In his motivational talks, Steve Harvey frequently draws on his own life experiences to reveal essential truths about success, grit, and mental resilience. His wisdom resonates especially well when it comes to understanding why some people succeed against the odds while others, despite all the potential, don’t quite make it. Harvey’s message highlights a concept he frames as “taking the stairs” to success—a deliberate, gradual, and challenging climb instead of the shortcut many people hope for. His insights underscore one key reason why the vast majority of people do not reach their full potential: mindset.
Here’s a closer look at the core of Harvey’s advice, breaking down why only 2% of people succeed while the rest struggle and often fail.
1. The Illusion of Instant Success
Steve Harvey starts by challenging the “elevator to success” mentality—the idea that there’s a shortcut to the top. In a world where technology has made instant gratification the norm, many people grow accustomed to quick fixes and immediate results. From social media likes to express shipping, instant gratification seems pervasive. This can create an unrealistic expectation that success should be quick and effortless, something Harvey adamantly disputes.
He asserts, “Ain’t no elevator to the top; you’ve got to take the stairs.” True success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent, hard work and dedication. Harvey reminds his audience that while technology is an incredible tool, relying solely on it can lead to a lazy mindset, making people unwilling to engage in the hard work necessary to build a lasting legacy.
2. The Power of Self-Belief
Harvey emphasizes that one of the most significant barriers to success is a lack of belief in oneself. Many people simply don’t believe they’re capable of achieving greatness. They might have ambitions, but deep down, doubts linger. According to Harvey, successful people differ from others mainly because of one thing: belief. It’s this belief that keeps them going through setbacks, rejections, and failures.
As he explains, “It’s not what makes it hard; it’s your lack of belief that it can happen for you.” This self-doubt becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, preventing people from taking the risks and making the changes necessary to transform their lives. Success begins with a change in mindset—recognizing that achievement is possible and within reach.
3. Decision-Making and Ownership
One of Harvey’s key messages is the power of ownership over one’s decisions. He stresses that success or failure is ultimately a personal choice. Harvey believes that individuals must take full responsibility for their lives, instead of blaming external circumstances or seeking validation from others. He insists, “You get to decide if I’m going to be rich, poor, mediocre, plentiful, happy, sad…you have a decision to make.”
People who succeed are those who take responsibility for their paths and refuse to let external opinions or circumstances dictate their choices. Harvey’s message here is profound: to rise above mediocrity, one must choose to take charge of their own life.
4. The Trap of Social Media and External Validation
Harvey is particularly vocal about the distractions of social media and the dangers of becoming consumed by validation from online platforms. He points out that people often spend excessive time on social media, trying to keep up with others or seeking approval from strangers. This constant comparison and need for validation can be debilitating, trapping people in a cycle of external focus rather than introspection.
“Bloggers are not relevant people,” he says bluntly. Instead of looking outward for approval, Harvey advises focusing inward and setting meaningful goals. When people prioritize their goals over external validation, they build a path that is more aligned with long-term success.
5. Embracing Grit and Work Ethic
Steve Harvey emphasizes that technology should not replace the need for grit, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. Millennials and younger generations have unparalleled access to resources and information, but without grit, these advantages become meaningless. Harvey argues that “you can’t Google success” or download hard work.
Success requires resilience, a willingness to fail, and the resolve to try again. Harvey explains that challenges and setbacks are part of the journey, and learning to face them builds character and strength. He urges young people to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success rather than a deterrent. Building grit requires getting comfortable with discomfort, as growth and transformation are rarely easy.
6. Guarding the Mind Against Negativity
One of the most insidious barriers to success, according to Harvey, is negativity. He highlights the importance of shielding oneself from negative thoughts and influences, as they can erode confidence and motivation over time. Harvey has a simple, powerful practice that he uses daily: gratitude. He explains that gratitude is a powerful antidote to negativity, allowing people to focus on what they have rather than what they lack.
“Gratitude erases negativity,” Harvey says. He encourages people to practice gratitude daily, listing things they are thankful for to start each day with a positive outlook. This shift from scarcity to abundance mentality helps build resilience and fortifies people against doubt and discouragement.
7. The Necessity of Personal Change
Finally, Harvey’s message revolves around the need for personal transformation. To achieve success, people cannot keep doing what they’ve always done; they must change. He advises taking a hard look at one’s current habits, routines, and thoughts to identify areas that need improvement. Real change begins when people commit to evolving—embracing new ideas, strategies, and mindsets that move them closer to their goals.
Harvey argues, “If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve been getting.” This insight is a powerful reminder that growth requires stepping out of comfort zones and making adjustments, even when it’s difficult.
Conclusion: Harnessing Harvey’s Wisdom for Success
Steve Harvey’s insights are a clarion call for anyone stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, waiting for life to change without taking concrete steps. His message centers on the power of mindset, self-belief, grit, gratitude, and personal responsibility as the true keys to success. The 2% who succeed don’t have magical advantages—they are simply willing to take responsibility, make sacrifices, and put in the effort where others won’t.
For those striving to break free from limitations and reach new heights, Harvey’s advice serves as a roadmap. Success requires persistence, an unshakable belief in oneself, and a commitment to daily growth. By taking the stairs instead of searching for an elevator, anyone can rise above challenges and achieve greatness.