The path to success is never a straight line. It’s winding, tough, and full of challenges. However, the experiences and advice of those who have scaled these heights can serve as a guiding light for us. In this article, we bring you 12 invaluable tips from 12 globally successful individuals, which could unlock the doors to success in your life too. From tech pioneers to business geniuses, this list includes names like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Jack Ma, and Sheryl Sandberg. In this first part, we’ll cover six tips. Let’s dive into the secrets of their success.

Does Everyone Truly Want Success?

Success is a dream many chase. But honestly, not everyone is ready to turn that dream into reality. Many say, “I want to succeed,” yet they don’t even know in which field they seek success. Others dream big but lack the effort or inspiration to make it happen. Every New Year, we make resolutions—promising to start afresh, to transform our lives. A week or two later, everything slips back to normal. This is where successful people stand apart. They don’t just make promises; they hold onto their motivation for a lifetime. So, how do they do it? That’s what this article aims to uncover.

1. No Matter What, Don’t Stop – Elon Musk

Elon Musk, an icon in the tech world, is a living inspiration. Behind Tesla, SpaceX, and PayPal lies his unbreakable willpower. But the road to this pinnacle wasn’t easy. Think back to 2008—a tough year for Musk. SpaceX’s Falcon 1 rocket project nearly shut down due to funding issues. Tesla was on the brink of bankruptcy. Personally, he was navigating a divorce that cost him a huge chunk of his wealth. He even had to borrow money for daily expenses.

Most would have given up. But Musk is different. He says, “No matter the obstacles, I won’t stop.” He poured his last resources into saving his companies. That resilience made him one of the world’s most influential figures today. His advice? When everything goes against you, don’t give up. This mental strength will carry you to your goals.

2. Respect Your Hard Work – Mellody Hobson

Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments, is a story of struggle to success. Raised in poverty, she says, “I knew I could outwork everyone.” She didn’t chase money; her love for work drove her forward. “People say I overwork. To me, it’s just finishing what I start,” she explains.

Her tough childhood taught her discipline. From studying at Princeton University to leading Ariel, her journey is a testament to hard work. Today, she helps women and minorities succeed. Her tip? Love your work and respect your effort, not just the outcome. Success will follow naturally.

3. Inspire Others – Sheryl Sandberg

Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg, believes helping others is key to your own success. She says, “By encouraging others, I inspire myself.” In her book Lean In, she shares her story while advocating for collective support. Its updated edition shifts focus from personal to collective success.

The lesson from Sheryl? When you guide others, you find solutions to your own challenges. Want success like hers? Lift others as you rise—it strengthens your foundation.

4. Turn Obstacles into Opportunities – Jack Ma

Who hasn’t heard of Alibaba Group? Its founder, Jack Ma, rose from a poor Chinese family to become one of the world’s richest, with a net worth of about $42 billion. He says, “Opportunities hide within problems.” His life proves it.

In 1972, he guided American tourists, learning English instead of earning cash. After briefly teaching, he started a translation business. In 1995, a trip to the U.S. sparked the idea for Alibaba when he noticed no Chinese products online. His advice? Don’t fear problems—seek opportunities within them. That’s your ticket to success.

5. Recharge Yourself Weekly – Bill Gates

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, arguably the world’s most successful person, suggests rekindling your motivation weekly. For him, books are the source. He reads about 50 books a year, many inspirational.

“Set aside time each week to boost your confidence,” he advises. It could be books, motivational videos, meditation, or a hobby. This habit keeps you energized—a must for success.

6. Ask Yourself What Matters Most – Mark Zuckerberg

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg says, “I ask myself daily: Am I doing what’s most important to me?” This question keeps him on track. At 12, he built a messaging system for his dentist father. In high school, he turned down lucrative offers from Microsoft and AOL to pursue Harvard, where he launched Facebook.

His advice? Ask yourself what’s truly valuable to you. The answer will lead you to success, just as it did for him.

Closing Thoughts

These six tips teach us that success isn’t just talent or luck. It’s about resilience, effort, inspiration, and perspective. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll share the remaining six tips. Until then, reflect—which of these can you apply to your life?