10 lessons about success we can all learn from

A BBC article once shared 10 top tips from a range of successful people on what had helped them achieve success. Here are some reflections on how those ideas can be applied to our own aspirations.

Tip 1

“Develop a thick skin and just keep going.” – Tony Gilroy, Screenwriter

There is probably no such thing as a successful person who hasn't experienced setbacks, disappointments or rejection along the way.

For most of us, rejection can be incredibly difficult to deal with. It challenges our confidence, our sense of self-worth and sometimes even our reason for doing what we're doing. It's easy to feel tempted to give up.

The important thing is to stay focused on your goal and continue taking the steps needed to achieve it – including navigating the inevitable potholes along the way. And if one route isn't working, have the flexibility to try another.

Tip 2

 “Use your own life as material.” – P.D. James, Crime Writer

Whatever you hope to succeed in, life experience is a precious thing.

Forget the negative assumptions that are sometimes attached to age. Whatever stage of life you're at, your experiences have helped shape who you are today.

Drawing on those experiences thoughtfully can give you valuable insight, perspective and wisdom. Use them well, and they can become one of your greatest strengths.

Tip 3

 “You’ve got to be able to get on with people, and you’ve got to be interested in them.” – Jason Bell, Photographer

Unless your route to success involves living in complete isolation, this has to be one of the most valuable pieces of advice.

The ability to build rapport with the people around you plays a significant part in almost every successful relationship, whether at work or in life.

Rapport doesn't mean becoming close friends with everyone you meet. It simply means creating an atmosphere of mutual respect, curiosity and understanding.

Tip 4

“Don’t set out to do something you’re not absolutely passionate about!” – Emma Bridgewater, Ceramics Designer

It's surprising how many people spend years trying to succeed in something they simply don't care that much about.

Equally, many people make significant changes to their careers because they're driven by something they genuinely care about.

If you want to be successful, ask yourself how passionate you are about what you do. Passion won't remove the challenges, but it can provide the motivation, resilience and determination to keep going when those challenges inevitably appear.

Tip 5

“Make little excursions outside your comfort zone.” – Esa-Pekka Salonen, Conductor

As difficult as it can sometimes feel, stretching your comfort zone is often where growth begins.

Many people have ideas they'd love to pursue but never take the first step because they're worried about the unknown.

Yet staying where we feel comfortable can sometimes leave us feeling stuck.

Start by taking small steps outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised by the opportunities that begin to appear.

Tip 6

“You have to be a friendly person…” – Sophie Bevan, Opera Singer

Building positive relationships matters.

In many workplaces, people can feel reluctant to speak up or put themselves forward. Being approachable, respectful and willing to work well with others helps build trust and opens doors.

At the same time, it's important to maintain healthy boundaries. Be prepared to help and collaborate, but not at the expense of your own wellbeing or values.

Tip 7

“Books aren’t burgers…they shouldn’t be rushed.” – Nick Spalding, Author

We live in a world where we're often encouraged to expect immediate results.

Real success, however, rarely happens overnight.

More often, it's built over time through patience, perseverance, learning from mistakes and continuing to improve, even when progress feels slow.

Tip 8

“When you go through disastrous times, you really draw on your inner strength.” – Lauren Cuthbertson, Principal Ballerina

Most of us will experience difficult periods at some point in our lives.

Major changes, both personal and professional, can feel unsettling and overwhelming.

Yet these moments can also reveal strengths and resilience we never realised we had.

Tip 9

“Marry someone understanding.” – Willemijn Verkaik, Star of Wicked

Whether you're married, single or somewhere in between isn't really the point.

What matters is surrounding yourself with people who encourage, support and believe in you.

Having people who celebrate your successes and help you through the difficult times can make an enormous difference.

Equally, if there are people who consistently undermine your confidence or ambitions, it may help to think carefully about how much influence you allow them to have.

Tip 10

“Learn to switch off.” – Trish Halpin, Magazine Editor

However committed you are to your work, don't become chained to it.

Taking regular time away from work isn't a distraction from success; it's part of sustaining it.

Stepping back gives you the opportunity to recharge, gain perspective and return with renewed energy and focus.

Success isn't simply about working harder. It's also about knowing when to pause, reflect and look after yourself.