The no-BS guide to winning: 25 key principles to live by 🔥

Your roadmap to building a life on your own terms from Just the Good Stuff by Jim VandeHei

Dec 04, 2024

Daniel’s verdict ✅

Just the Good Stuff is like getting a masterclass in no-BS success straight from someone who’s been there, done that, and got the scars to prove it. Jim VandeHei strips away the fluff, serving up hard-earned lessons on how to hustle, cut through the noise, and build a life on your own terms. From ditching toxic people to embracing your insecurities and turning them into fuel, this book is like a cold splash of reality — and you’ll thank it for that. If you want a guide to navigating life and work without the clichés, this one’s for you.

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Ready to cut the crap? Here are no-nonsense takeaways from Jim VandeHei that’ll help you crush life and work on your own terms:

1️⃣ It’s possible

Don’t let your past or circumstances define your future. Whether you’re from a small town or an underdog, success is within reach if you believe it’s possible. Jim even has a “Zotheka” tattoo (meaning "it’s possible" in Malawi), and explained this mindset opens doors you didn’t know existed.

2️⃣ You control you

Stop worrying about past failures or missed opportunities — focus on what you can control now. Let go of old baggage (grades, mistakes or failures) and ask yourself: what can you do today to set yourself up for success tomorrow?

3️⃣ Curiosity drives greatness

Success isn’t about being the smartest, it’s about always learning and growing. Steve Jobs wasn’t a tech genius, but his curiosity pushed Apple to change industries. Keep asking questions and exploring new ideas — curiosity fuels innovation.

4️⃣ Write your own story

Your life is like a book. Make sure you’re the one writing it. Jim VandeHei suggests literally writing down your goals and who you want to be. Without a clear plan, you might end up somewhere you don’t want to be.

5️⃣ Luck is real, but hustle matters

Success is a mix of luck and being prepared. Jim got his first journalism job by chance, but he was ready when it happened. Hustle puts you in the right place when luck strikes.

6️⃣ Use insecurity as fuel

Insecurities can be powerful motivators. Jim felt out of place in Washington at The Post, but worked twice as hard to prove himself. Instead of letting insecurities hold you back, use them to push harder.

7️⃣ Cut the toxic people

Life’s too short for negativity. Whether it’s a bad boss, a toxic friend, or a negative colleague, let them go. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.

8️⃣ Find your ‘Autumn’

Everyone needs someone who tells it like it is. For Jim, that person was his wife, Autumn, who pushed him to launch Politico. Find someone who gives you honest feedback and the courage to make bold decisions.

9️⃣ Don’t be a loser

Tearing others down only makes you look bad. Instead of criticising others, focus on what makes you great. Show your strengths, don’t whine about others.

🔟 Tame your inner demons

We all have impulses that hold us back. For Jim, it was his “fight-or-fight” instinct. Learn to spot your own triggers — whether it’s ego or anger — and keep them in check before they derail you.

1️⃣1️⃣ Gratitude goes a long way

Being generous with your time, knowledge, and help can pay off big time. Reporter Jonathan Swan said it best: “You get back everything — and more — than you give.” Help others and watch it come back to you.

1️⃣2️⃣ Quitting can be smart

Quitting has a bad rep, but knowing when to walk away is key. Jim quit the Pulitzer Prize Board because it drained his energy. If something is sucking the life out of you, quit and focus on what fuels you.

1️⃣3️⃣ Create your own break

Opportunities don’t just show up — you have to create them. Jim wrote a snarky letter and landed a job covering Congress. Sometimes you have to take bold steps to make things happen.

1️⃣4️⃣ Chase happiness, not (just) money

Don’t let money drive your decisions. Jim says, “Find work that’s so satisfying you’d do it for free.” If you love what you do, success will follow. Money is important, but passion is the compass.

1️⃣5️⃣ Excellence over success

Don’t obsess over success — focus on mastering your craft. When you aim for excellence, success follows naturally.

1️⃣6️⃣ Embrace insecurity

We all have self-doubt. Jim felt insecure about his education, so he outworked everyone. Use insecurity as motivation to push harder and outsmart the competition.

1️⃣7️⃣ Mentorship matters

No one succeeds alone. Find mentors who can guide you, offer advice, and open doors. People love to share their wisdom — don’t be afraid to ask for help.

1️⃣8️⃣ Listen to the hard truths

Everyone needs someone who tells them the hard stuff. Jim’s co-founder told him to stop reacting so harshly to critics, and it saved him from regrets. Take advice from people who know you well, especially when it’s tough to hear.

1️⃣9️⃣ Stop playing small

Too many people stay small out of fear. Whether it’s applying for a job that seems out of reach or starting a big project, go for it. Playing small won’t get you anywhere.

2️⃣0️⃣ Simplify everything

Success comes from focusing on what matters. Jim co-founded Axios on the principle of “Smart Brevity” — less is more. Focus on clarity, impact, and cutting out what’s unnecessary.

2️⃣1️⃣ Health is wealth

Your health impacts everything. Jim is fanatical about fitness, knowing it directly affects his performance. Invest in your body and mind — they’re the foundation of success.

2️⃣2️⃣ Live with positive intent

Always assume people have good intentions. When things go wrong, or someone lets you down, don’t jump to conclusions. It helps build better relationships and avoids unnecessary conflict.

2️⃣3️⃣ Quiet leadership works

You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. Some of the most effective leaders speak less, listen more, and command respect through their actions.

2️⃣4️⃣ Quit before you burn out

Burnout is real. Jim left Politico when it became more about managing conflict than doing great journalism. If something’s draining you, it might be time to move on.

2️⃣5️⃣ Trust the process

Success takes time. Jim built Politico and Axios by trusting the process and staying consistent. Keep doing the work and trust that success will come.

👤 About the author

Jim VandeHei is a media visionary and co-founder of two major news outlets: Politico (acquired for $1bn) and Axios (sold for $525m). He’s known for changing the game in modern journalism, but his path wasn’t always clear. Starting as a struggling student without much direction, Jim turned things around when he found his passion for politics and journalism. With decades of experience covering the presidency and leading innovative media companies, he’s now an expert at navigating today’s fast-paced, chaotic world.