Success Stories

Grant Cardone 10 Rules for Success: From Drug Addict to Self-Made Multimillionaire

Forbes magazine gave Grant Cardone a huge shoutout when they called him the "#1 marketer to watch." But things weren't always going so well for him. Cardone was so close to losing his life because of drugs.

So, how did he go from that scary, life-or-death moment to being a top name in the marketing world? What changed? Cardone believes anyone can turn their life around and achieve great things, just like he did. All it takes is following these 10 simple rules to start. Keep reading to find out!

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Who is Grant Cardone?

Grant Cardone is a name many people recognize, but not everyone knows the tough road he walked before becoming the successful guy he is today. He was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and his single mom had her hands full raising seven kids. Grant wasn't always the role model he is now; he battled drug addiction for a long time—over nine years. Despite even overdosing three times, quitting seemed impossible for him. 

The turning point for Grant came through his mom's tough love. One day, he appeared at her, looking and acting like a mess. That's when she told him she was done, and he couldn't return. Her decision was a wake-up call for him, and he entered a treatment center just ten days later.

After completing the program, Grant put all the energy he used to spend on drugs into his work—even a job he didn't like. He worked hard, paid back the people he'd hurt, and began rebuilding his self-esteem. It took time, but little by little, Grant transformed his life. Now, years later, he's not only free from addiction but also a successful entrepreneur, proof that anyone can turn their life around if they want to.

Cardone’s Rules for Success

1. Dream Big

Grant Cardone says you should have really big dreams, so big that you can't even picture the limit. But here's something important: the people you hang out with can change how you see things. If you're around folks who don't aim for much, they won't pull your dreams down, but they might change how you see your goals. So choose your friends carefully. Your viewpoint on your dreams is too important to be influenced by people who don't think big.

2. Pay the Price Today

Cardone has this powerful saying: "Pay the price today so that you can pay any price in the future." It means you can enjoy the rewards later if you work hard now. Think of it as planting seeds today and enjoying the fruits tomorrow. Sacrifice a little bit of fun and comfort now so you can live a life most people can only dream of in the future.

3. Finding Your Purpose

Cardone thinks that usually happens when you don't have a clear purpose in life. Find something you care about. It could be anything as long as you can measure or score it, like hitting sales targets or creating art. When you have a purpose, it's like having a map for your life. You know where you're going and why, which lifts your spirits.

4. Show Up Every Day

One of Cardone's major rules is showing up every single day. Success doesn't happen by taking days off. Sometimes, you might not feel like getting out of bed, but that's exactly when you need to push yourself. Make it a habit to show up, no matter what. Consistency is key.

5. Put Your Ego Aside

The ego can be a big roadblock on the path to success. Cardone believes that if you can become great at something you dislike, you're setting yourself up for greatness. So don't shy away from challenges, even if you hate them. Face them head-on and grow from the experience.

6. Be Careful What You Say to Yourself

You know that little voice in your head? The one that says you can't do it or you're not good enough? Cardone says you've got to shut that voice down. Replace it with thoughts that lift you and inspire you. Your own words have a huge impact on what you do, so make sure they're positive.

7. Change the Way You Think

Cardone says our minds can sometimes be our own worst enemies. Negative thoughts can sneak in and make us settle for less than we deserve. Change your way of thinking. Believe in yourself and aim for better.

8. Repeating What Works

After you've found what works for you, keep doing it. Don't change a winning game. Cardone believes that doing the right things over and over again is the secret sauce to success. Repetition is your friend.

9. Make Good Choices

If you want to achieve great things, you must make great decisions. Sometimes, these decisions are hard, like choosing work over a party or saving money instead of spending it. Cardone says you have to be willing to make tough choices if you want to reach the top.

10. Start Somewhere and Take Responsibility

Cardone's last rule is simple but powerful: start somewhere. No one is born good at anything; you've got to practice and work hard. And there's no magic shortcut to make things easier. The responsibility for your success is on you and you alone. So take that first step and own your journey.

Final Thoughts

Grant Cardone shows us that you can go from hard times to big success if you follow his ten rules for success. He proves that dreaming big, working hard right now, and taking control of your own life can get you where you want to go. It's not just about having big ideas; you've got to take big actions, too. So, what's stopping you? Your dreams aren't going to happen by themselves.

If you're excited about making your dreams a reality, here's your next step: Sign up for the Next Level Academy Free Masterclass. This is your chance to learn all the ins and outs of business. Whether you're just starting or want to push your business further, this free class has something for everyone. Start turning your big dreams into real life today!

Further Reading