Think about the most successful people you can think of in your life. Now I want you to also think about the most successful people you have learned throughout history. What if I told you that the one thing that they all have in common is that they were leaders in their lives?
Many people wish to have the success of many people that came before them and wish to emulate them, but the truth is that you must be capable of leadership in order to have that success. If you want a modern example, look at the various heads of states across the world. Rather you agree with their politics or not, each one of these individuals have been leaders in their own right even before they became head of state from their respective countries. For this reason, I recommend that you read the following texts.
Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
7 effective habits of highly effective people by Stephen Covey
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie