Why was Rockefeller So Successful?
At one point, John D Rockefeller’s wealth was estimated at 2% of the US economy. That’s like $500 billion in today’s money!
What made him so successful? The following quote attributed to the man gives us a hint:
“If you want to succeed, you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success”
This tells us that Rockefeller was a risk-taker. He was willing to pursue paths others overlooked. Such mentality is the reason he went into the nascent oil business. While others saw untested waters, Rockefeller saw potential.
The untested waters of our time include EVs, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, lab-grown meat, alternative energy… The list is endless. The question is what are you doing about it? Like Rockefeller, I want you to develop a strategic vision for the future. Take risks and emulate his behavior.
To help you out, I have mapped out some of the other reasons why he was so successful.
Resiliency
One of the key secrets to Rockefeller’s success was his resilience. Born into modest beginnings, he faced numerous setbacks but he never allowed them to deter his vision. You will face challenges in your journey, but like Rockefeller, do not give up.
Have a strategic vision
Rockefeller wasn’t just an oil baron. He was also a smart businessman who managed to create a business model that controlled the mining, distribution, and refining of oil. His big focus was efficiency. In his own words, “The secret of success is to do the common thing uncommonly well”
The challenge for you is to be good at something. So good that you obliterate the competition.
Collaborate with others
Success is not something you want to do alone. Find people who share your vision and work with them. Share insights and explore potential. Rockefeller worked with all manner of people to get what he wanted. From politicians, scientists to Baptist ministers, everyone was part of his team as long as they shared a common goal.
Give back to the community
Rockefeller was big on philanthropy. A lot of his impact comes from his many philanthropic deeds. They form part of his enduring legacy. If you care to be remembered, be like Rockefeller and align your goals with the welfare of others.
Those are just four of Rockfeller’s known success secrets. There are more. I suggest you read John D. Rockefeller on Making Money: Advice and Words of Wisdom on Building and Sharing Wealth. It is a wonderful book on one of America’s most influential businessmen and philanthropists.
Rockefeller Affirmations
Finally, I want to share with you something that Rockefeller would have said to himself every morning before starting work. But there is a twist; you get to utter the words.
- Like Rockefeller, I choose to take risks in my entrepreneurial journey, recognizing that success often comes from stepping outside my comfort zone
- Like Rockefeller, I commit to nurturing meaningful relationships, because collaboration and genuine connections are essential elements of success
- Like Rockefeller, I will persevere in the face of adversity, understanding that setbacks are not roadblocks but rather stepping stones toward my goals
- Like Rockefeller, I will maintain a long-term vision for success, recognizing that enduring achievements require patience, dedication, and strategic planning
- Like Rockefeller, I will cultivate a positive mindset, turning challenges into opportunities and setbacks into lessons that propel me forward.
