Three Feet from Gold

1. Find Your Passion and Talent: The Foundation of Success

"The Success Equation in Three Feet from Gold will show you how."

Discover your purpose. The first step towards success is identifying what you're passionate about and what you excel at. This combination forms the foundation of your personal Success Equation. To find your passion:

• List ten things that make your heart sing
• Identify activities that bring you fulfillment
• Reflect on times when you felt most alive

To recognize your talents:

• List ten things you're really good at
• Ask friends and family what they think you excel in
• Consider skills you've developed throughout your life

By combining your passion with your talent, you create a powerful synergy that can drive you towards success in any field.

2. Seek Wise Counsel, Not Just Opinions

"It's the difference between succeeding and not. The problem is almost everyone listens to other people's opinions rather than seeking out good counsel."

Differentiate between opinions and counsel. Opinions are often based on limited knowledge or personal biases, while counsel comes from wisdom and experience. To make better decisions:

• Seek advice from experts in the field you're interested in
• Look for mentors who have achieved what you aspire to
• Be open to constructive criticism from those who have your best interests at heart

Remember that while friends and family may offer well-meaning opinions, they might not have the expertise to guide you in your specific journey. Actively seek out those who can provide valuable insights based on their own experiences and successes.

3. Persevere Through Adversity: You're Three Feet from Gold

"Every adversity, every failure and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit."

Embrace challenges as opportunities. The story of R.U. Darby, who gave up on his gold mine just three feet from striking it rich, illustrates the importance of perseverance. When facing obstacles:

• Reframe setbacks as learning experiences
• Develop resilience by focusing on long-term goals
• Remember that success often comes after multiple failures

Many successful people faced numerous rejections and failures before achieving their goals. For example:

• Thomas Edison made thousands of unsuccessful attempts before inventing the light bulb
• J.K. Rowling was rejected by multiple publishers before Harry Potter was accepted
• Steve Jobs was fired from Apple before returning to lead it to unprecedented success

By persevering through adversity, you increase your chances of reaching your own "gold mine" of success.

4. Develop a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)

"People doubt their beliefs, but believe their doubts."

Cultivate optimism and self-belief. A Positive Mental Attitude is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success. To develop and maintain a PMA:

• Practice gratitude daily by listing things you're thankful for
• Surround yourself with positive, supportive people
• Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with affirmations

Successful individuals often attribute their achievements to maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. This mindset allows them to:

• See opportunities where others see problems
• Bounce back quickly from setbacks
• Inspire and motivate others around them

Remember that your attitude is a choice, and choosing positivity can significantly impact your journey to success.

5. Create Your Personal Success Equation

"((P + T) x A x A) + F = Your Success Equation"

Apply the formula to your life. The Success Equation combines Passion (P) and Talent (T), multiplied by Association (A) and Action (A), plus Faith (F). To implement this equation:

1. Identify your passion and talent (as discussed in Takeaway 1)
2. Choose the right associations:
   • List five successful people you know
   • Identify groups or organizations that align with your goals
   • Seek out mentors in your field of interest
3. Take consistent action:
   • Set specific, measurable goals
   • Create a daily action plan
   • Hold yourself accountable or find an accountability partner
4. Maintain faith in yourself and your journey:
   • Practice positive self-talk
   • Visualize your success
   • Celebrate small wins along the way

By consciously applying each element of the Success Equation, you increase your chances of achieving your goals and realizing your full potential.

6. Surround Yourself with the Right People

"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."

Choose your circle wisely. The people you associate with have a significant impact on your mindset, habits, and ultimately, your success. To elevate your associations:

• Evaluate your current social and professional circles
• Seek out individuals who inspire and challenge you
• Attend networking events and join professional organizations in your field

Successful people often credit their achievements to the support and influence of their inner circle. Consider creating a personal "board of directors" consisting of:

• Mentors who can offer guidance and wisdom
• Peers who share your ambitions and values
• Accountability partners who keep you on track

Remember that surrounding yourself with the right people doesn't mean abandoning old friends, but rather expanding your network to include those who can help you grow and succeed.

7. Take Action and Have Faith in Your Journey

"Act as if—and never believe in never."

Move forward with confidence. Success requires both action and faith. To put this principle into practice:

• Set clear, actionable goals
• Break larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks
• Take consistent daily steps towards your goals
• Maintain unwavering belief in your ability to succeed

Many successful individuals emphasize the importance of taking action, even when faced with uncertainty or fear. For example:

• Richard Branson started Virgin Airlines despite having no experience in the aviation industry
• Oprah Winfrey launched her own production company and network, taking a significant risk in her career

By combining action with faith, you create momentum and increase your chances of success. Remember that every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.

8. Learn from Failure and Keep Moving Forward

"Never let mistakes define who you are."

Embrace failure as a teacher. Successful people understand that failure is a natural part of the journey to success. To learn from failure:

• Analyze what went wrong without dwelling on it
• Identify lessons and insights from each setback
• Use failures as stepping stones to improve and grow

Many renowned achievers have faced significant failures before reaching success:

• Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper for "lacking imagination"
• Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team
• Albert Einstein was expelled from school and struggled to find academic work

By reframing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a personal deficiency, you can maintain motivation and continue progressing towards your goals.

9. Focus on Serving Others to Achieve Success

"This world would be a much greater place if more people redirected their attention from 'me' to 'we'—don't you think?"

Adopt a service mindset. Many successful individuals attribute their achievements to a focus on helping others. To incorporate this principle:

• Identify ways your skills and passions can benefit others
• Look for opportunities to add value in your personal and professional life
• Consider how your goals can have a positive impact on your community or industry

Examples of success through service:

• Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes, which donates a pair of shoes for every pair sold
• Muhammad Yunus created Grameen Bank to provide microloans to impoverished individuals

By shifting your focus from personal gain to serving others, you often find greater fulfillment and open doors to unexpected opportunities.

10. Embrace Change and Continuous Learning

"If you want something to change, then change the way you look at it."

Adapt and grow. In a rapidly changing world, success often comes to those who can adapt and continuously learn. To cultivate this mindset:

• Stay curious and open-minded
• Seek out new experiences and challenges
• Invest in your personal and professional development

Strategies for continuous learning:

• Read widely across various subjects
• Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences in your field
• Learn from both successes and failures of others
• Embrace technology and stay updated on industry trends

Remember that the most successful individuals are often those who view change as an opportunity rather than a threat. By committing to lifelong learning and adaptability, you position yourself for long-term success in any endeavor.

Last updated: March 30, 2025