Mike Ross, the underdog of the hit TV series ‘Suits’, wasn’t just another character in a drama series. He was a manifestation of raw determination, unparalleled grit, and the audacity to dream big, even when every odd was stacked against him. From his journey, we can extract life-changing lessons that will inspire any individual seeking success.

1. Talent Alone Isn’t Enough; It’s About Hustle.

Mike possessed an eidetic memory, a gift envied by many. But was that enough? No. What set Mike apart was not just his gift but his grind. He faced failures, rejections, and betrayals, yet he hustled. Every. Single. Day. Talent can give you an edge, but hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

2. Authenticity Over Pretense.

Mike’s secret, his lack of a legitimate law degree, was his Achilles heel. But he turned that vulnerability into strength. By being genuine about who he was, he managed to build real relationships. In a world obsessed with pretense, be a Mike. Be authentic. Real power lies not in fooling others with a facade but in being so unabashedly genuine that the world has no choice but to respect you.

3. Never Let Failures Define You.

Mike was kicked out of college. He lost the chance to have an ‘official’ degree, but that didn’t stop him. He didn’t let one setback, as massive as it was, define his entire life. He taught us that it’s not about how many times you get knocked down but how many times you get back up.

4. Loyalty is Everything.

From treacherous friends like Trevor to rock-solid allies like Harvey, Mike encountered both ends of the loyalty spectrum. Through his interactions, Mike taught us the essence of loyalty. In this dog-eat-dog world, be someone’s Harvey or Mike. Be loyal. In the long run, those relationships will be the pillars on which you build your empire.

5. Knowledge is Power.

Mike Ross was not just about memory; he was about knowledge. His endless nights of reading, learning, and absorbing information were indicative of his thirst for knowledge. In the age of information, ignorance is a choice. Choose to be informed. Arm yourself with the power of knowledge, and you’ll be unstoppable.

6. Morality is Not Negotiable.

Even when swimming with the sharks in the treacherous waters of corporate law, Mike’s moral compass rarely wavered. He constantly battled with the fine line between right and wrong. Remember, success achieved at the expense of one’s ethics is a hollow victory.

7. Adaptability is Key.

Mike entered a world he was wholly unprepared for. But he adapted. He observed, learned, and changed. In a constantly evolving world, adaptability is not just a skill, it’s a survival trait. Don’t remain rigid; learn to adapt, and you’ll not only survive but thrive.

8. Fear is a Liar.

Starting as a fraud in a top-tier law firm, the specter of exposure and failure was a constant for Mike. Yet, he didn’t let fear dictate his actions. Fear is a crippling emotion, but like Mike, you have to look it in the eye and say, “Not today.”

Mike Ross’s character is not just entertainment, it’s a masterclass in ambition, resilience, and integrity. Let’s not just watch and admire, let’s internalize and embody. The world doesn’t need more viewers; it needs more Mike Ross’ – driven, fearless, and unyieldingly ambitious.

So, suit up, and take on the world! 🫡

If you enjoyed reading this and want to show your support, you can check out my non-fiction and children’s books at edgarescoto.com.

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