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- What really "Sets Apart" the Mark Zuckerbergs and Elon Musks of the world from the rest of us?
What really "Sets Apart" the Mark Zuckerbergs and Elon Musks of the world from the rest of us?
The 'secret sauce' of Silicon Valley's elite? It's not what you think. That surprise. Let's explore the unexpected...
Hoyin Cheung
July 08, 2024
Hey Ambitious Achievers,
Picture this: It’s 5 AM, and the city is still asleep. Meanwhile, in a quiet office, the soft glow of a laptop illuminates the determined face of a CEO. This scene might sound familiar because it’s one I’ve lived through countless times as a founder.
What sets successful leaders apart isn’t just their impressive bank accounts or prestigious titles - it’s the surprising, often unseen habits that fuel their billion-dollar empires.
Today, I want to share with you some of these secrets that I've discovered on my journey.
These insights might just change the way you think about success forever.
The Zen Master's Timeout
In our always-connected world, you might think that successful CEOs are glued to their phones 24/7. But here's a shocker: many of them swear by the power of unplugging.
Take Elon Musk, for example. Despite running multiple companies and being a prolific tweeter, he's known to take regular "digital detoxes" to recharge his brain. It's like hitting the reset button on your mind, allowing fresh ideas to bubble up.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I can't just disappear for days at a time!" Don't worry, you don't have to. Start small. Try setting aside 30 minutes each day as a "no-screen zone." Use this time to take a walk, meditate, or just sit and think.
Pro tip: Put your phone in another room during your unplugged time. Out of sight, out of mind!
The Toddler's Superpower
Remember when you were a kid and you asked "Why?" about everything? Well, it turns out that habit isn't just cute – it's a secret weapon of many successful CEOs.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is famous for his curiosity. He's constantly asking questions, challenging assumptions, and looking at problems from new angles. This curiosity is what helped Amazon grow from an online bookstore to the "everything store" we know today.
Here's a fun exercise: Pick a process in your business or daily life that you take for granted. Now, ask "Why?" five times in a row about different aspects of it. You might uncover inefficiencies you never noticed before, or stumble upon a brilliant new idea.
Remember, there are no stupid questions. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask!
The Vulnerability Vortex
Now, this one might surprise you. We often think of CEOs as these unshakeable pillars of confidence. But many successful leaders have learned the power of showing vulnerability.
Brené Brown, a researcher and author who's advised many top CEOs, has shown that vulnerability isn't weakness – it's actually a sign of courage and authenticity. When leaders admit they don't have all the answers, it creates a culture of trust and encourages creativity.
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg has embraced this approach. He's been open about the challenges Facebook has faced and his own learning process as a leader. This openness has helped him navigate tough times and build a more resilient company.
Try sharing a "failure story" with your team or colleagues this week. Talk about a time when things didn't go as planned and what you learned from it. You might be amazed at how this opens up conversations and builds stronger relationships.
The Growth Gremlin
Successful CEOs know that learning doesn't stop when you leave school. In fact, many of them are obsessed with continuous self-improvement.
Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors of all time, reads for 5-6 hours every day. At 92 years old, he's still soaking up new information like a sponge. This habit keeps his mind sharp and helps him stay ahead in the ever-changing world of finance.
You don't need to read 500 pages a day to benefit from this habit. Start by setting aside 15-30 minutes each day for learning something new. It could be reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching an educational video.
Here's a fun idea: Pick one new skill to focus on each month. It could be related to your work, like learning a new software, or something completely different, like cooking or playing an instrument. The topic doesn't matter as much as the act of stretching your mind in new directions.
The Delegation Domino
Here's a secret that might surprise you: The best CEOs don't try to do everything themselves.
Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, is a prime example. He's built an empire of over 400 companies, but he doesn't micromanage them all. Instead, he focuses on hiring great people and empowering them to do their best work.
This might feel counterintuitive, especially if you're used to being hands-on. But learning to delegate effectively can free up your time and energy for big-picture thinking and strategy. And that’s what our VAs at Hermessi are doing for high-impact leaders!
Ready to give it a try?
Here’s a personal tip: Start small. Identify one task you usually do yourself and delegate it to someone else. Provide clear instructions, but resist the urge to hover. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results!
These might seem like small things, but they can add up to make a big difference.
Success isn't just about what you do in the boardroom or during big presentations. It's about the habits you cultivate day in and day out, often when no one else is watching.
So, which one are you going to try first? The digital detox? The curiosity challenge?
Whatever you choose, know that you're taking a step towards joining the surge of business legends.
Catch you all in the next one…
Hoyin Cheung,
P.S. Share this newsletter with your friends—it’s a quick task that only takes a moment but makes a big difference. 😉
P.P.S. I'm always here for a chat, a debate, or a brainstorming session on how to make this the most valuable piece of mail in your inbox. Hit reply or DM me on LinkedIn or X and let me know what you think, what you're struggling with, or what success looks like for you. Let's surge the productivity you seek!