The Wall Street Journal asked six nationally known figures to share their opinions on the secret of success. Here’s what T. Boone Pickens had to say:
“Being born in Holdenville, Oklahoma, I didn’t have a lot to compare to as far as success was concerned. There was pressure from my family to be successful, but there was no design to it other than to work hard. And everything will come together if you do. I had a paper route when I was 12, and I always had money. I liked that feeling. Everything’s been relatively simple for me throughout my life. I saw what happened when you did work—you got results. Now I’ve given away a billion dollars, and I can’t remember a time when I’ve wanted something I couldn’t have. The work ethic that was instilled in me I still have now. I’m 86, and I’m at the office every day before 8 a.m. I can’t imagine retiring. I’m busy. I work out with a trainer every morning. People ask him, ‘What’s your job?’ He says, ‘Keeping Mr. Pickens alive.’ ”
For more insights on success, read this engaging article in The Wall Street Journal.