The Keys

by D.J. Khaled

Keep your energy and vibe clean so that other good people want to be around you.

You have to speak your success into existence, because absolutely no one else will do it for you.

Stay woke. Constantly remind yourself and speak out loud on the things that you want in life.

It’s the strongest, wisest man who knows how to come to the table seeking solutions.

Being yourself means first learning who you are. Take time to identify and develop your natural talents and you will be successful. Also, take time to figure out what makes you happy. If you combine what comes naturally to you with what makes you happy, then you will be unstoppable.

Removing what makes you unhappy will make you happy.

Major key: Don’t play yourself. What I mean by that is don’t do anything foolish to compromise your joy and prosperity.

I know the young world might not want to move with someone else’s rules; I told you, I’ve been there. But it costs money to buy water. I say this all the time. It costs money to have AC, just as it costs money to jump on a plane or drive a car to see your mother. Gas costs money, and it costs money to eat food.

Wake up each morning and expect the best to happen to you that day. No matter how dark your yesterday was. That’s what I mean by “Life is what you make it.” Make your life great.

But when I see a door like that I just get into a mode where I can’t accept the answer. I just kept asking. When you get into that zone people might think you’re crazy. And they might find you frustrating. They’re like, “Who is this guy who’s just not going away?” Then something changes. This no-saying person starts to get a little curious about why you want to get through so damned bad. They might start asking you questions and find out what you’re about. Then they actually start respecting the hustle. When you’re out there putting in work and they see it every day, your determination is undeniable.

Treat people the way you want to be treated, keep your word, be trustworthy, stay loyal, and don’t be evil. Do all these things together and you will have the best relationships.

I want to win, but I also want everyone who’s supported me to win. Major key: Believe in the hustle.

wins are happier when you share them. Not only that, wins are bigger when you share them—not smaller.

it’s not just about who’s watching; discipline has to happen all the time, or at least most of the time, and that’s just for yourself.

Once you get to be a boss, you really start thinking about your time in a different way. I make sure I spend time at home with my family and resting so that I can make the best decisions.

I’ve seen drugs kill ambition, ruin reputations, and even destroy God-given genius.

Bundle up even when it’s summertime because the world is cold. Go that extra mile to make sure to protect yourself.

When you’re a boss, you have to help people out, but no one’s gonna carry you but God.

when you’re putting your own money up and betting on yourself, you overstand every job that needs to get done real quick. You’re learning on your own dime and in that situation it pays to learn fast.

when you’re independent, you’ve got to live lean. It’s called securing the bag.

Can you walk on water? I didn’t think so. Only God can walk on water, so don’t burn no bridge.

Don’t bitch. Resolve it because you have no choice. Especially if people are relying on you because you’re the source of everyone’s well-being.

never disrespect anybody on social media. This is something everyone can control. We’re all old enough to know better and it’s just good business. Your conduct on social media lets a lot of potential business associates know what you’re about.

Whenever I see someone tear someone else down on social media it just shows me that they’re not happy. If you’re not happy, change it. Start a new project or get a hobby. It might feel like all the attention you’re getting online is real, but it’s not. People who want you to be negative all the time are not really your friends.

Another thing that happens when you glorify your success is that it means more success. People like to work with winners.

everything is a journey—success is a process that turns into progress.

don’t allow someone’s impatience to infect you with impatience.

You have to wake up each day with that fire, that same energy you had on day one. You have to stay motivated. Getting comfortable is dinosaur shit. Not watching your back for what’s next will guarantee your extinction. And don’t ever think you’re too big to fail. Ego-fueled behavior like that will end you. It’s that simple.