This is the title of Dan Miller’s podcast from last week. Dan is the author of 48 Days to the Work You Love. The podcast is based on a quotation from Napoleon Hill, “Action is the real measure of intelligence.”

We may look at people sometimes and see them as highly intelligent or extremely successful in life. I have come to realize, as is stated above, that it isn’t necessarily the smartest people who become successful, but those who choose to act upon their specific gifts and capabilities.

I have worked in an academic medical center for more than 30 years. I work with many well-educated and successful physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses and administrative executives. While I can see that these people are quite capable in their field, it isn’t just their intellect that makes them successful. If they had not chosen to discipline themselves to go to school, finish school, do the required internship, residency, licensing and board certification, they would not be working in their current capacity.

It is the people who take action that are successful in life. What are doing today that shows how smart you are?