There are two success paths in life:
1) Do nothing. Want nothing.
2) Pick a direction and ride the chaos as long as you can until nature finds your equal.
Events in life mean nothing if you do not reflect on them in a deep way, and ideas from books are pointless if they have no application to life as you live it.
I love people who can put their pride aside, apologize, and actually change their behaviour. That awareness, accountability, and emotional maturity is so attractive.