Things for which there is no substitute:
1. Paying attention to detail.
2. Work. There is no way around this. Just get the work done.
3. Take yourself seriously. If you take yourself seriously, society will get the memo.
4. Be impeccable with your word. If you don't mean it or can't do it, don't say it.
5. Be kind as a default. But if somebody abuses your kindness, don't be shy to be an a**hole. Balance.
VT
1. Thoughts are things
Your thoughts, even though they are intangible, have tangible impacts.
Everything you accomplish starts as a thought.
Change your thoughts, and you'll change your results.