18 Secrets to Understanding Human Behavior & Success
#1 PARETO EVERYWHERE
The Pareto Principle, often known as the 80/20 rule, suggests that roughly 80% of outcomes come from just 20% of inputs. This powerful concept finds applications across many domains of life. In business, 80% of a company's revenue often comes from just 20% of its customers. In sales, the top 20% of performers frequently drive 80% of total sales. Understanding the 80/20 rule empowers us to identify and prioritize the vital few over the trivial many.
#2 THE PARADOX OF CERTAINTY
People with strong opinions about everything often reveal how little they truly know. This phenomenon, known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, highlights how individuals with limited or surface-level knowledge tend to be more confident — often to the point of arrogance — compared to those with deeper expertise or understanding. True experts, who understand the nuance and complexity underlying most subjects, tend to approach especially complex topics with a sense of I don't know humility. The Dunning-Kruger effect also demonstrates that those who are overly confident are frequently wrong, while remaining oblivious to their lack of understanding. True expertise or knowledge is marked by nuanced understanding and intellectual humility, including the willingness to comfortably say — I don't know.
#3 DON'T TAKE FAVORS, GIVE THEM
Giving favors builds goodwill, future support, and social capital. The key to this 1+1=3 strategy is to give genuinely, not transactionally. Generosity and reciprocity creates a network of support that contributes to long-term success.
#4 THE POWER OF 'WILL' OVER 'SHOULD'
Language shapes mindset. Mindset shapes outcomes. Replacing should with will transforms intentions into commitments, shifting us from passive desire to active resolve. This simple cognitive reframing — choosing language that fosters accountability and motivates action — is both proven and powerful. People who say I will, but make a promise to themselves that drives them forward and significantly boosts their chances of success. Commitment language isn't just semantics; it's a catalyst for meaningful progress.
#5 HIGH AGENCY PEOPLE HAPPEN TO LIFE
High agency people naturally take a proactive approach to life. They have a strong internal locus of control, a deep bias for action and intentionalism, and tend to be highly resourceful. High agency people often had unique hobbies as teenagers, possess an energy that inspires others, and have unpredictable opinions. High agency is a key indicator of future success and adaptability. You know a high agency person when you see them — they are the ones who happen to life as opposed to allowing life to happen to them.
#6 MOST PEOPLE ARE TOO LOSS & RISK AVERSE
Prospect Theory, also known as the loss aversion principle, tells us that people perceive losses and gains asymmetrically — they tend to be more cautious to avoid loss than to pursue equivalent gains. Despite what we know about risk, many remain overly cautious, often resulting in missed opportunities. This deeply ingrained human aversion to risk is often a barrier to both personal and professional growth. Understanding this cognitive bias allows us to make more rational decisions, take better-calculated risks, and ultimately pursue opportunities that lead to meaningful progress.
#7 HIGH PERFORMERS ALWAYS LOVE WHAT THEY DO
The logic here is simple — those who truly enjoy what they do tend to put in more time and effort, naturally enhancing their skills, performance, and results. This creates a powerful positive feedback loop: increased motivation helps them push through challenges, which in turn deepens their mastery and love for their work. It's also worth noting that the inverse often holds true — excelling in a craft leads to a deeper appreciation for it. Mastery fosters enjoyment; enjoyment fosters success.
#8 WE ARE PRODUCTS OF OUR EXPERIENCES & HABITS
Our behaviors, decisions, and worldviews are shaped by a complex interplay of past experiences, influences, and ingrained habits. Understanding these factors empowers us to break limiting patterns and make more conscious choices. It is crucial to understand what shapes us — only then can we take steps towards lasting growth.
#9 ADAPTABILITY IS THE NEW COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
In an ever-changing world, adaptability is no longer optional — it’s a necessity. The ability to quickly adjust to new circumstances and learn new skills is now one of the most valuable traits for success. Those who can pivot, unlearn outdated habits, and embrace change are better equipped to thrive in uncertain environments. Cultivating adaptability, maintaining a growth mindset, and finding comfort in discomfort are essential for long-term success.
#10 MOST PEOPLE BELIEVE THE WORLD OWES THEM SOMETHING
Many people believe they are owed something in life, even things they haven’t earned themselves. This entitlement mentality often leads to resentment toward those who achieve success or fail trying. Such a mindset significantly lowers the chances of meaningful success. Successful people create value rather than expect it.
#11 UNLESS YOU AIM TO BE THE BEST IT'S HARD TO EVEN BE GOOD
Those who aim up and push limits often achieve more than they thought possible, whereas those who settle for mediocrity rarely rise above the ordinary. The key is to push beyond your comfort zone. What separates the exceptional from the average is relentless drive, refusal to quit, and willingness to go the extra mile. Those who lack this ambition settle for less, avoid challenges, and surrender in the face of obstacles. This is more important now than ever as ambition is fast becoming about survival. In our fast-changing, quickly-evolving world, the benchmark for 'good' continues to rise. What was considered 'great' yesterday is only good today and likely to be obsolete tomorrow. Excellence is both a catalyst and a compass.
#12 THE FOLLY OF EXTERNAL INFLUENCE OVER INTERNAL GROWTH
How many people do you know that focus all their effort on changing, impacting, affecting others rather than improving themselves? How's that working out for them? The truth is, sustainable influence starts from within. By prioritizing self-improvement and personal accountability, we become more effective at creating genuine impact beyond ourselves. Sustainable success is rooted in the growth we achieve internally before trying to influence Others.
#13 SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE TEND TO BE ENVIED MORE THAN ADMIRED
Success often challenges others' perceptions of themselves, which can naturally trigger negative reactions. Social comparison is a human frailty as old as humanity itself, leading many to envy rather than celebrate others' achievements. Ignore the haters and their envy by staying committed to your goals.
#14 WINNERS PRIORITIZE SELF-RESPECT OVER RESPECT FROM OTHERS
Self-respect forms a more stable foundation for winning and success. Basing our worth on our internal values, agency, and locus of control, rather than on the external validation of others makes it less likely we'll compromise our principles for their approval. Self-respect, like self-confidence, makes winners.
#15 PEOPLE ARE MORE FOCUSED ON IMPRESSING OTHERS THAN BEING IMPRESSIVE
Trying to impress others is a dangerous trap and one that rarely works. That's the bad news. The really bad news is that when it does you find yourself even further away from your goals because you're surrounded by the wrong people. Forget impressing others and just be impressive.
#16 MOST PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT THEIR OWN OPINIONS MATTER MOST
Valuing our own opinions fosters more rational, critical thinking and independence, both of which are crucial for leadership. There is, of course, a balance to consider as others' views are also important. The key is to develop strong personal convictions while remaining open to new information.
#17 PEOPLE WHO LEARN OUT OF CURIOSITY > NECESSITY LEARN BETTER, FASTER & MORE
Curiosity-driven learning is inherently more rewarding, as it transforms the process from an obligation into an exploration. When we are genuinely curious, we engage more deeply with the material, retain information longer, and often make broader connections. Curiosity-driven learning also fosters a sense of joy and enthusiasm, which enhances motivation and persistence. Cultivating genuine interests leads to a deeper understanding, greater creativity, and more effective skill acquisition compared to learning purely out of necessity.
#18 THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO CHANGE THE WORLD ARE THOSE WHO AREN'T AFRAID TO EXPRESS UNPOPULAR OPINIONS
Breaking new ground, pursuing breakthroughs, and creating significant, long-lasting changes requires challenging established orthodoxy. Innovation and progress often stem from the courage to challenge the status quo.