Yo, I’m typing this in my cramped Brooklyn apartment, the radiator clanking like it’s tryna start a band, and I’m thinking about how to be successful while sipping coffee that’s honestly kinda cold. Success, man, it’s like chasing a subway train that’s already pulling away—exhilarating, but you’re probably gonna trip. I’m no Tony Robbins, just a dude who’s fumbled enough to have some thoughts. My desk’s a disaster—sticky notes, a half-eaten bagel, and a pen that doesn’t work—and I’m spilling my guts here, mistakes and all, about winning at life. Here’s my 10 rules, raw and real, with some typos and fumbles ‘cause, like, I’m human.
Why Success Ain’t a Straight Line
How to be successful isn’t some clean checklist you download off X and nail in a weekend. I used to think it was all about grinding till you drop. Tried that in my 20s, working for a startup that crashed harder than my old laptop. My apartment back then smelled like burnt coffee and regret, with papers everywhere and me yelling at my cat for knocking over my Red Bull. Lesson? Success is figuring out what you want, not what some influencer’s selling.
- Tip: Grab a napkin (mine’s got ketchup stains) and scribble what success means to you. Mine’s like, paying rent and still having time to watch trashy reality TV.
Rule #1: Mess Up, Then Own It
If you wanna know how to be successful, you’re gonna screw up. A lot. In 2022, I tanked a big work pitch ‘cause I was so nervous I called my boss “Mom” mid-meeting. Yeah, mortifying. Face redder than the pizza sauce I spilled on my shirt later. But I laughed it off, fixed my slides, and kept going. This Harvard Business Review piece says perfectionism’s a trap—mistakes are how you grow.
- Admit when you’re wrong.
- Fix what you can.
- Don’t dwell—seriously, it’s a vibe killer.
Rule #2: Quit Scrolling X for “Inspiration”
Social media’s a total mind-screw. I used to doomscroll X, feeling like trash ‘cause some rando was flexing their “perfect life” while I was eating ramen in sweatpants. Winning at life means ditching the comparison game. Last month, I unfollowed a bunch of accounts that made me feel like a loser. Now my feed’s just memes and pizza reviews. Feels good. Psychology Today has a dope article on how comparison messes you up.
Rule #3: Find Your Ride-or-Die Crew
How to be successful? Get you some weirdos who got your back. My buddy Jake’s a nut—wears flip-flops in winter, talks about Bigfoot like it’s his cousin—but he’s my guy. Last year, I was ready to ditch my job, and he dragged me to a greasy spoon diner, bought me fries, and told me to chill. Find your Jake, even if they’re odd.
- Text someone you vibe with today.
- Ditch the toxic folks. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Rule #4: Do Scary Stuff (But Not, Like, Too Scary)
Success comes from tiny, terrifying steps. I started a blog once (it was about artisanal pickles, don’t ask) and was legit shaking when I hit “publish.” Thought everyone in Brooklyn would roast me. Nobody cared, but it led to some freelance gigs. Tim Ferriss’s TED Talk is clutch for facing fears.
Rule #5: Rest Ain’t Lazy, It’s Power
I used to think sleep was for suckers. Then I burned out so bad I forgot how to spell my own name (true story). Now I protect my naps like they’re gold. Last weekend, I slept till 1 p.m., woke up to the smell of my neighbor’s tacos, and felt like a king. Winning at life needs rest. Sleep Foundation says sleep’s a brain booster.
Rule #6: Say No and Mean It
I’m a reformed yes-man. Used to say yes to everything—extra work, sketchy favors, even helping my landlord fix his sink (I’m not a plumber!). Saying no changed my life. Last week, I skipped a “networking thing” (aka loud bar, bad vibes) and worked on my own stuff. Felt like how to be successful 101.
Rule #7: Money’s Cool, But It Ain’t Everything
Look, I’m in NYC—rent’s a horror show. But chasing cash over joy? Big mistake. Took a soul-sucking job once, made bank, hated life. Now I pick gigs that don’t make me wanna scream. Success is freedom, not just dollars.
Rule #8: Learn Random Stuff
I’m no brainiac, but I love learning. Took a free coding class last year and built a website that looks like it’s from 2005. Still proud. Winning at life means staying curious, even if you’re bad at it. Coursera has free classes if you’re broke like me.
Rule #9: Celebrate the Tiny Wins
Big wins are dope, but small ones keep you sane. I bought a cheap lamp last week and felt like I’d won the lottery. Plugged it in, danced to some lo-fi in my kitchen, and called it success. Write down your small wins—it’s corny but it works.
Rule #10: Be Kind, Even When You’re Cranky
Kindness is a flex. I snapped at a bodega cashier once ‘cause I was hangry—still feel like a jerk. Being kind, even to yourself, pays off. It’s not just how to be successful; it’s about not being a tool.
Wrapping This Up (Like a Half-Eaten Taco)
So, that’s my messy take on how to be successful. I’m just a guy in Brooklyn, dodging roaches and chasing dreams, one fumble at a time. What’s your success look like? Hit me up on X, leave a comment, or go eat some tacos. You got this.
