11 Tips for Success from Bill Gates and Warren Buffett You Will Never Learn in School

by Darpan Sachdeva

When it comes to achieving unparalleled success, few names stand out as prominently as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. Both are not only legends in their fields but also lifelong learners who have shared invaluable wisdom over the years. Here, we compile 11 Tips for Success from them that you won’t find in any textbook, combined with real quotes from each visionary, to inspire the next generation.

1. Cultivate a Love for Learning

Bill Gates: “Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this world. If you do so, you are insulting yourself.”
Warren Buffett: “The best investment you can make is in yourself.”

Both Gates and Buffett emphasize the importance of continuous learning. Whether it’s through formal education, reading, or personal experiences, the desire to learn and grow is crucial for success.

2. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Bill Gates: “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”
Warren Buffett: “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”

Understanding that failure is part of the journey helps build resilience. Each setback is a step towards eventual success.

3. Prioritize Your Health

Bill Gates: “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”
Warren Buffett: “If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.”

While financial success is important, maintaining your health is crucial. Gates and Buffett both stress the importance of balancing work with a healthy lifestyle.

4. Focus on Long-Term Goals

Bill Gates: “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”
Warren Buffett: “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

Setting long-term goals and working steadily towards them can lead to sustained success. Patience and persistence are key.

5. Surround Yourself with the Right People

Bill Gates: “We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don’t let yourself be lulled into inaction.”
Warren Buffett: “It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.”

The company you keep can significantly influence your success. Choose friends and colleagues who inspire and challenge you.

6. Stay Humble and Grounded

Bill Gates: “If you are born poor it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor it’s your mistake.”
Warren Buffett: “In the world of business, the people who are most successful are those who are doing what they love.”

Humility and gratitude can keep you grounded, even when you achieve great success. Both Gates and Buffett remain humble despite their immense wealth.

7. Give Back to Society

Bill Gates: “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
Warren Buffett: “The more you learn, the more you earn.”

Both leaders believe in the power of philanthropy and using their resources to make a positive impact on the world.

8. Be Passionate About What You Do

Bill Gates: “I believe that if you show people the problems and you show them the solutions they will be moved to act.”
Warren Buffett: “You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.”

Passion fuels perseverance. When you are passionate about your work, it becomes easier to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

9. Adapt to Change

Bill Gates: “We always need to be willing to step out of our comfort zone.”
Warren Buffett: “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”

The ability to adapt to change is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Being flexible and open to new ideas can lead to new opportunities.

10. Develop Good Habits

Bill Gates: “If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.”
Warren Buffett: “Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.”

Good habits form the foundation of a successful life. Discipline, time management, and a strong work ethic are essential.

11. Stay Informed and Inquisitive

Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.”
Warren Buffett: “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”

Staying informed and continuously seeking knowledge can help you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary risks.

Bonus: Gates and Buffett Go Back to School

For an enriching experience, watch these two inspiring videos where Gates and Buffett share their wisdom with students:

These videos offer a wealth of knowledge and firsthand insights from two of the most successful individuals in the world.

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The wisdom of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett goes beyond conventional education. By embracing their advice and the 11 Tips for Success above, young people can cultivate a mindset geared towards success, continuous improvement, and meaningful impact. Let these tips be your guide to achieving greatness in all aspects of life.

Darpan Sachdeva is the CEO and Founder of Nobelthoughts.com. Driven by a profound dedication to Entrepreneurship, Self-development, and Success over an extended period, Darpan initiated his website with the aim of enlightening and motivating individuals globally who share similar aspirations. His mission is to encourage like-minded individuals to consistently pursue success, irrespective of their circumstances, perpetually moving forward, maintaining resilience, and extracting valuable lessons from every challenge.