It’s just how it is. The higher you rise, the more people need you. The more people need you, the more they tell you what you want to hear rather than the hard truth. If you’re a leader, you’ll be surrounded by liars. So beware.

Not often, but sometimes. But they only happen to people that are still in the game. So stay in the game. Miracles do happen.

You might find enemies along the way. A competitor that irks you. And that competitor may have followers. And they irk you too. Just remember: Followers follow. Once you’ve dealt with your competitor, her followers will turn to you. Your former competitors will follow you. Followers follow.

Words are all good and well. But if you want people to listen, put your money on the table. Money talks.

If you’re in, be all in. Otherwise, be out. Anything in between lowers your odds of success and wastes time. Don’t mess around.

Don’t give up.

Sometimes you’re deep in the vortex. Under attack, under fire. When your phone rings, it’s never good news. When your email pings, it’s never good news. It’s tempting to ignore your phone. To ignore your email. Pretend nothing is happening. Don’t do that. The only way through Hell is to keep moving. Take the call.

It keeps you alive. It helps you survive. It forces you to anticipate. Don’t run away from fear. Fear is useful. Just so long as it doesn’t overwhelm you.

What does it achieve? So you’re having a bad day. So things are going against you. So the world is unfair. So what? Complaining doesn’t change the world. It just delays you dealing with reality. There’s no use in complaining. So don’t.

Most times, competition requires action. You can’t just sit on your ass and watch from the sidelines. You must be on the field giving as good as you get. But sometimes, your competitor is his own worst enemy. It could be desperation, it could be ego, it could be just plain low IQ, but your…

If the answer is Yes, there’s bad news. You might have money today, but your opportunities will be limited. People don’t like people that screw people. So the best opportunities will steer clear of you. Then your only option is to plough into new geographies where no one knows you. Eventually you run out of…

Just because a lion lets you pet it doesn’t mean its tame. One day it might decide to bite your arm off. Some people are wild animals. Beware wild animals.