How I Found Success by Following 3 Simple Rules

How I Found Success by Following 3 Simple Rules - Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Success is often painted as a mysterious formula, a secret recipe that only a few seem to know. But after years of coaching, mentoring, and simply observing people from all walks of life—close friends, distant contacts, and everyone in between—I’ve realized that the real keys are much simpler than we think. Here are the three principles that have made the biggest difference for me, and that I see again and again in the stories of those who truly move forward.

1. Stay Open to Opportunities

The first key is to always keep your mind open to new opportunities. Even if something looks like a bad deal at first, being alert and willing to consider new proposals can completely change your path. Too often, we close doors because we think we know better, or we judge too quickly. We tell ourselves, “That’s not for me,” or “I don’t want to waste my time.” But sometimes, the very thing we dismiss could have been the shortcut to growth, recognition, or even wealth.

Being open doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. It means being willing to listen, to talk to people, and to see what’s really on offer before making a decision. You never know which conversation or chance encounter might lead to something big.

It’s not about luck. It’s about being ready when luck knocks on your door.

2. Trust That Everything Happens for a Reason

The second key is to believe that things work out as they should. If someone rejects your idea, if you don’t get the job, if your visa application is denied, or if a relationship ends—tell yourself that it was meant to be this way. Don’t let failure or disappointment feed your mind with negativity. Instead, see it as a sign that the future has something else in store for you.

How I Found Success by Following 3 Simple Rules - Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Of course, this isn’t always easy. It takes resilience and a bit of self-reflection. Sometimes, you need to admit your own part in what happened. But the important thing is to keep moving forward, not to dwell on what went wrong. The next chapter is waiting.

Resilience is forged in the fire of setbacks, not in the comfort of success.

3. Value Your Time Above All

The third key is to manage your time well. We hear this all the time, but it’s true: time is our most precious resource. Once you understand this, you start to see things differently. I always think about the 80/20 rule—what’s the one thing I can do that will give me 80% of the results, instead of spending 80% of my time for only 20% of the outcome?

For example, when learning a new language, I focus on the 20% of words that will let me communicate with 80% of people. The same goes for work: set strict deadlines for yourself. If you give yourself five hours to write an essay, you’ll use all five. But if you only have one hour, you’ll get it done in one. This is the principle behind Parkinson’s Law—work expands to fill the time you give it.

Remember, discipline is freedom. The more you respect your own time, the more you’ll get out of every day.

Discipline equals freedom.

— Jocko Willink

Key Takeaways

How I Found Success by Following 3 Simple Rules - Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

• Stay open to new opportunities, even if they seem unimportant at first.
• Trust that setbacks are part of the journey and move on quickly.
• Manage your time carefully—focus on what really matters and set clear deadlines.

Action Steps

• Next time an opportunity comes your way, give it a real look before deciding.
• When something doesn’t go your way, remind yourself it’s for the best and keep moving.
• Try applying the 80/20 rule to your next project or learning goal.

Reflection

What doors have you closed too quickly? How can you turn your next setback into a step forward? Are you really valuing your time, or letting it slip away?