Success is a dedicated practice
Here are the ways some of the most amazing people who ever lived made their success a reality. Find out which game-changer shares your star sign, and see how their daily practices might help you find personal and professional success, too.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Lady Gaga: Born March 28, 1986
You may think this over-the-top songbird looks to the future for her musical inspiration, but she prefers to fuel her soul with music's greatest performers. In her dressing room at every show is a small record player where she can listen to the vinyl stylings of her favorites, like Billy Joel, helping to center her mind and put fire in her spirit.
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Mark Zuckerberg: Born May 14, 1984
The founder of Facebook claims that to be successful, he's made it a priority to surround himself with other highly successful individuals. Not only does he keep good company, but he also makes a conscious effort to understand what problems he wants to fix before he develops any idea, giving him a clear path to move forward.
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Gemini
May 21 – June 20
Aung San Suu Kyi: Born June 19, 1945
The leader of the Myanmar resistance—who once endured 15 years of house arrest for her political involvement—says that exercising her mind was pivotal to her staying on top of her game. Whether she played Bach on the piano or studied (and mastered) numerous languages, she prioritized brain power above restful contemplation.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Nelson Mandela: Born July 18, 1918
He was the first democratically elected president of South Africa, and was forced to spend 27 years as a political prisoner before he earned the title. Getting there, however, took persistence, something few people can manage with such grace. Not only did Mandela not back down from his belief in equality, but he also refused to allow roadblocks to stop him from moving forward to achieve that dream.
Leo
July 23 – August 22
J.K. Rowling: Born July 31, 1965
Being famous has its drawbacks, namely in making us too busy for our families. J.K. Rowling claims that her success comes from being able to balance home and work life. One way she keeps her connection with her kids strong is by regularly indulging in day-long cake-baking sessions.
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
Beyoncé: Born September 4, 1981
Being a musical powerhouse means having to always make sure you look your best. Queen Bey believes eating healthy is a crucial habit to keep in order to stay strong and fit. She prefers doing regular vegan cleanses that include lots of leafy green veggies and varying plant sources of nutrition to keep her at the top of her game.
Libra
September 23 – October 22
Mohandas Gandhi: Born October 2, 1869
He was a lawyer who became the leader of a movement that ended the colonization of India by Great Britain. One of his most well-documented habits was his practice of ahimsa or non-violent resistance. He believed that standing up for what was right did not have to include harm to others, and his teachings influenced future leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
Scorpio
October 23 – November 22
Bill Gates: Born October 28, 1955
Some may call Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, a visionary. Part of the reason he has such a knack for imagining things to come (and creating solutions to potential problems) is his penchant for reading books about the future of humanity, like "What If" by Randall Munroe.
Sagittarius
November 23 – December 21
Steven Spielberg: Born December 18, 1946
He's the name behind some of the greatest movies in the world, and he got that reputation by practicing one basic rule: Take risks. Whether it's becoming one of the frontliners of digital animation for the movie "Jurassic Park" or producing an ill-fated TV show like "The Whispers," Spielberg understands that success is never guaranteed, but only effort (not inaction) can be rewarded.
Capricorn
December 22 – January 18
Justin Trudeau: Born December 25, 1971
A true Capricorn, Canada's prime minister understands one trait above all else leads to success, and that's hard work. Rather than just show up for public appearances, P.M. Trudeau isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and put in the elbow grease to make his country successful, even when people aren't looking.
Aquarius
January 19 – February 18
Oprah Winfrey: Born January 29, 1954
To be as successful as Oprah, you need a team of dedicated, loyal staff members who you can count on. That's why it's always been important to Oprah that she shows her appreciation to those who help her succeed. Kindness, whether it's in the form of gifts, acknowledgement or a simple "thank you" is a practice that this media mogul has perfected.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Born March 15, 1933
With her long career of breaking down barriers that once prevented women from rising in the professional ranks, Justice Bader Ginsburg says the key to her success is focusing on how she can repair her community. Whether she's giving to those less fortunate or working to create legislation that can protect those in need, her practice of making the world better has not only made her a success, but also has paved the way for others to do the same.
