Episode Details

I have read thousands of books and articles on success. I’ve listened to thousands of audios, podcasts and even cassettes by successful people talking about the various principles of achievement. They talk about the seven traits of this and the ten things successful people do and so on.

But out of all of the successful people I’ve followed, only one person specifically mentions energy. The energy you need to make it to the top in any endeavour.

He is Lord Jeffrey Archer, the multi-million selling author, former MP and athlete.

In an interview, Lord Archer said that you need a lot of energy to be successful in any endeavour. He cited his own example of how he made it back after losing all his money on the stock market – due to poor advice. He recalled that he had to work during the day and write books during the evening until the early hours. That took a lot of energy and drive, he said.

If he came home from work exhausted and said, “I’m tired” and then just slumped down in front of the television with a beer he would never written his bestselling books which have made him millions of pounds.

I’ve met Jeffrey archer on a number of occasions. Despite his advancing years, he is someone who has tremendous energy and charisma. You can hear it in his voice and see that twinkle in his eye. You can literally feel his energy and vibrational force. He has what people used call a magnetic personality that seems to light up the room.

I met him not long after he had been released from prison after serving a sentence for perjury. He allegedly lied in court about a newspaper libel case against him involving a liaison with a lady of dubious character.

Most people would’ve crumbled and just hidden away from society, but not Jeffrey. He was full of life and promoting a new book he had just published - collection of stories he wrote in prison!

Jeffrey may have his flaws, but you cannot deny that he has achieved a great deal in his life.

When I think of the successful people I know personally, without exception, they all have one thing in common: energy!

They are invariably up in the morning going about their business and getting things done. Even at the weekend they don’t let the grass grow under their feet and you’re more likely to find them doing something active than sleeping on the couch. Many of them have said to me that they find it hard to sit down keep still!

It’s not just about physical energy. You also need mental energy to think through ideas or have the resolve to keep going when things don’t always go your way.

It takes energy to bounce back from a setback or disappointment, as Lord Archer has done many times in his life.

It takes energy to write a book, submit a good CV or read a contract thoroughly.

It takes energy to study for years to obtain a degree, masters or PhD. Doctors and lawyers didn’t get where they are working 9 to 5.

It takes energy to go to meetings in the evening when you’ve already done a hard day’s work or attend training events at the weekend to improve your knowledge and skills.

Where does this energy come from? Are we born with it? Is it God-given or can we create our own energy?

There is no doubt that some people are just born with an enormous amount of energy, talent and drive. That doesn’t guarantee success and many people waste their talent and energy, like the young men burning up their youthful energy and “sowing their wild oats” as the saying goes.

Billionaires like Richard Branson, Elon Musk and the later Steve Jobs and Sir James Goldsmith were all blessed with massive energy, appetite and drive. They seem to be able to burn the candle at both ends and put in long hours to get their business off the ground like booste