:
1. Shared goals.
2. Shared values.
3. Shared plans of action. (Roles and responsibilities).
4. One leader.
5. Continuous review and evaluation.
Develop Creativity:
Be looking to accomplish your goals in better, faster and cheaper ways. Get out of your comfort zone.
Get Good Luck:
1. Decide to become the best. Don’t settle for anything less than excellence.
2. Set clear, specific career goals and action plans.
3. Focus on contribution. Create value and revenue for your company.
4. Accept responsibility (volunteer if need be).
5. Look for moments to shine. Be on the look out for opportunities to demonstrate deservingness of a raise or promotion.
6. Identify limiting skills to success. Know your weakest skill and improve it.
7. Decide to never give up. Be persistent on achieving your goals.
-Self-discipline.
-Proven success methods.
-Ask others the way.
Winning edge = Be 3% better than the competition by:
-Set Goals.Set career objectives. Write them down. Create action plans to achieve them.
-Face fears. Engage fearful tasks until they no longer feel intimidating (v.g. Public speaking).
-Develop optimistic mindsets. Be positive. Expect the best from others. Avoid toxic self-criticism.
-Network continuously. Go to events and connect with more successful, experienced professionals.
-Work hard. Arrive a little earlier. Stay a little later. Practice self-discipline.
Embrace de 3 Laws:
-Law of Cause and Effect: there are no coincidences. Increase the effort put into your professional endeavor, it will pay off.
-Law of Attraction: We all are magnets of people and opportunities that align to emotional thoughts. To attract different circumstances, you must change your mindset.
-Law of Correspondence. To create your desired OUTER LIFE (career, relationships, etc) you must improve your INNER LIFE by your state of mind.
Career Goals: Write at least 10 goals for 1 year and prioritize by life impact.
1. Be specific. (e.g. exact desired salary)
2- Write them down. Professional who write down their goals earn 10 times more that those who don’t.
3. Set deadlines. The most successful people identify specific dates to achieve their goals.
4. Make lists. Write a task plan to achieve the goal.
5. Organize lists. Prioritize and know how to spend your time.
6. Take action on lists. Don’t procrastinate your tasks.
7. Take action every day. Put effort toward the most important goals every day.
Courage and self-Confidence:
-Fake it until you make it. Face your nerve-breaking fear or situation regularly. Over time you will make it the new normal and yor subconscious mind will adapt.
Inner-Self:
-Have integrity. Be honest with your self and others. Live up to your values. Trust your intuition.
-Mental attitude: Be positive to be more persuasive and collaborative.
**Reflect on goals daily.
**Use mistakes and setbacks as learning opportunities.
**Feed your mind with books, podcasts, seminars, and other ideas.
**Prioritize and nourish your self-worth feelings.
95% of emotions are determined by your inner dialogue. To stay calm and clearheaded in stress you must:
-Engage in positive self-talk. Dońt self-criticize after making a mistake. Problems are challenges and opportunities.
-Program your subconscious. Optimistic and positive emotions will follow priming.
-Develop positive expectations. Expect great things from yourself.
-Become an inverse paranoid. Don’t expect the worst from others, believe that everyone is helping you.
Bias for action:
Promotions and higher salaries = reputation for always finishing work quickly and thoroughly. Develop “orientations” or thinking patterns in which you continuously identify specific actions to achieve any goal.
Satisfy MVPs:
Become the “go-to” person for MVPs
1. Bosses.
2. Staff members and coworkers.
3. Clients.
Work hard:
Self-made millionaires are not geniuses. They’ve worked harder and longer on their goals than anyone else.
Continuous learning:
1. Read 1 hour everyday about stuff to advance your career.
2. Listening and learning while commuting exercising, or waiting at the airport.
3. Going back to school. Develop new skills and take advantage of every araising training opportunity.
Be a competent speaker:
Regular practice.
Fly with the eagles:
-Associate with positive, successful people you can emulate. Find a mentor.
-Network continually (2 times per week) and be a Go-Giver. Ask open ending questions and practice active listening.
-Dress for success.
Commit to excellence:
Set high standards. Focus on the quality of your work:
-Know your value. Identify the value you bring to your company. Know the skills to develop to increase your value.
-Focus on the customer. Find their unique needs to fulfill.
-Deliver results. Focus on ONE GOAL at a time and achieve it as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Plan Strategically:
-Vision your career in 5 years.
-Values. Define what matters most to you.
-Mission. What positive change you want to bring in the world.
-Purpose. What are the reasons to get out of bed.
-Goals. Personal objectives.
-Priorities. Most important tasks to achieve your goals.
-Actions. Necessary steps to tackle your highest priorities.
Accountability:
Accept 100% responsibility for your work. Don’t complain, make excuses, blame others, when things go wrong. Be courageous and respectful.
Be a team player:
Peak performance team key elements:
1. Shared goals.
2. Shared values.
3. Shared plans of action. (Roles and responsibilities).
4. One leader.
5. Continuous review and evaluation.
Develop Creativity:
Be looking to accomplish your goals in better, faster and cheaper ways. Get out of your comfort zone.
Get Good Luck:
1. Decide to become the best. Don’t settle for anything less than excellence.
2. Set clear, specific career goals and action plans.
3. Focus on contribution. Create value and revenue for your company.
4. Accept responsibility (volunteer if need be).
5. Look for moments to shine. Be on the look out for opportunities to demonstrate deservingness of a raise or promotion.
6. Identify limiting skills to success. Know your weakest skill and improve it.
7. Decide to never give up. Be persistent on achieving your goals.
August 31, 2021
It was okay - definitely some good takeaways. Brian Tracy has always been an inspirational "kick in the pants" author for me but it's hard to weed through all the humanistic jargon.
January 2, 2019
Pros: It’s not the best book, but not the worst. It is a short, direct, application focused book which summarizes/restates what Tracy says in his other longer works. It has several ideas you could immediately implement into your life to see results. If you want a short easy read to introduce you to Tracy or the topic of personal success.
Cons: The book lacks citation. He quotes people and studies but provides no citation so the reader must take his word that “a study from Dr. X shows (whatever Tracy is arguing).” (See pgs. 27, 31, 35, etc.)
I wish the book had more arguments for what he says instead of leaving the reader to simply accept as face value what he states. This is likely done because he wanted to keep the book so short and basic but regardless it was a bothersome aspect of the book.
Key Takeaways:
1. Public speaking is a crucial skill in personal development. Tracy recommends joining a Toastmasters chapter or take a Dale Carnegie Training class on the topic. (P. 55)
2. Regarding networking, Tracy says “Fish where the fish are.” He advises joining one or two business associations in your community to rub shoulders with people who you can help and be helped by. (P. 64)
3. Also regarding networking, Tracy says to be a “go-giver” not a “go-getter.” I love that. Seek first to serve, then be served. Meet people and always look for how you serve them first. When you join association look to volunteer. This will give you a platform to serve others and “perform” task that can get you noticed by the right people. (P. 65-66)
Final thoughts: As states before, not the worst book but I’d recommend Eat That Frog or Goals over this work.
Cons: The book lacks citation. He quotes people and studies but provides no citation so the reader must take his word that “a study from Dr. X shows (whatever Tracy is arguing).” (See pgs. 27, 31, 35, etc.)
I wish the book had more arguments for what he says instead of leaving the reader to simply accept as face value what he states. This is likely done because he wanted to keep the book so short and basic but regardless it was a bothersome aspect of the book.
Key Takeaways:
1. Public speaking is a crucial skill in personal development. Tracy recommends joining a Toastmasters chapter or take a Dale Carnegie Training class on the topic. (P. 55)
2. Regarding networking, Tracy says “Fish where the fish are.” He advises joining one or two business associations in your community to rub shoulders with people who you can help and be helped by. (P. 64)
3. Also regarding networking, Tracy says to be a “go-giver” not a “go-getter.” I love that. Seek first to serve, then be served. Meet people and always look for how you serve them first. When you join association look to volunteer. This will give you a platform to serve others and “perform” task that can get you noticed by the right people. (P. 65-66)
Final thoughts: As states before, not the worst book but I’d recommend Eat That Frog or Goals over this work.
December 25, 2015
This book describes what the critical success factors are in order to achieve a high performance in both work and personal life. Most of theses factor are common sense, but not bad to have it all in one book. I really liked it, and all of the advice is easy to understand and to apply inmediatly in life. It deserves to ready it.
April 30, 2022
بازمانده از دوران خامی و بادهای در کله ی یک پسر خویشفرمای 18-19 ساله
June 20, 2024
Be extremely ambitious in life. You live once. Become exactly what you dream of. Set high goals and think how you get there. Work harder and smarter than everybody else. Never be afraid. The things you are scared of - do that many times. For example you should hold public speeches until you are confident with it.
Brian Tracy's books are similar but it always feels good to get back to this mindset (the mindset of grind and hustle).
....
"Small marginal differences in competence in vital areas can translate to enormous differences in results."
"Everything counts."
"Whatever you believe with feeling. with emotion, becomes your reality. It doesn't even matter if the belief is true. If you believe it long enough and intensely enough, it becomes true for you, whether it is positive or negative."
"Think it, and be it."
"Take a clean sheet of paper and at the top and write the word GOALS... then write down 10 goals you'd like to accomplish in 12 months... Ask yourself one question: 'If I could achieve only any one goal on this list in 24 hours, which goal would have the greatest positive impact on my life?' This goal then becomes your major definite purpose."
"Act as if."
"How would I behave and act, walk and talk, if I had no fear at all?"
"You only do work that you care about, that you feel is important, and that makes a difference in the lives of other people. Perhaps the most important word is caring."
"Resolve to follow through, no matter how much it costs."
"Like flowers opening in the sunshine, people open up toward those that are warm and friendly toward them."
"The more you think about yourself as a valuable, good, and worthwhile person, the more optimistic, positive, and successful you will be."
"People with positive attitudes always tend to be promoted... This is because these people in a position to control their advancement prefer to be around nice people."
"How you communicate largely determines the quality of your life."
"If you expect to do well, you will do well... If you expect to follow through on your diet or learning plan, you will probably do it."
"Develop a bias for action."
"What results are expected of me?"
"Your boss is your main customer. Your success and happiness in your career are largely if not totally determined by how much you please your boss... Some people miss this point completely. They think they work for the company."
"As long as I made him [the boss] happy, I was completely free of the politics and back-biting that take place in a large corporation."
"Go the extra mile... There are never any traffic jams on the extra mile."
"If you're not happy with your current income, go to the nearest mirror and negotiate... That is the person who determines how much you earn."
"Top people with great futures ahead of them network approximately 2 nights per week."
"Network continually everywhere you go, even in restaurants and theater lines."
"... 95% of the first impression you make on other people comes from your dress and grooming. This is because your clothes and hair covers 95% of what other people can see."
"People are not comfortable working with or promoting others who are different."
"Some people say 'Well, people shouldn't judge me by the way I look on the outside.' But the fact is that you judge everyone else by the way they look on the outside, so why shouldn't they judge you the same way, which they're going to do anyway?"
"Proper business attire opens doors. Your wardrobe is too important to neglect. I've had situations in my career where the very fact that I was the best-dressed executive in the office brought me opportunities. The reason is simple. Credibility is everything. People tend to trust your judgement more when you look excellent in every respect."
"Look like a champion."
"Remember that the impression you make is totally under your control."
"There are two wars going on in the world of business today... the war of performance vs. the war of politics. You must choose one and decide to win on that ground. Avoid political gainsmanship... It turns out that people who focus on politics usually mask the poor quality of their work. The politics are inevitably bypassed in the long game by the performers. This is because an organization only survives to the degree to which it attracts top performing men and women."
"If you can eliminate negative emotions, all that will be left are the positive emotions that are life-enhancing."
"Never blame anyone for anything or try to make a person feel bad for a past event."
"The leader's job is to make sure that all other team members have all the resources they need to do their jobs correctly and on time.... Give credit away... The leader always accepts responsibility for problems and gives the credit away to team=members for successes and accomplishments."
"All success comes from moving out of your comfort zone."
"Don't try to sell your idea... Ask the magic question 'What do you think?' Be patient. When you present an idea, never ask for an immediate decision... When you present something new or different, always give the other person at least 72 hours to think about it... Suggest a pilot project... You will almost always get approval for a small test. With the results of your small test you can come back and make a case for implementing your ideas..."
"Look for moments when you can shine."
"Resolve in advance that you will never give up."
"The rule is : the more you try, the more you will triumph... The more likely it is you will do the right things at the right times that will open the right doors... And this will not be a matter of luck or chance, but of law."
Brian Tracy's books are similar but it always feels good to get back to this mindset (the mindset of grind and hustle).
....
"Small marginal differences in competence in vital areas can translate to enormous differences in results."
"Everything counts."
"Whatever you believe with feeling. with emotion, becomes your reality. It doesn't even matter if the belief is true. If you believe it long enough and intensely enough, it becomes true for you, whether it is positive or negative."
"Think it, and be it."
"Take a clean sheet of paper and at the top and write the word GOALS... then write down 10 goals you'd like to accomplish in 12 months... Ask yourself one question: 'If I could achieve only any one goal on this list in 24 hours, which goal would have the greatest positive impact on my life?' This goal then becomes your major definite purpose."
"Act as if."
"How would I behave and act, walk and talk, if I had no fear at all?"
"You only do work that you care about, that you feel is important, and that makes a difference in the lives of other people. Perhaps the most important word is caring."
"Resolve to follow through, no matter how much it costs."
"Like flowers opening in the sunshine, people open up toward those that are warm and friendly toward them."
"The more you think about yourself as a valuable, good, and worthwhile person, the more optimistic, positive, and successful you will be."
"People with positive attitudes always tend to be promoted... This is because these people in a position to control their advancement prefer to be around nice people."
"How you communicate largely determines the quality of your life."
"If you expect to do well, you will do well... If you expect to follow through on your diet or learning plan, you will probably do it."
"Develop a bias for action."
"What results are expected of me?"
"Your boss is your main customer. Your success and happiness in your career are largely if not totally determined by how much you please your boss... Some people miss this point completely. They think they work for the company."
"As long as I made him [the boss] happy, I was completely free of the politics and back-biting that take place in a large corporation."
"Go the extra mile... There are never any traffic jams on the extra mile."
"If you're not happy with your current income, go to the nearest mirror and negotiate... That is the person who determines how much you earn."
"Top people with great futures ahead of them network approximately 2 nights per week."
"Network continually everywhere you go, even in restaurants and theater lines."
"... 95% of the first impression you make on other people comes from your dress and grooming. This is because your clothes and hair covers 95% of what other people can see."
"People are not comfortable working with or promoting others who are different."
"Some people say 'Well, people shouldn't judge me by the way I look on the outside.' But the fact is that you judge everyone else by the way they look on the outside, so why shouldn't they judge you the same way, which they're going to do anyway?"
"Proper business attire opens doors. Your wardrobe is too important to neglect. I've had situations in my career where the very fact that I was the best-dressed executive in the office brought me opportunities. The reason is simple. Credibility is everything. People tend to trust your judgement more when you look excellent in every respect."
"Look like a champion."
"Remember that the impression you make is totally under your control."
"There are two wars going on in the world of business today... the war of performance vs. the war of politics. You must choose one and decide to win on that ground. Avoid political gainsmanship... It turns out that people who focus on politics usually mask the poor quality of their work. The politics are inevitably bypassed in the long game by the performers. This is because an organization only survives to the degree to which it attracts top performing men and women."
"If you can eliminate negative emotions, all that will be left are the positive emotions that are life-enhancing."
"Never blame anyone for anything or try to make a person feel bad for a past event."
"The leader's job is to make sure that all other team members have all the resources they need to do their jobs correctly and on time.... Give credit away... The leader always accepts responsibility for problems and gives the credit away to team=members for successes and accomplishments."
"All success comes from moving out of your comfort zone."
"Don't try to sell your idea... Ask the magic question 'What do you think?' Be patient. When you present an idea, never ask for an immediate decision... When you present something new or different, always give the other person at least 72 hours to think about it... Suggest a pilot project... You will almost always get approval for a small test. With the results of your small test you can come back and make a case for implementing your ideas..."
"Look for moments when you can shine."
"Resolve in advance that you will never give up."
"The rule is : the more you try, the more you will triumph... The more likely it is you will do the right things at the right times that will open the right doors... And this will not be a matter of luck or chance, but of law."
October 24, 2025
This book discusses Brain Tracy’s views on the differences between winners vs. losers and the most successful vs. others, and what causes the differences.
You should consider the Law of Cause and Effect that states that every event has a reason for happening, that nothing happens by chance, there is always a logical cause behind every outcome. Therefore, if you want to change what you get out of something, you must change what you put in.
There are three main mental laws:
1. The Law of Beliefs. Beliefs are learned. Challenge your self-limiting beliefs.
2. The Law of Attraction. (See also: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
3. The Law of Correspondence. Your external world reflects your internal world. “Everywhere you go, there you are.”
Set your:
1. Career and income goals. This equates with what you have to do. Only 15% of your happiness is from the things you achieve, i.e. are of a material nature.
2. Personal and family goals. This is why you do it. 85% of your happiness will be determined by your relationships and people in your life.
The 7-step process to setting goals:
1. Decide what you want.
2. Write it down.
3. Set a deadline.
4. Make a list.
5. Organise the list, a checklist, plan of action.
6. Take action on your plan.
7. Do something every day on your most important goal. Exercise: Select 10 goals (achievable within a year). Choose the one that will have the greatest impact on your life (MIT, Most Important Task). Work on it every single day until you are successful.
The above equate to the 7-part process:
1. Your vision. What you can be, have, and do.
2. Your values. The most important, and the order.
3. Your mission. What you want to do to be a positive change in the lives of other people. We all serve others in some way.
4. Your purpose. The reason you get out of bed in the morning. Your why in life.
5. Your goals. The specific, written, measurable, time-bound goals that you want to achieve some time in the future based on your values, vision, mission and purpose.
6. Your priorities. The MIT you do each day.
7. Your actions.
Other points of interest:
- “Think about your goal to cancel out the negatives until it becomes automatic and easy.”
- Network continually. “It is not what you know, but who you know, that determines your future.”
- Plan strategically, both long and short term.
Tracy includes a lot in this book on creativity, on how to make things better, cheaper and faster. I recommend that we all remember that we are not machines, but people. If we burn out, we are sadly often unable to recover, or should we be able to do so, are left with a lower resistance to change and stress.
The number of hours of work required to be “successful”, and add to that networking, reading, studying and all the other things Tracy recommends, it becomes quite clear that he must have a stay-at-home mother/wife or paid help to do all the household tasks, etc. necessary to have a healthy diet, clean and organised home, and healthy and happy partner and/or children.
Some of the comments from my other Brian Tracy’s book reviews, which are applicable:
- I recommend another interpretation of “success” than that generally used by Tracy.
- The material in his books can also be found elsewhere, be it in books, in blogs, on YouTube, or online. There is nothing new in his books.
- There is a lot of repetition in his books, and his books are pretty much like each other.
- Brian Tracy narrates his own books. Personally, I don’t recommend this practice, as I find his voice more suitable for sending one to sleep with its monotone.
Please also see: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
You should consider the Law of Cause and Effect that states that every event has a reason for happening, that nothing happens by chance, there is always a logical cause behind every outcome. Therefore, if you want to change what you get out of something, you must change what you put in.
There are three main mental laws:
1. The Law of Beliefs. Beliefs are learned. Challenge your self-limiting beliefs.
2. The Law of Attraction. (See also: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
3. The Law of Correspondence. Your external world reflects your internal world. “Everywhere you go, there you are.”
Set your:
1. Career and income goals. This equates with what you have to do. Only 15% of your happiness is from the things you achieve, i.e. are of a material nature.
2. Personal and family goals. This is why you do it. 85% of your happiness will be determined by your relationships and people in your life.
The 7-step process to setting goals:
1. Decide what you want.
2. Write it down.
3. Set a deadline.
4. Make a list.
5. Organise the list, a checklist, plan of action.
6. Take action on your plan.
7. Do something every day on your most important goal. Exercise: Select 10 goals (achievable within a year). Choose the one that will have the greatest impact on your life (MIT, Most Important Task). Work on it every single day until you are successful.
The above equate to the 7-part process:
1. Your vision. What you can be, have, and do.
2. Your values. The most important, and the order.
3. Your mission. What you want to do to be a positive change in the lives of other people. We all serve others in some way.
4. Your purpose. The reason you get out of bed in the morning. Your why in life.
5. Your goals. The specific, written, measurable, time-bound goals that you want to achieve some time in the future based on your values, vision, mission and purpose.
6. Your priorities. The MIT you do each day.
7. Your actions.
Other points of interest:
- “Think about your goal to cancel out the negatives until it becomes automatic and easy.”
- Network continually. “It is not what you know, but who you know, that determines your future.”
- Plan strategically, both long and short term.
Tracy includes a lot in this book on creativity, on how to make things better, cheaper and faster. I recommend that we all remember that we are not machines, but people. If we burn out, we are sadly often unable to recover, or should we be able to do so, are left with a lower resistance to change and stress.
The number of hours of work required to be “successful”, and add to that networking, reading, studying and all the other things Tracy recommends, it becomes quite clear that he must have a stay-at-home mother/wife or paid help to do all the household tasks, etc. necessary to have a healthy diet, clean and organised home, and healthy and happy partner and/or children.
Some of the comments from my other Brian Tracy’s book reviews, which are applicable:
- I recommend another interpretation of “success” than that generally used by Tracy.
- The material in his books can also be found elsewhere, be it in books, in blogs, on YouTube, or online. There is nothing new in his books.
- There is a lot of repetition in his books, and his books are pretty much like each other.
- Brian Tracy narrates his own books. Personally, I don’t recommend this practice, as I find his voice more suitable for sending one to sleep with its monotone.
Please also see: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 6, 2024
Personal Success by Brian Tracy is a straightforward guide packed with his signature tips on setting goals, building confidence, and taking consistent action toward success. Like many of Tracy's books, this one revisits his core principles—focus, persistence, and personal responsibility. While he often repeats these ideas across his works, that repetition can be a real advantage, reinforcing the importance of mastering these fundamentals. Tracy's simple, no-nonsense advice is a helpful reminder that success isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about applying timeless principles consistently. This book is great if you're looking for a solid refresh or motivation boost on your journey to personal growth.
December 12, 2024
Of course an other top book from Brian Tracy,
A mini book where he's direct :
Decide what you want
Visualise it
Plan Just enough and not too much
Take the first step as it is the hardest one
Throw yourself in the middle of the environment you want to belong to
Try and try and try
Try and make mistakes and learn
Get better every day
Be the best at what you do
Be the Star of your environment
Be the hero
Copy the star to be the star
Get better and better
Success is in details
Perfect all details
Success is the accumulation of small changes
A mini book where he's direct :
Decide what you want
Visualise it
Plan Just enough and not too much
Take the first step as it is the hardest one
Throw yourself in the middle of the environment you want to belong to
Try and try and try
Try and make mistakes and learn
Get better every day
Be the best at what you do
Be the Star of your environment
Be the hero
Copy the star to be the star
Get better and better
Success is in details
Perfect all details
Success is the accumulation of small changes
May 21, 2019
An Invaluable Resource
Similar to other books by success guru Brian Tracy, PERSONAL SUCCESS (The Brian Tracy Success Library) offers invaluable tips that everyday people can implement to reach their goals and enhance their overall success. Tracy's short chapters and use of vocabulary that everybody understands make for an excellent read.
Similar to other books by success guru Brian Tracy, PERSONAL SUCCESS (The Brian Tracy Success Library) offers invaluable tips that everyday people can implement to reach their goals and enhance their overall success. Tracy's short chapters and use of vocabulary that everybody understands make for an excellent read.
September 14, 2020
As with his books it is just a quick but effective shot of motivation with concrete tips on what to do.
I listened to this book on 2x speed and absolutely loved it.
I listened to it while going for a walk, and had to stop several times to think about what he said, and what I did, and did not do, when he used examples.
I listened to this book on 2x speed and absolutely loved it.
I listened to it while going for a walk, and had to stop several times to think about what he said, and what I did, and did not do, when he used examples.
May 12, 2022
We are aware of the most things mentioned in this book.. but it’s a matter of practice.. and the book delivers in an experimenting sequence with exercises.. good to go for people who are looking for someone to tell you the things you know as - keeping professionalism, self discipline, high performance and believing that everything you put in your efforts will be paid in your future..
September 22, 2020
كتاب مباشر لا يخوض في قصص وغيره بل يقدم النصائح التي ستساعد في نجاحك الشخصي، غالباً ستكون على علم ببعضها لكني أعتقد أن براين استطاع جمعها وترتيبها والتركيز عليها مما يجعل للكتاب أهمية من هذا الجانب، وفي الكتاب ايضاً تمارين عملية تطبقها بعد كل فصل وهي إضافة لطيفة.
October 18, 2020
Success principles were very well presented
Excellent guidance for anchieving goals and fixed time lines and fix the priority. Take action and responsibility. Maintain ur dressing sense
Excellent guidance for anchieving goals and fixed time lines and fix the priority. Take action and responsibility. Maintain ur dressing sense
February 24, 2022
Outstanding
When It comes to Success and motivation, Brian Tracy is the Best. Why? Because he is a self taught, self made millionaire and highly rated trainer and bestselling author. Go for it.
When It comes to Success and motivation, Brian Tracy is the Best. Why? Because he is a self taught, self made millionaire and highly rated trainer and bestselling author. Go for it.
July 6, 2022
Again the narrator for the german audio book got on my nerves and Brian Tracy is a perfect example of white privilege. At the end he casually fat shamed obese people and the book overall told nothing new. Just repeating content from his other books.
November 24, 2017
كتاب لطيف.. عندما تقرأ في التنمية البشرية للمحترفين يكون الوضع مختلفا
May 27, 2018
Amazing book. Simple and easy to read. I call it my snack every day at Starbucks. Highly recommended
April 15, 2019
Good summary of need to succeed principles.
September 19, 2020
Great read for personal development
October 27, 2020
Short , Simple but effective.
February 14, 2022
It was okay
March 9, 2022
Good book
I enjoy this book. If you are into personal. development, this is a must read. Brian Tracy painted a cleat path to personal development.
I enjoy this book. If you are into personal. development, this is a must read. Brian Tracy painted a cleat path to personal development.
March 9, 2022
As usual, this book, too, is transformational, though there are some repetitions from his earlier books.
All the 21 principles of personal success are immaculate.
All the 21 principles of personal success are immaculate.
September 15, 2022
Short, motivating, and actionable. Read it!
March 6, 2023
Most of his books same content repeated.perhaps commercial reason only.
April 7, 2023
Love Brian Tracy. Gets me motivated.
May 8, 2023
Good one to check
Gives a good opportunity to introspect and identify the gaps in reaching the success. I feel the content is much useful.
Gives a good opportunity to introspect and identify the gaps in reaching the success. I feel the content is much useful.
October 31, 2023
Basic, heard it before stuff. Written in 2016..but feels like it's out of the 90s. Pretty much out-of-date already.
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