The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
A practical guide to taking charge of your results: owning your responses, turning a clear purpose into measurable goals, quieting self-doubt, finishing old business, persisting through rejection and building a circle of people who help you rise.

Table of Content
1. Introduction
55 sec
If you keep waiting for the right moment to start on what you want, Jack Canfield offers an uncomfortable starting point: how your life turns out depends mostly on how you respond to events, not on the events themselves. In The Success Principles, Canfield, a former teacher and psychotherapist who co-created the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, turns that idea into habits anyone can practice.
His case is that success is learned in steps. Own your responses, aim at a clear purpose, train your thoughts, clear away what drains you, keep going through rejection and gather people who help you rise. The stories range from a railroad worker undone by his own fear to a fried chicken founder who heard no more than 300 times. What you get is a sequence you can begin today, starting with a chore as small as getting your car’s oil checked.
2. Stop blaming and own your responses
1 min 25 sec
A single sum of money, spent or invested, can lead to very different outcomes. The difference has nothing to do with luck, and it reveals where your own results are really being decided.
3. Turn a fuzzy dream into measurable goals
1 min 30 sec
Wanting to be a better boss sounds admirable, yet it may never change a single day at work. Canfield shows the small rewrite that turns a good intention into something you can actually finish.
4. Quiet the inner critic that holds you back
1 min 30 sec
A man locked in a freight car died of cold in air that was never cold. His story sets up a surprisingly gentle way to answer the harshest voice in your own head.
5. Rehearse your goal until it feels real
1 min 40 sec
Wanting a new car and picturing yourself behind the wheel of one sound alike, but Canfield treats them very differently. One small addition, he argues, makes a goal far harder to forget.
6. Free up energy by finishing old business
1 min 36 sec
Half-done projects and old grudges seem harmless sitting in the background. Canfield argues they cost more than you think, and he offers a single weekend and an unsent letter to start reclaiming that energy.
7. Keep going after the three-hundredth no
1 min 29 sec
A restaurant founder, a horror novelist and a mother writing between school runs all hit wall after wall of refusals. What they did next separates the people who arrive from the people who almost did.
8. Find people who have already done it
1 min 28 sec
Friends and coworkers are the easiest people to ask for advice, and often the least useful. Canfield explains whom to ask instead, and why they are more willing to help than you might expect.
9. Build a richer life through honesty and giving
1 min 52 sec
Two men told a county office something that could have cost them a large grant. What happened next, and what employees say motivates them most, reshapes what it means to be wealthy.
10. Conclusion
1 min 00 sec
What Canfield offers is a habit of authorship. The railroad worker shows what happens when a story in your head runs unchecked, and Harland Sanders shows what happens when you refuse to accept the first answer, or the three-hundredth. Between those two figures sits every principle in the book: success belongs to people who treat their responses, their thoughts and their relationships as things they can shape.
That makes the first moves small and close at hand. Today, cross off one task that has been nagging you, even if it is only filing papers or getting the car’s oil checked. One finished item a day adds up, Canfield argues, and frees energy for larger aims. Then write your one-sentence purpose statement and turn a piece of it into a goal with a number and a deadline.
Before the week ends, ask someone who has done what you want to do for 15 minutes of their time each month. The worst reply is a no, and you already know what Sanders did with that word.
About this book
What is this book about?
Many people feel stuck. They watch others chase their dreams while they struggle to take the first step. Jack Canfield argues that closing that gap comes down to principles anyone can learn and practice, starting with one demanding idea: you are responsible for how your life turns out, because you choose how to respond to whatever happens. Canfield, a former teacher, workshop leader and psychotherapist, works from the inside out. He shows how to find a life purpose and break a vision into specific goals, how affirmations and vivid visualization keep those goals alive, and how to turn harsh self-criticism into self-care. He then takes on the clutter of unfinished projects and old grudges, the rejection every ambitious person meets, and the support that comes from masterminds, mentors, honesty and appreciation. Readers get stories that make each principle stick, from Harland Sanders hearing no more than 300 times to Debbie Macomber's five years of work before her first sale, along with small first actions such as a completion weekend or a request for 15 minutes a month with a mentor.
Book Information
Who it's for
Professionals feeling stuck
Professionals who feel stuck and want a step-by-step way to set goals and act on them.
Early-career climbers
Early-career climbers looking for mentors, a support circle and the nerve to face rejection.
Carrying unfinished business
People carrying unfinished projects or old grudges that drain energy from bigger plans.
About the Author
Jack Canfield
Born in 1944 in Fort Worth, Texas, Jack Canfield was educated at Harvard University as well as the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He has worked as a teacher, led workshops and practiced as a psychotherapist. In 1990 he pitched the Chicken Soup for the Soul series to fellow author Mark Victor Hansen, and he set a Guinness World Record for having more titles on the New York Times bestseller list at once than anyone else. He founded Self Esteem Seminars in Santa Barbara and the Foundation for Self Esteem in Culver City, California, and now certifies trainers who teach his methods worldwide.
Ratings & Reviews
Ratings at a glance
What people think
Listeners find the work exceptionally easy to read and appreciate its encouraging message, with one listener noting it establishes a groundwork for success in personal and professional spheres. The caliber of content earns praise for being practical, and one listener highlights that it is thoroughly researched.
Top reviews
Finally finished this massive tome and my brain is buzzing with new ideas. While some critics complain about the sheer number of principles, I found the 65-step roadmap incredibly thorough and well-documented. It feels like a masterclass in mindset that builds on what Canfield started in 'The Secret' but adds actual substance. The writing is approachable, though the frequent references to his 'Chicken Soup' success can feel a bit like a victory lap. To be fair, if you’ve achieved that much, you probably have the right to share your wins. I’ve started implementing the daily exercises, particularly the ones about visualization and taking 100% responsibility. It’s not just fluffy positive thinking; there’s a logic to how he structures the transition from inner work to outward financial success. This is a foundational text for anyone serious about growth.
Show moreThis book is exactly the kick in the pants I needed to stop making excuses and start taking action. Canfield provides a comprehensive foundation for anyone looking to overhaul their professional or personal life. I love how he breaks down complex psychological barriers into manageable, everyday steps that anyone can follow. Not gonna lie, the book is quite long and the repetition of certain success stories can get a bit tiring after a few hundred pages. Yet, the sheer volume of useful information makes it worth every penny for a serious student of personal growth. It’s less about 'The Law of Attraction' as a magic wand and more about using that mindset to fuel hard work. This is the kind of resource you keep on your nightstand and refer back to whenever your energy starts to flag.
Show moreWow, what an absolute powerhouse of a book for anyone starting a business. Jack Canfield manages to synthesize decades of wisdom into a highly readable format that acts as a blueprint for achievement. I’ve read a lot of metaphysical and manifesting books, but this one bridges the gap between mindset and actual execution perfectly. The information quality is top-notch, showing that he’s done his homework and isn't just reciting empty slogans. Personally, I found the chapter on 'asking' to be a total game-changer for my networking efforts. Yes, the book is a bit of a commitment due to its length, but the inspiration you gain is well worth the time investment. It feels like having a personal coach walking you through every potential pitfall on the road to your goals. It’s easily my new favorite recommendation.
Show morePicked this up on a whim after a friend mentioned it, and I’m so glad I did. This isn't just another book about positive thinking; it’s a well-researched manual for life that provides a genuine foundation for both personal and professional growth. The writing style is engaging and the principles are laid out in a way that makes them feel very accessible. Look, it’s a long read, and you might want to skip some of the more repetitive anecdotes, but the overall impact is undeniable. I especially liked the emphasis on self-education and the idea that you don't need a traditional degree to become an expert in your field. It gave me the confidence to pursue a side project I’ve been putting off for years. It’s a must-read for anyone who feels like they’re capable of more but doesn't know where to start.
Show moreAfter hearing Jack Canfield speak on a podcast, I knew I had to grab this. It’s essentially a more practical, action-oriented version of 'The Secret' that focuses on the hard work behind the manifestation. The information is incredibly useful for setting up a business or just getting your daily habits in order. Frankly, it’s one of the most comprehensive self-improvement books I’ve ever come across. While some might find the tone a bit preachy or the stories a bit dated, the actual meat of the advice is gold. It provides a clear foundation for success that isn't just based on luck or wishing. If you are willing to put in the time to read it and actually do the exercises, it can be life-changing. Definitely worth adding to your library if you want to level up your life.
Show moreDoes the world really need another self-help book filled with 65 different principles? After diving into Canfield’s work, I’d argue that the answer is a cautious yes, especially for those lacking a clear direction. Most of the concepts are, frankly, common sense or things you’ve likely heard in every other seminar over the last twenty years. However, the way he compiles them into a single, readable foundation for life and business is where the value lies. I did find the name-dropping of famous friends a bit dated and distracting at times. Some of the financial advice also feels tailored toward people who already have a decent safety net, which is a bit of a blind spot. Despite these minor gripes, the core message is highly motivational and serves as a great kickstart for anyone feeling stuck in a rut.
Show moreAs someone who has always struggled with focus, I appreciated the structured nature of this guide. Canfield has a way of making high-level success concepts feel attainable through his well-researched methodology and clear writing style. Truth is, you probably won't use all 65 principles at once, but having them all in one place serves as an excellent reference manual. I particularly enjoyed the sections on self-education and surrounding yourself with positive influences rather than energy vampires. My only real complaint is that some of the daily exercises feel like a full-time job in themselves. Who has time to spend two hours a day talking to a mirror and journaling every minor thought? If you can filter out the more 'woo-woo' elements and the dated references, there is a wealth of practical knowledge here for your career.
Show moreEver wonder why some people just seem to have it all figured out? This book attempts to answer that by laying out a foundation for success that covers everything from your thoughts to your bank account. To be fair, a lot of what Canfield says is pure common sense, but he presents it with such infectious enthusiasm that you can’t help but feel motivated. I did find the constant mentions of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' a little bit much, as it felt like a marketing pitch at times. Also, the religious undertones might be a bit heavy for some readers who prefer a purely secular approach to self-help. That said, the core principles are sound and the stories of people overcoming adversity are genuinely touching. It’s a solid 4-star read that I would recommend to any young professional looking for guidance.
Show moreThe chapter on taking 100% responsibility alone is worth the price of the book. It’s a simple concept that we all think we understand, but Canfield explores it with such depth that it really hits home. My experience with this book was mostly positive, though I agree with others that it can feel a bit repetitive in the middle sections. It’s like he wanted to make sure every possible scenario was covered, which results in a very thick volume. Some of the references to older technology and TV shows are starting to show their age, but the underlying psychology remains valid. It’s a highly motivational read that encourages you to stop being a victim of circumstance. Just be prepared to do some filtering, as not every one of the 65 principles will apply to your specific life situation.
Show moreNot what I expected given the glowing recommendations from my peers. This book is essentially a massive collection of every self-help cliché ever written, glued together with constant plugs for the author's other projects. Having sixty-five different principles to follow is just overwhelming and, to be honest, counterproductive for anyone actually trying to change their habits. I found the constant name-dropping of celebrities and TV shows incredibly dated, making the advice feel less like timeless wisdom and more like a relic of the 90s. The financial section was particularly out of touch, offering 'save half your income' tips that simply don't work for a single parent on a budget. While there are a few nuggets of inspiration buried in the fluff, the book is far too bloated and repetitive to be truly useful for the average person.
Show moreQuestions about this book
What is the main idea of The Success Principles?
Jack Canfield argues that success is a set of principles anyone can learn. It starts with taking full responsibility for your life, because your responses to events shape your results. From there he shows how to define a purpose, break a vision into measurable goals, replace limiting beliefs, clear unfinished business, persist through rejection and build support through masterminds, mentors, honesty and appreciation.
What is the life purpose exercise in The Success Principles?
Canfield asks you to name two of your strongest personality traits, describe how you interact with others and imagine your ideal world. You then combine the three into a single statement of purpose. That statement feeds a detailed vision of your future, which you break into ambitious, specific and measurable goals with deadlines, such as thanking six employees for their help by the end of the week.
How does Jack Canfield suggest handling rejection?
He treats rejection as a bump in the road: when someone says no, keep asking until someone says yes. His examples include Harland Sanders, turned down more than 300 times before KFC took off, Stephen King, who nearly threw away Carrie, and Debbie Macomber, who wrote for five years before selling her first book and has since published more than 100.
What is a mastermind group according to Jack Canfield?
A mastermind group is a supportive circle of people who meet regularly to share ideas and challenges. Canfield suggests about six members meeting on a schedule, in person or by video call, with each person taking 15 minutes to pose questions. It works best when members excel at skills you want or have reached goals you are chasing, such as successful entrepreneurs in your industry.
How can I start applying The Success Principles today?
Canfield recommends two simple first moves. Finish one nagging task today, even something as small as filing papers or checking your car’s oil, since steady completion frees energy for bigger goals. Next, look for a person who has reached a dream similar to yours and request a quarter of an hour of their time every month. At worst they decline, and at best you gain a mentor.
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