We’ve all heard people say that success leaves clues.
According to Jordan Peterson, those clues aren’t just about hustle culture or stuffing your calendar with to-dos.
His take on “true success” has more to do with aligning your actions and mindset in a way that extends beyond superficial wins.
I’ve dipped into Peterson’s work a few times, and it’s striking how he puts heavy emphasis on personal responsibility, clear direction, and the small habits that build up over time.
Here are seven things he says you need to master if you want a fulfilling, lasting kind of success.
1. Stand up straight with your shoulders back
Yes, this might sound overly simple, but Peterson isn’t just talking about posture. He’s calling out the fact that how you carry yourself physically has a massive impact on your mental state.
When your posture is strong, you’re literally communicating confidence—to yourself and to everyone around you.
I’ve tried this myself during presentations.
I used to slouch in front of the mic, but once I straightened up and lifted my gaze, my nerves calmed. There’s something about changing your physical stance that clicks into your psychological wiring.
Other psychologists back this up too, noting that a more upright posture can reduce stress and increase a sense of control. Therefore, if you’re looking for a subtle boost in self-assurance, I suggest starting here.
2. Clean up your own space before you criticize the world
One of Peterson’s most famous lines is along the lines of, “Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world.”
He challenges people to handle their immediate responsibilities—sorting their finances, tidying up their living space, fixing relationships—before pointing fingers at everything that’s wrong outside.
This is backed by experts like Stephen Covey, who has said that focusing on what you can control is key to personal growth. You can’t solve global problems if your own life is in disarray.
I remember trying to mentor someone who wanted to launch a nonprofit while their own bills were unpaid, their schedule was chaotic, and they had zero free time.
The mission was admirable, but it was doomed without first getting personal affairs squared away.
Mastering this principle means taking ownership of your own environment so you have a solid foundation to actually help others.
3. Aim at something meaningful (and make it a high aim)
Peterson insists that having a clear direction in life — one tied to something meaningful — gives you a reason to endure the inevitable hardships.
If you don’t aim at something, you’ll end up drifting, reacting to whatever life throws your way.
But if you aim too low, you settle for comfort and never stretch your potential.
Tim Ferriss has made a similar point, noting that “conditions are never perfect” and that waiting for them to be so can stall your progress.
Meaningful goals provide the fuel to push through messy mornings, late nights, and rejection.
Whether that’s writing your first book, building a business to solve a social problem, or just becoming more physically fit, choose a target that excites you enough to keep going when it’s tough.
4. Speak the truth (or at least don’t lie)
We’ve all told a little white lie to avoid conflict or get out of awkward situations.
But Peterson argues that once you start bending reality—even in small ways—you become disconnected from your own integrity and the real world.
It’s a slippery slope where you lose track of what’s genuine, and that can cost you your credibility.
Practical application: if there’s a tough conversation at work, or if something in your relationships isn’t right, address it head-on. Side-stepping the truth only compounds problems down the road.
People will respect you more if you’re honest, even when the truth is a bit painful. And in the long run, your reputation as someone who’s straightforward will open more doors than you might expect.
5. Take responsibility for your actions
When something goes wrong, it’s tempting to blame the economy, your boss, your parents—any external factor.
Peterson and many other thought leaders (like Ray Dalio) emphasize the power of personal responsibility.
If you messed up, own it. If you notice a problem in your business or career, address it instead of pointing fingers.
I remember a phase in my 20s when I ran a startup that fizzled. My first reflex was to blame market conditions and my co-founder’s lack of commitment.
But if I were honest, I hadn’t done enough due diligence, and I definitely overlooked some major red flags.
Once I acknowledged my part, I could learn from it and adapt to the next project.
According to Peterson, that’s when growth actually starts—when you confront your shortcomings and decide to do better.
6. Pursue what’s meaningful, not just what’s expedient
Quick wins feel good, but they rarely lead to lasting achievement. Peterson warns against living only for short-term gratification.
Think about the difference between binging on Netflix to unwind and investing the same hours in skill-building or deeper relationships. One path gives you a quick hit of comfort, the other paves a road for long-term returns.
Zig Ziglar once said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
That applies perfectly here.
Sometimes the pursuit of meaning is tough. It might involve studying late at night, skipping social events to work on a side hustle, or investing in personal development courses.
It’s not always fun at the moment. But if you keep at it, the payoff can be enormous—both financially and psychologically.
7. Recognize your capacity for chaos (and keep it in check)
Peterson often talks about how each of us has a darker side that can surface under stress or temptation. A big part of real success is acknowledging that capacity and consciously keeping it under control.
We all can become impulsive, jealous, or angry if left unchecked. It’s not about pretending you’re perfect—it’s about knowing your weaknesses so they don’t derail you.
This is something I’ve personally wrestled with. If I’m overwhelmed, I can lose my temper or just shut down. Early in my career, I refused to admit I needed to work on stress management.
Guess what?
It showed in my work, and it definitely showed in my relationships.
Once I recognized my own blind spots—things like impatience or taking on too many projects — I could put guardrails in place.
That might be scheduling mandatory breaks, delegating more, or simply giving myself a pep talk before diving into a tense situation. It’s never foolproof, but it’s far better than letting stress blow up your progress.
Wrapping up
Closing it out, but not to be overlooked — Jordan Peterson’s advice isn’t about quick fixes.
It’s about shaping your life from the inside out.
Each of these seven principles points you toward a more structured, purposeful existence, which then trickles into everything else: your relationships, career, finances, and overall fulfillment.
Try introducing one or two of these concepts into your daily routine. Stand up a little straighter, hold yourself more accountable, aim for something that truly matters, and be real with yourself about the changes you need to make.
Over time, these habits become part of who you are, and that’s where you’ll see the biggest payoff.
Until next time, friends
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