Carlos Slim Helú is one of the richest businessmen in the world. The Mexican billionaire comes from a Lebanese family and built his fortune in telecommunications through companies such as Telmex, Telcel, and América Móvil. From 2010 to 2013, he was ranked the world’s richest person, and he remained one of the top 10 billionaires for nearly a decade.
Slim learned about money long before he became a billionaire. His father gave each of his children five pesos every week and asked them to keep a record of every expense. Carlos still keeps those childhood accounting notebooks in his office today. At just 12 years old, he bought his first shares in a Mexican bank, beginning a lifelong interest in investing.
© UN Geneva / Flickr
After earning an engineering degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Slim started building what would become the Carso Group. He first entered the real estate business before expanding into many other industries. Today, he is known not only for his business success but also for supporting education, healthcare, culture, and charitable causes.
Over the years, Carlos Slim has shared many thoughts about business, success, and personal happiness. AdmiGram.com picked 10 of his most inspiring ideas.
10 Rules for a Happy Life by Carlos Slim
© Paul Kagame / Flickr
Have interests outside of work. Business shouldn’t be your entire life. Learning, traveling, hobbies, and new experiences make life richer and more enjoyable.
Trust your own judgment. If other people’s opinions matter more than your own, you’ll never truly live for yourself.
Learn from the past and plan for the future. Your past teaches valuable lessons, but your future depends on the choices you make today.
Don’t be afraid of small mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. The goal is to keep learning so small mistakes never become big ones.
Stay flexible. The most successful businesses—and people—know how to adapt when circumstances change.
Don’t let work take over your life. Working 15 or 16 hours every day leaves little time for family, friends, or yourself. A successful life needs balance.
Invest in your relationships. A strong personal life gives you the support and confidence to succeed in every other area.
Live by your values. Real happiness comes from knowing what you believe and making decisions that match those beliefs.
Stay calm and positive. A positive attitude helps you handle challenges and opens the door to better opportunities.
Redefine success. Success isn’t just about money, a company, or a career. Success is the life you build with your family, your friends, and the people who matter most.
image on top: World Travel & Tourism Council / Flickr
