Thoughts of the Week: May 23, 2025

The must-have trait of all empire-builders

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Luck can get you started. Talent can get you far. But grit? Grit will build empires.

Grit keeps you going when things fall through, when a deal doesn’t go according to plan, when the results aren’t quite what they ought to be. It’s not sexy, it’s difficult—but it’s the edge you need for success. It’s waking up on Friday, giving your all, and finishing what you started…even if no one is watching.

The ultra successful have grit, and it’s what got them to the top. They refused to stop, no matter what. Regardless of what was thrown their way, they gritted their teeth and bore it. They adjusted. They learned. They kept going.

This week didn’t go your way? You’ve still got Today.
Things are taking longer than planned? That’s fine. You’ve still got time.

Keep moving no matter what. Play the long game. Grit will always pay off.

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1. If you want it all, you have to go all-in.

2. An incredible insight from Oprah: Who you surround yourself with matters.

3. If you want to do something, don’t read about doing it, *do it*

4. The Biggest Bluff: How I Learned to Pay Attention, Master Myself, and Win chronicles the lessons Maria Konnikova learned about human nature and herself.

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