Apart from this blog and my coaching business, I run an educational social project called YanaTV where I sit down with successful people, interview them and get them to share their best lessons and stories.

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We are coming up to our 10th episode so far – and it’s been a blast. (You can check it out here.)

Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to some really cool people – from successful entrepreneurs to famed speakers to award-winning theatre personalities. And this week, I’m going to list some of the biggest lessons I picked up.

1. Mistakes are part and parcel of life.

Every single person I’ve interviewed on YanaTV mentioned periods of struggle in their lives. Not a single one had a smooth-sailing journey to success. In fact, most of them had some of the harshest downtime you can ever imagine. From public humiliation, bankruptcy to personal tragedy, they’ve been through it all.

The key is every single one of them learnt from their mistakes and bounced back stronger than ever before.

Lesson here – the secret to a successful life is NOT to avoid mistakes. It’s to learn from them and get better and stronger.

2. Do what you truly love – and success will come.

Every guest I interview for YanaTV radiates with joy, excitement and enthusiasm for what they do. They are long past the stage for fame, recognition, money even. Sure, these things are nice – but they aren’t the main reason why they show up to work every day. They do what they do because they freaking LOVE it.

It radiates from every pore of their being and from every word they say. They just LOVE, LOVE what they do and they can’t wait to get started every day. It doesn’t matter whether they are in business, arts, writing, entrepreneurship, speaking or more.

They are in LOVE with what they do and that’s why they do it well!

Lesson here – stop chasing the superficial stuff. Focus on what you LOVE and everything you desire will come!

3. There truly are “secrets” to getting ahead. You just need to know where to find them.

Each of my guests got to the top using their own unique method and strategy. What was clear was they did not follow the norm.Listening to them, it’s clear that there exists shortcuts and secrets to success in whatever field you choose.

The masters are NOT doing the same things the rest of the people are. This is why you need to pick who you learn from carefully – and find out if you are using the right strategies for success.

Never stop learning – especially from the right people.

4. Be consistent. Show up every day.

What is clear from speaking to all my guests is that they are all very serious about what they do. Many of them are prolific in their field - they have written a lot, directed a lot, started a lot of businesses, etc.

And they continue to do so.

This trait of consistency is one that we can all learn from. Too many times, I see success seekers declare their huge goals and dreams - only to fall short when it comes time to do the work.

Lesson here - Be consistent. Match your desire with action. That's how you turn goals into reality.

5. Share - and you get more.

The final lesson I picked up from the guests is that the more you share, the more you get. Every single one of them were gracious enough to come on the show and pour their heart and years of wisdom out. Many of them run non-profit charitable enterprises and activities. They do so because they desire to give back.

In the end, life is about growing yourself yes - but also about giving back to others. And the interesting thing is - you GET more by giving back! A lot of them shared that new partners, new opportunities and more came as a result of their charity work - a processional effect to doing good and spreading joy.

Lesson here - Give openly and you'll receive. That's just how the universe works.

For more amazing interviews with inspiring people, I urge you to check out YanaTV.com

You'll find not just video interviews, you'll also get a chance to download summary notes so you can better remember and retain what you've learnt.

So head over now and check it out.

More importantly, apply these 5 lessons and your success will definitely be well within reach.