My parents often share informative videos with my brother and me. Truth be told, I tend to ignore most of them, not wanting to spend the time it takes to absorb the shared content. However, when I saw a short clip about a book detailing advice from one of the most successful businessmen to his son, it piqued my interest.

It was only after I began reading The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller that I realized John D. Rockefeller was not only one of the wealthiest people in history but also built his fortune through his oil refining business. Over the years, Rockefeller wrote 38 letters to his son, sharing insights and guiding him through life’s challenges. These letters allow readers a unique window into his career experiences and the thoughtful advice he imparted to his son. Below, I’ll share my three main takeaways from the book.

Letter 4: Opportunity Comes from Taking Action

Rockefeller emphasizes that opportunity rarely just appears – you have to go out and create it yourself. He advises taking risks and seizing opportunities when they arise, rather than waiting for them to come to you. He also acknowledges that life often feels overwhelming, with too many tasks and too little time, so it’s critical to focus only on the work that will yield the greatest results.

This advice resonates strongly in my own career. I see colleagues, myself included, sometimes feeling discontented with assigned projects, waiting for that big opportunity to showcase our worth, or hoping a manager will fulfill a long-promised career boost. But it’s important to remember that we have various avenues to pursue: seeking projects that interest us and gathering enough data to ensure they get prioritized, following up with our managers for specific commitments, or even exploring new job opportunities both internally and externally. Ultimately, we are in control of our career paths.

Letter 9: Confidence and Determination Lead to the Top

Rockefeller notes that while most people aspire to reach the highest level of success, few possess the confidence and determination needed to get there. Because many people doubt their ability to succeed, they often choose paths that keep them at an average level, limiting their potential.

To reach our goals, it helps to look closely at those already performing at the level we want to achieve and identify the gaps in our own skills. Why can’t we perform at that level today? By being specific about the skills we need to improve, we can often identify practical steps to bridge those gaps. Once the concrete steps are clear, all that remains is to apply the effort and determination to achieve them.

Letter 38: How Can I Do Better Today?

Rockefeller asks, “How can I make my work more efficient today?” This simple question serves as a powerful daily exercise.

Often, we get so accustomed to our routines that we operate on autopilot, following the same patterns day in and day out. But taking a little time each month to assess our daily approach can reveal ways to become more productive and intentional in how we spend our time.

In summary, I enjoyed reading this book and appreciated how J.D. Rockefeller used personal stories to communicate key lessons to his son. Advice delivered through storytelling often has a stronger impact, making it more relatable and memorable. This is a good read for anyone looking for inspiration presented in a unique format.