Stewart Hsu

What do Warren Buffett, Bob Proctor, and Paul Potts have in common? ‘Who the heck is Bob Proctor and Paul Potts?’ some of you might be wondering. Well to answer the first question, all 3 of them are applying the secret to success.

Most of you know Warren Buffett is the second richest person in the world (Forbes 2007). Bob Proctor is one of the world’s leading authorities on personal development (more on him below). And Paul Potts is… well, you’ve got to watch this video:

I still get chills watching this video, and I’ve seen it more than a few times now.

Paul Potts went from being a mobile phone salesman in the U.K. to being on British TV (June 2007) and then releasing an album and hitting the number one spot on the UK Charts (July 2007). How did he achieve so much success so quickly?

The “secret” is passion. Now, I realize this might sound cliche, but from all perspectives I’ve been able to observe in my brief life so far, I am convinced this is one of life’s truths. It’s loving what you do. Couldn’t you literally feel Paul’s passion for music while watching that video? Can you imagine what it might feel like to hear him live in person? His success wasn’t dependent on where he came from, what his upbringing was or what he looks like, it’s all coming from his heart and through his voice — his passion abounds.

Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett gave a commencement address, including a Q&A session, for the graduating MBA class at the University of Florida (2007 I believe). If there’s one class act guy we could all learn from, it’s Buffett. He shares a lot of wisdom, and I encourage you to watch all the videos on you tube, but one idea stood out for me. His advice to this graduating MBA class, is to take the job you would take even if you were independently wealthy. Interesting thought. In other words, do something you really enjoy, do something you can be passionate about.

“If you think you’re going to be a lot happier taking 2x [the salary] instead of x, you’re probably making a mistake.”
-Warren Buffett

In a Charlie Rose interview (also on youtube), you can see and hear the joy Warren Buffett has always had for his work… ‘he tap dances to work’ every morning, he can’t wait to get there. He’s passionate about what he does on a daily basis. Have you found your something you can’t wait to do each day? Take the time to ponder this question and to seek out the thing or activity you are meant to do. It may take you weeks or months to find what you are passionate about — but ask anyone who’s achieved it and I can guarantee you they’ll tell you it was worth the effort. (If it’s taking you more than a few months after some serious searching, contact me and I’m sure I can share with you a few more ideas that will help.)

Bob Proctor

Bob Proctor is one of the most amazing individuals I have ever seen and met. He’s featured in the movie The Secret (released Oct 2006), and I highly recommend you go out and watch this movie (preferably the original version). Bob is over 70 years of age now and is still extremely active in living his life’s mission which is in helping people realize their full potential in all facets of life. He’s worked for and studied with Earl Nightingale and Vic Conant for a number of years. Nightingale-Conant is one of the largest producers and publishers of self-development programs in the world. Anyway, when you hear him speak or read his material, you’ll be changed forever. He has a talent for deconstructing “how life works” with such clarity and scientific precision you cannot help but grow and expand your own awareness.

I recently read a brief (9 pages), but high impact, article Bob wrote on “Purpose Vision Goals.” I’m including the full article below as I believe it’s that valuable. In this article he breaks down why passion is the secret to success. There is a Law of Attraction (or Vibration) which everything boils down to — the same law that is mentioned or alluded to in the classic Think and Grow Rich. It’s somewhat serendipitous, but as I write this, every thing I see out there is all pointing to the same thing. It’s quite exciting.

It All Comes Together

Let me explain. A little bit about me. I recognize everyone’s got a different style. Some people hear an idea, like it and adopt it whole-heartedly from the get-go. Me, I’m wired to be a bit more skeptical or cautious. I’m always open to new ideas but I like to let them mature. I like to triangulate on an idea to see if it can really stand on its own. I like to ask around, read from multiple sources, and then test it out myself before I fully adopt an idea.

The concepts of 1) passion as the key to success and 2) the Law of Attraction are examples of relatively new ideas (within the last year), that I’ve been “testing”. I will write a post with my thoughts on the Law of Attraction as that’s definitely worthwhile to consider, but for now — based on my own personal experience, talking with other people, and now seeing how a mobile phone salesman, a personal development trainer and the world’s second richest person all saying basically the same thing. This is truth.

It’s worth restating: The key to success is passion.

If you love real estate investing, you will be successful. I have no doubt. If you don’t love it, you may still achieve some success in this area, but my advice would be to invest the time in yourself to find out what it is that you do love. If you’re not sure, try it out for awhile and check-in with your feelings from time to time. If it “feels right” and resonates with you, keep going with it. If it doesn’t feel right, do something that does. Also, know that in one’s lifetime it’s very likely what you are passionate will change as you grow. Just keep in tune with yourself and follow your passion(s).

To your success!

Bob Proctor’s Purpose Vision Goals