Lessons from Interviewing 80 Successful People
— January 6, 2015Over a year of podcasting, I had the privilege of speaking to around 80 fascinating individuals. My only criterion for inviting guests was curiosity about their lives. These weren’t strictly entrepreneurs or traditional success stories. They were people who intrigued me—entrepreneurs, comedians, artists, astronauts, writers, and even a country’s largest beer brewer. This diversity of perspectives taught me invaluable lessons about life, work, and personal growth.
Below, I’ve detailed the insights they shared. Each lesson is drawn from repeated themes across multiple conversations, emphasizing the shared truths of their experiences.
Key Takeaways from Interviews with 80 Successful People
A Life is Measured in Decades
Many people chase instant happiness, wealth, or success, believing they can fill an inner void overnight. This urgency, what I call “the disease,” leads to frustration. However, a fulfilling life unfolds gradually, much like a bonfire that begins with a spark and grows steadily into a warm, enduring flame. Success takes time, and its beauty lies in its gradual unfolding.
Yet, this long-term perspective doesn’t discount the importance of today. Success in decades comes from consistently focusing on the present. Daily habits—working on physical health, building meaningful relationships, fostering creativity, and practicing gratitude—are the foundation for long-term achievements. Those who ignored these basics often faced burnout, illness, or dissatisfaction, only to realize they needed to change their approach.
Reinvention Matters More Than Focus
Contrary to popular advice, focus isn’t always the key. What truly matters is the ability to “push.” Pushing means waking up every day and moving forward, even through challenges and uncertainty. For many, this involves embracing reinvention, switching careers, or pursuing new passions. Most of my guests did not follow linear paths. Instead, they evolved, adapting to new opportunities and personal growth.
The power of reinvention can be seen in industries such as web app development and mobile application development sector. Just as professionals adapt their skills to meet changing demands, individuals must adapt to life’s shifting circumstances. Life’s compounding effect—where small, consistent efforts multiply over time—is far more potent than any singular focus.
Giving Without Expectations
Among my guests, none advocated for setting rigid personal goals. Instead, they focused on solving problems that impacted others. Their success stemmed from their generosity, their willingness to contribute without calculating what they might gain in return. Over time, this mindset brought rewards in unexpected ways. Giving, whether through ideas, time, or support, creates networks of trust and collaboration that amplify success.
Overcoming Failure vs. Solving Problems
Failure is inevitable, but it’s not the defining factor of success. What matters is how one views and addresses challenges. For example, Thomas Edison’s persistence in experimenting with the light bulb demonstrates the power of curiosity and determination. His failures were stepping stones to innovation.
Similarly, people like Dan Ariely turned personal hardships into groundbreaking work, such as his research on the psychology of pain. Tony Robbins rebuilt his life after personal losses by helping others. These stories reveal that success lies in embracing challenges, viewing setbacks as experiments, and finding solutions to meaningful problems.
Connecting the Dots
Creativity, success, and love come from connecting the dots of life experiences. Personal struggles, knowledge, passions, and relationships are all dots waiting to be linked. The act of connecting these dots creates something meaningful—a legacy that extends beyond oneself. Sharing these connections with others amplifies their impact and cements their place in the world.
Relationships Drive Success
None of the successful individuals I spoke to achieved greatness through ideas alone. Their accomplishments stemmed from the relationships they built. Networks of friends, colleagues, and mentors played crucial roles in their journeys. These relationships took time to nurture and often began with simple acts of kindness or collaboration.
For instance, Biz Markie’s support of a young Jay-Z or the successes of Peter Thiel’s ex-employees demonstrate the exponential impact of strong networks. Marcus Lemonis, who helps businesses thrive on The Profit, emphasizes repairing relationships with partners and customers rather than just fixing financial issues. Success flourishes in environments of trust and mutual support.
Effort Matters More Than Outcomes
Success is unpredictable. My guests often emphasized that their breakthroughs came when they focused on giving their best effort rather than chasing specific outcomes. Hugh Howey, for example, wrote ten novels with no expectation of widespread success before publishing Wool, which became a bestseller. Clayton Anderson applied to NASA for 15 consecutive years before finally becoming an astronaut. Coolio wrote lyrics daily for 17 years before achieving fame.
These stories highlight the importance of persistence and dedication, even when success seems uncertain. By consistently doing their best, these individuals positioned themselves for eventual breakthroughs.
Universal Principles Apply to All
Philosophies that guide successful lives often transcend circumstances. Ryan Holiday shared how both the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and the enslaved philosopher Epictetus embraced stoicism, focusing on knowledge, fairness, and daily improvement. My guests came from diverse backgrounds, but their shared values—resilience, curiosity, and generosity—united them.
Finding the Right Path
Success often involves trial and error. Many of my guests explored multiple careers before finding the right fit. Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, experimented with around 20 careers before settling into cartooning. Judy Joo transitioned from Wall Street to culinary school, eventually becoming an “Iron Chef” on television. These stories illustrate the importance of personal freedom and the courage to break away from societal expectations.
Small Interactions Build Extraordinary Careers
Long-term success isn’t about dramatic leaps but rather the accumulation of small, positive interactions. Simple acts of kindness, gratitude, and connection build the relationships and reputation that form the foundation of success. One guest suggested writing daily thank-you letters to people from your past—a small gesture that strengthens bonds and opens new opportunities.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of oneself is essential for sustained success. Kamal Ravikant overcame personal struggles by practicing self-love. Charlie Hoehn alleviated his anxiety through play. These examples emphasize the importance of laughter, joy, and mental health. Without self-care, it’s impossible to fully engage with the opportunities life offers.
Passion and Success Intersect
While some pursue success for external rewards, many of my guests found that their passions naturally led to success. Mark Cuban, for instance, turned his love of technology and basketball into thriving ventures, from software companies to owning an NBA team. Pursuing what you love often creates the conditions for success to flourish.
Age is No Barrier
The guests I interviewed ranged in age from 20 to 75, demonstrating that success is not limited by age. Dick Yuengling, at 75, continues to lead a major brewery. These stories prove that meaningful contributions and personal growth can happen at any stage of life.
The Personal Journey
Finally, my year of podcasting taught me about persistence, rejection, and the value of curiosity. Most of the people I invited initially declined, forcing me to confront rejection and refine my approach. The process required extensive preparation and learning, but it was deeply rewarding.
Podcasting became more than just interviews—it was a way to connect with heroes, explore ideas, and grow personally. Despite the challenges, I discovered the joy of reaching out, listening, and sharing stories. It’s a journey I’ll likely continue, learning as I go.
The lessons from these conversations are universal, applicable to anyone striving for growth, connection, and fulfillment. These insights offer a blueprint for success rooted in resilience, curiosity, and generosity.
Source: james altucher