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Success Built to Last: Creating a Life That Matters
Imagine discovering what successful people have in common, distilling it into a set of simple practices, and using them to transform your life and work. Authored by three legends in leadership and self-help — including Built to Last co-author Jerry Porras — it challenges conventional wisdom at every step.
Success Built to Last draws on face-to-face, unscripted conversations with hundreds of remarkable human beings from around the world. Meet billionaires, CEOs, presidents of nations, Nobel laureates and celebrities — the rich, the famous and the unknown. Meet unsung heroes who've achieved lasting impact without obvious power or charisma. Famous or not, most started out ordinary. Discover how successful people "harvest" their strengths and their weaknesses, their victories and their surprising failures. Discover how you can find meaning in your life and work just as they did and summon the courage to follow your passions. Above all, see how they've sustained success for decades and you can too.
Success Built to Last draws on face-to-face, unscripted conversations with hundreds of remarkable human beings from around the world. Meet billionaires, CEOs, presidents of nations, Nobel laureates and celebrities — the rich, the famous and the unknown. Meet unsung heroes who've achieved lasting impact without obvious power or charisma. Famous or not, most started out ordinary. Discover how successful people "harvest" their strengths and their weaknesses, their victories and their surprising failures. Discover how you can find meaning in your life and work just as they did and summon the courage to follow your passions. Above all, see how they've sustained success for decades and you can too.
278 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2006
43 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 17, 2019
very great book, it's as the title says
June 6, 2012
This book highlights a very useful approach not only to attain success but also to make it last.
There is of course, a vast difference between the success that is astonishingly impressive but short-lived, and the success that continues to positively influence the people even after the days of its achiever.
The author first of all redefines success on the strength of the words of great achievers (whom he prefers to call Builders). In his own words:
"Notice that nowhere in the dictionary definition do you find any reference to finding meaning, fulfillment, happiness, and lasting relationships. No mention of feeling fully alive while engaged and connected with a calling that matters to you. No thoughts about creating a legacy of service to the world. Yet those are all realities that people who have lasting success say they value most in life and work. For Builders, the real definition of success is a life and work that brings personal fulfillment and lasting relationships and makes a difference in the world in which they live. The question is why the rest of us tolerate any other definition."
The original contribution of the author towards explaining 'lasting success' is his elaborate treatment of 'three elements of success built to last'. In his own words:
"The first element is 'Meaning'. What you do must matter deeply to you in a way that you as an individual define meaning. it is something that you are so passionate about that you lose all track of time when you do it. It is something that you are willing to recruit other people to, but will do it despite criticism and perhaps even secretly do it for free. In fact, you could not be paid to not do it...
The second essential element is 'Thought Style' - a highly developed sense of accountability, audacity, passion and responsible optimism...
The third element is 'Action Style'; enduringly successful people find effective ways to take action. This is hardly mind-blowing news, but there is more to Action Style than first meets the eye..."
The author then proceeds to deal with each of the three elements in separate Parts of the book, enriching his views by adding quotes of great achievers, whom he has interviewed. It is here, his painstaking efforts reveal themselves and substantiate the validity of the points raised by him earlier.
The book is highly thought-provoking. It expands our idea and understanding of Success and definitely inspires by the words of great men who have already proved themselves as successful persons.
There is of course, a vast difference between the success that is astonishingly impressive but short-lived, and the success that continues to positively influence the people even after the days of its achiever.
The author first of all redefines success on the strength of the words of great achievers (whom he prefers to call Builders). In his own words:
"Notice that nowhere in the dictionary definition do you find any reference to finding meaning, fulfillment, happiness, and lasting relationships. No mention of feeling fully alive while engaged and connected with a calling that matters to you. No thoughts about creating a legacy of service to the world. Yet those are all realities that people who have lasting success say they value most in life and work. For Builders, the real definition of success is a life and work that brings personal fulfillment and lasting relationships and makes a difference in the world in which they live. The question is why the rest of us tolerate any other definition."
The original contribution of the author towards explaining 'lasting success' is his elaborate treatment of 'three elements of success built to last'. In his own words:
"The first element is 'Meaning'. What you do must matter deeply to you in a way that you as an individual define meaning. it is something that you are so passionate about that you lose all track of time when you do it. It is something that you are willing to recruit other people to, but will do it despite criticism and perhaps even secretly do it for free. In fact, you could not be paid to not do it...
The second essential element is 'Thought Style' - a highly developed sense of accountability, audacity, passion and responsible optimism...
The third element is 'Action Style'; enduringly successful people find effective ways to take action. This is hardly mind-blowing news, but there is more to Action Style than first meets the eye..."
The author then proceeds to deal with each of the three elements in separate Parts of the book, enriching his views by adding quotes of great achievers, whom he has interviewed. It is here, his painstaking efforts reveal themselves and substantiate the validity of the points raised by him earlier.
The book is highly thought-provoking. It expands our idea and understanding of Success and definitely inspires by the words of great men who have already proved themselves as successful persons.
February 26, 2016
Very interesting read about how society's definition of success defies how successful define success. In order to create success in your life you should create meaning through a portfolio of passions. There will be setbacks throughout your life that will try to discourage you from what matters most to you, but those who learn from these setbacks, instead of letting them hinder their cause, will succeed in their endeavors.
I really enjoyed this book because it investigated successful individuals in all walks of life, instead of just the business world.
I really enjoyed this book because it investigated successful individuals in all walks of life, instead of just the business world.
June 8, 2017
Using some of the research from Built to Last (Collins, Porras), they apply principles to the individual level. There is a focus on successful CEO who are successful not out of charisma or big personality, but enduring effective leadership. These are builders who are passionate about the cause they are fighting for, and people follow because they catch on to the vision that these leaders share.
It's a good book that I read during my MBA and now listened to on Audible. I'd highly recommend for those that enjoy learning more about principles to help push you to be better.
It's a good book that I read during my MBA and now listened to on Audible. I'd highly recommend for those that enjoy learning more about principles to help push you to be better.
September 24, 2014
I experienced twitches in my neurons while I attempted to read this book.
It is, as my friend says, 'a conglomeration of baloney'.
Good ideas start with a good premise as does this book, but the authors (yes, it took 3 of them) have compiled a book out of very simple ideas of integrity, humility, focus and all that jazz which allows individuals to become successful over the long run.
I guess it is a good book for the aspirational yuppies out there.
It is, as my friend says, 'a conglomeration of baloney'.
Good ideas start with a good premise as does this book, but the authors (yes, it took 3 of them) have compiled a book out of very simple ideas of integrity, humility, focus and all that jazz which allows individuals to become successful over the long run.
I guess it is a good book for the aspirational yuppies out there.
June 21, 2018
I'll put this in the "okay" category. A bit too much sentiment and not enough substance. At times it barely rises above the genre of inspirational or motivational writing. But there is a good amount of meat in here that certainly made it worth my time to read. I was hoping for something more like a Jim Collins book, it is a spin-off, a worthy one, but... you know.
March 24, 2021
I bought this book as an audiobook by mistake thinking it was the original "Built to Last" (kudos on the deceptive wording, you got me there).
I decided to listen to it anyway, but for the praise the original one got, this one falls miles short.
The authors basically just piggybacked on the first success, the audio version felt more like a pretty bad podcast going around in circles.
There are perhaps few nuggets of wisdom here and there, but very few. Only reason why I don't give 1 star instead.
I am planning on reading the original, and afterwards I'll probably feel even worse about this one.
Don't bother reading it/listening to it.
I decided to listen to it anyway, but for the praise the original one got, this one falls miles short.
The authors basically just piggybacked on the first success, the audio version felt more like a pretty bad podcast going around in circles.
There are perhaps few nuggets of wisdom here and there, but very few. Only reason why I don't give 1 star instead.
I am planning on reading the original, and afterwards I'll probably feel even worse about this one.
Don't bother reading it/listening to it.
May 24, 2020
A great compilation of successful people (who they refer to as builders) from all walks of life. The book, at times felt very intimate. Unfortunately these moments were too sparse from each other and weren’t enough to outweigh the overwhelmingly, uninspiring content.
The material they cover in the book felt very outdated, considering the fact that there are many books out there that are decades older than this and still felt very relevant today.
An OK read, but if you are looking for a book that gives you those exciting “aha” moments, this is not it.
The material they cover in the book felt very outdated, considering the fact that there are many books out there that are decades older than this and still felt very relevant today.
An OK read, but if you are looking for a book that gives you those exciting “aha” moments, this is not it.
February 12, 2020
I love how this book motivates me. Some of inspiring words that i can highlight from this book are
"Fear is a big motivator, but you'll find that love lasts longer."
"The only place where you find success before work is in the dictionary."
"You can still the lead a good life eventhough it wasnt easy life."
"Fear is a big motivator, but you'll find that love lasts longer."
"The only place where you find success before work is in the dictionary."
"You can still the lead a good life eventhough it wasnt easy life."
January 23, 2018
I really enjoyed the insights in this book.
December 23, 2018
brilliant book on the meaning of success.
May 12, 2020
They discovered that to define what success is, not as easy as it’s in general terms, Everyone has their on definition of success, and in this book, the success that they’re talking is beyond
May 13, 2021
I didn't find this book usually compelling. The book does include a lot of anecdotes from forward-thinking business people. But really nothing I haven't heard already
August 26, 2016
I think I bought the wrong book here. I was expecting "Success - Built to Last" to be about how you create an innovative, sustainable business – one that makes money while also having a meaningful social impact. Instead, I got what amounts to a self-help manual.
The central argument of this book is that we need to widen the definition of ‘Success’. So instead of ‘Success’ being defined through a narrow focus on money and power, the authors argue that true ‘Success’ is expressed through meaning, purpose and how you help those around you.
“Success – Built to Last” then sets out to substantiate its argument through presenting profiles of famous celebrities from the worlds of business and politics. This is where the problems with this book start. Many of the profiles are of figures (Warren Buffet, Richard Branson) we are by now over-familiar with, and so are unilluminating. It’s when “Success – Built to Last” tries to present people like Condoleezza Rice (architect of the Iraq war) as being representatives of “a life lived with purpose” that a reader starts to balk.
Even the advice in this book is not particularly original or insightful, and essentially amounts to "Follow your dreams. Do what you love. Work really hard. Fail, but learn from your mistakes". The authors also seem to have an irritating obsession with labelling anything they find remotely disagreeable as "political correctness".
“Success – Built to Last” feels like it is unfinished – or should never have been started in the first place – almost as if it is a project rushed out to cash in on an earlier publishing hit. It falls perilously between two stools: offering no huge insight into how success is really achieved in the modern business world, while offering only the most pallid of self-help aphorisms.
The central argument of this book is that we need to widen the definition of ‘Success’. So instead of ‘Success’ being defined through a narrow focus on money and power, the authors argue that true ‘Success’ is expressed through meaning, purpose and how you help those around you.
“Success – Built to Last” then sets out to substantiate its argument through presenting profiles of famous celebrities from the worlds of business and politics. This is where the problems with this book start. Many of the profiles are of figures (Warren Buffet, Richard Branson) we are by now over-familiar with, and so are unilluminating. It’s when “Success – Built to Last” tries to present people like Condoleezza Rice (architect of the Iraq war) as being representatives of “a life lived with purpose” that a reader starts to balk.
Even the advice in this book is not particularly original or insightful, and essentially amounts to "Follow your dreams. Do what you love. Work really hard. Fail, but learn from your mistakes". The authors also seem to have an irritating obsession with labelling anything they find remotely disagreeable as "political correctness".
“Success – Built to Last” feels like it is unfinished – or should never have been started in the first place – almost as if it is a project rushed out to cash in on an earlier publishing hit. It falls perilously between two stools: offering no huge insight into how success is really achieved in the modern business world, while offering only the most pallid of self-help aphorisms.
February 23, 2012
This is a very well researched book loaded with big name primary sources. While the collection of individuals interviewed is impressive (Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Richard Branson to name a few), I found it to read a little too much like a textbook – maybe because it was published by Wharton School Publishing. The charts, tables and appendixes at the end of the book are a nice addition, but feed the perception that this book is frequently assigned reading for a university student.
After interviewing hundreds of people with “enduring success,” (defined as having at least 20+ years of success) the authors look for the specific traits that each individual has that makes him or her successful. These individuals are referred to throughout the book as “Builders,” a term derived from “Clock Builders” - people who build things that last well beyond their lives, as discussed in the best seller “Built to Last” by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, that latter of whom co-authors this book.
In the end, the message is clear – to have enduring success and become a true builder, you need to love what you do. If you don’t, you’ll always be outworked and outhustled by those that see their work as an extension of themselves. While that’s an old adage, the interviews in this book certainly lend credence to it. For Builders with enduring success, happiness is found in personal, meaningful work.
After interviewing hundreds of people with “enduring success,” (defined as having at least 20+ years of success) the authors look for the specific traits that each individual has that makes him or her successful. These individuals are referred to throughout the book as “Builders,” a term derived from “Clock Builders” - people who build things that last well beyond their lives, as discussed in the best seller “Built to Last” by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, that latter of whom co-authors this book.
In the end, the message is clear – to have enduring success and become a true builder, you need to love what you do. If you don’t, you’ll always be outworked and outhustled by those that see their work as an extension of themselves. While that’s an old adage, the interviews in this book certainly lend credence to it. For Builders with enduring success, happiness is found in personal, meaningful work.
August 4, 2014
Desde Leader Summaries recomendamos la lectura del libro Éxito duradero, de Jerry Porras.
Las personas interesadas en las siguientes temáticas lo encontrarán práctico y útil: habilidades directivas, crecimiento personal y psicología positiva.
En el siguiente enlace tienes el resumen del libro Éxito duradero, Cómo construir una vida personal y profesional con sentido: Éxito duradero
Las personas interesadas en las siguientes temáticas lo encontrarán práctico y útil: habilidades directivas, crecimiento personal y psicología positiva.
En el siguiente enlace tienes el resumen del libro Éxito duradero, Cómo construir una vida personal y profesional con sentido: Éxito duradero
August 6, 2008
perhaps because of my experience in curriculum development, I am convinced that this book was written by some overworked young twenty something and that is why it is navel gazing mush. a patchwork of a little bit of everything, and mostly focused on/ beneficial towards people who don't know what to do with themselves. not that it isn't a well put-together book. good for ideas/ data / leads of people and companies to research.
May 3, 2009
So far this is interesting, not groundbreaking but offers a look into so many different people and what they have chosen to do as their passion. The authors try to interview a very diverse group of people that have done something "successful"; whether or not the reader sees this person as successful depends on your own values and particular views of what is meaningful in life. It is always interesting for me to hear people explain why they do what they do.
May 21, 2011
Reading for my Visionary Leadership class. It's very much an enjoyable read, and truly is making me think about what my passions are in life. I'm probably thinking deeper about its message since I'm reading it for an assignment, but I find I'm gleaning so much out of it about how I run my life and what makes me tick.
April 2, 2011
Superior in its insight to achieve the position you want in this world. filled with stories in a vivid writing style. Arabic Summary of this book can be got in this link
http://khm136.wordpress.com/2010/05/2...
http://khm136.wordpress.com/2010/05/2...
May 19, 2011
Really like the points offered in the book. Did not love the style. But I think the main points that you need to have purpose in your work and love it, and that it needs to serve others are right on the money. I thought the most interesting thought was about balance and alignment in your life.
May 13, 2015
This book is suppose to dig really deep into the meaning of success, but unfortunately, it remained surprisingly superficial throughout the whole book. Not a bad read, but a deception nonetheless. Like all motivation-related books, it was a little too cheesy and idealistic at times.
February 10, 2016
I really liked this book, especially since it was written with "Built to Last" in mind.
June 30, 2008
Was very disappointed.
December 30, 2007
One of the rare self-help books with something to say, based on real studies, not just spun out of someone's imagination.
January 30, 2008
Don't recall much at this point other than it was not bad. It was an audio book - will re-listen at some point.
May 30, 2008
A really good book especially the part about not needing charisma but how causes give people charisma. It also stresses passion in life rather than balance.
June 15, 2008
I actually didn't gain a lot from this book. Love your work. Align your work with what matters to you.
May 3, 2010
helps you define success before you achieve it.
June 1, 2012
This is a very good book. It is used in one of my professional development classes, and students like reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews