Do What Others Won't

"The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people do all the things unsuccessful people don't want to do."

— John Paul DeJoria

Context

DeJoria developed this insight through years of observing that people who achieved extraordinary results consistently engaged in activities that others found unpleasant, difficult, or beneath them. He recognized that the tasks most people avoid—prospecting for customers, handling rejection, working through details, or persisting through failure—are precisely the activities that create success. This quote emerged from his understanding that success isn't about having special talents or opportunities but about having the discipline to do necessary work that feels uncomfortable or unrewarding in the moment. DeJoria observed that unsuccessful people often know what they should do but create elaborate justifications for avoiding it, while successful people simply do the work regardless of how they feel about it. His philosophy challenges the myth that successful people have easier paths, revealing instead that they choose harder immediate actions to create easier long-term outcomes. The wisdom remains powerful because it identifies the behavioral difference that separates achievement from aspiration.

Reflection Question

What necessary but unpleasant tasks have you been avoiding that could significantly advance your goals? How might your results change if you started consistently doing the difficult work that others find excuses to skip?

Application Tip

This week, identify one challenging task you've been postponing and commit to tackling it first thing each morning. Whether it's making difficult phone calls, handling paperwork, or facing uncomfortable conversations, do this avoided task before anything else. Notice how embracing what others avoid gives you competitive advantages and accelerated progress toward your goals.