The Ten Times Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure

11. Readily Take Action
This is entirely what this book is about (I hope that much is clear by now!). The
highly successful take unbelievable amounts of action. Regardless of what that
action looks like, these people rarely do nothing—even when they are on
vacation (just ask their spouses or families!). Whether it is by way of getting
others to take action for them, getting attention for their products or ideas, or just
grinding it out day and night, the successful have been consistently taking high
levels of action—before anyone ever heard their names. The unsuccessful talk
about a plan for action but never quite get around to doing what they claim
they're going to do—at least enough to ever get what they want. Successful
people assume that their future achievements rely on investing in actions that
may not pay off today but that when taken consistently and persistently over
time will sooner or later bear fruit.
Massive action is the one thing I know I can depend on from myself, even
when times are tough. Your ability to take action will be a major factor in
determining your potential success—and is a discipline that you should spend
time on daily. It's not a gift or trait I was “lucky” enough to receive or inherit; it's
a habit that must be developed. Laziness and lack of action are ethical issues for

---

me. I don't think it's right or acceptable for me to be lazy. It is not a “character
flaw” that's caused by some invented disease, any more than a highly active
person is somehow “blessed.” No one is born to sprint or run a marathon any
more than some people are born to take more action than others. Action is
necessary in order to create success and can be the single defining quality that
will enable you to make the list of successful people. No matter who you are or
what you've done in life so far, you 
can
develop this habit in order to enhance
your success.