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What Do Successful People Have in Common?

Picture of Author: Rod Khleif

Author: Rod Khleif

Top Real Estate Mentor, Best Selling Author, Host of #1 Real Estate Investing Podcast

What I Learned from Millionaires, a Billionaire, and a Skateboarding Legend

Last week, I had the privilege of attending two high-level masterminds in California—both focused on digital marketing and business storytelling. These aren’t your typical networking events. They’re elite gatherings of high performers. And yes, they’re incredibly expensive.

But here’s the kicker…

Despite the fact that most of the attendees were multi-millionaires, and one even a billionaire, they still showed up to learn, share, and grow. That’s what struck me the most.

I snapped a few photos with some of them (check them out below), but what I really want to share is the common thread that ran through each of their stories. These weren’t just talks about tactics or success hacks. They were deep insights into how greatness is built.

Here’s what every one of them had in common:

A clear, compelling vision

They didn’t just dream big—they defined those dreams with specific, measurable goals.

Laser-sharp focus

Distractions didn’t stand a chance. These people had tunnel vision on what mattered most.

The grit to overcome adversity

Every story included a setback, a challenge, or a rock-bottom moment—but none of them quit.

Relentless perseverance

When plans didn’t work, they didn’t abandon the goal. They adjusted the strategy and tried again.

A powerful mindset

No victim mentality. Just ownership, optimism, and the belief that they could figure it out.

Success Is Not a Destination. It’s a Journey

Listening to these leaders reminded me of something powerful:

Happiness doesn’t come from achievement. It comes from progress.

Success isn’t a box you check. It’s a way of life.

It’s the consistent movement toward your vision—even when things get hard. Especially when they get hard. It’s waking up every day and asking, “How can I get just a little better today?”

A Few Standout Leaders Who Inspired Me:

📌 John Assaraf

Featured in The Secret and a pioneer of the vision board movement. He helped millions—including me—visualize a better future.

📌 Tony Hawk

The Birdman himself. Legendary pro skateboarder and founder of Birdhouse. His story is one of passion, reinvention, and long-term impact.

📌 Leroy Dixon

World champion sprinter and gold medalist. His journey is a masterclass in discipline, speed, and mindset under pressure.

📌 Sara Blakely

Founder of Spanx and self-made billionaire. A beacon of resilience, creativity, and commitment to purpose.

📌 Dr. Robert Cialdini

Author of Influence and Pre-suasion. One of the greatest minds in behavioral psychology and persuasion—his work has shaped how millions think and sell.

Their backgrounds? Wildly different.

Their industries? All over the map.

But their principles? Strikingly similar.

So if you’re chasing a goal right now, whether it’s your first deal, financial freedom, or a better version of yourself, take this to heart:

  • Get clear on what you want.

  • Build the habits to stay consistent.

  • Surround yourself with people who inspire you.

  • And keep showing up.

🎧 Want to Build a Winning Mindset?

If this resonated with you, don’t miss my Own Your Power clips on the Lifetime Cashflow Podcast—short, powerful bursts to keep your head and heart in the game.

And if you haven’t grabbed my bestselling book yet:

Cover image of book How to Create Lifetime Cashflow Through Multifamily Properties book by Top Real Estate Investor, Rod Khleif

How to Create Lifetime Cashflow Through Multifamily Properties – Get It Free Here

Stay focused, stay hungry, and keep moving forward.

With love and passion,

Rod Khleif

About the Author: 

Rod Khleif

Founder of The Lifetime Cashflow Academy, The Multifamily Bootcamp, and Warrior Program

Rod is a seasoned real estate investor, mentor, and philanthropist. He has owned and managed thousands of single and multifamily properties and is the host of the top-ranked “Lifetime Cash Flow Through Real Estate Investing” podcast. Rod is a best-selling author and one of the most trusted voices in the multifamily investing space. He’s been featured in major publications and has helped thousands of students achieve financial freedom through real estate.

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About Rod Khleif

Rod Khleif is a best-selling author, speaker and philanthropist, and the host of the top-ranked Lifetime Cash Flow Through Real Estate Investing podcast. He is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading experts in multifamily real estate and has helped thousands build financial freedom through real estate investing.

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