What It Takes

It's as easy to do something big as it is to do something small, so reach for a fantasy worthy of your pursuit, with rewards commensurate to your effort. Dream big. Schwarzman's journey from a middle-class upbringing to founding Blackstone, one of the world's largest investment firms, exemplifies the power of ambitious goals. He consistently aimed for transformative opportunities, whether in business deals or philanthropic endeavors. Take calculated risks. Throughout his career, Schwarzman embraced challenges that others deemed impossible. From raising an unprecedented $1 billion for Blackston

Lesson 1: Pursue ambitious goals and worthy fantasies

One of the most counterintuitive ideas in What It Takes: knowing when to stop is as important as knowing when to push. Stephen A. Schwarzman argues that the clearest path to failure is an inability to define what 'enough' looks like for you personally.

Lesson 2: Learn from failures and use them as catalysts for growth

This principle from What It Takes is backed by Stephen A. Schwarzman's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 3: Build a culture of excellence, integrity, and continuous learning

This principle from What It Takes is backed by Stephen A. Schwarzman's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

How to Apply What It Takes's Lessons

The real value of What It Takes lies in its applicability. After reading, the most important step is identifying which of Stephen A. Schwarzman's principles speak most directly to your current situation.

Consider keeping a journal while reading — noting where the ideas challenge your current approach and where they confirm what you already suspected. The friction of your own resistance often points to the most important insights.

Key Quote

"Pursue ambitious goals and worthy fantasies" — Stephen A. Schwarzman, What It Takes

About the Author

Stephen A. Schwarzman is the author of What It Takes. The book reflects years of research, observation, and synthesis of evidence from multiple disciplines.