Could you be curious about those few who have amassed substantial fortunes and enjoyed resounding success in the same time span granted to all of us? This is predominantly a question of self-discipline, rooted in three key aspects: personal growth, professional development, and overall life satisfaction.

This isn't an exclusive club, though. You, too, can embrace this discipline and set a course for success. It begins with an inward focus, a dedication to your personal growth. One effective strategy? Learn from those who are at the pinnacle of your chosen field. Soak up their wisdom through their books, podcasts, and by attending their events.

Let's look at the journey of a now-prominent San Diego dentist. Each possible dental conference found him in the audience, hungry for knowledge. One such event in Hong Kong brought him a career-changing revelation. He came across a new technique introduced by a Japanese colleague, which dramatically enhanced the aesthetic of teeth. Integrating this into his practice took time, but within a few short years, his clinic was flooded with appointments from all over the country. When he turned 55, not only was he known as a "dentist’s dentist," but he had also secured enough financial success to retire comfortably.

But what about you? Does the prospect of retiring early capture your interest? If it does, it's crucial to realize that personal accountability is a key ingredient in this recipe for success. Consider the author's personal story. At 21, he was a mere construction worker, scraping by with his meager earnings. He had no car, savings account, or decent place to live. He realized he was at a crossroads. That’s why he needed to take control of his destiny and stop blaming his less-than-ideal childhood and lack of education for his circumstances.

Embracing this new perspective, he took immediate action the next day. He ramped up his work effort, started a personal growth journey, purchased self-help books, and chose to stop blaming external factors. This significant shift in attitude and increased self-accountability became the cornerstone of his future achievements.