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James Patterson doesn’t give advice. “I’m too humble for it,” he said via Zoom. But he did share with _Experience Counts_ what has worked for him over his illustrious career and what he has

learned along the way.  Despite all his success, Patterson, 76, “still sees the world through the eyes of a kid from Newburgh, New York.” He’s listed in _Guinness_ _World Records_ for the

most number 1 books on _The_ _New York Times_ Best Seller list. He has collaborated on various books with President Clinton and Dolly Parton; with his wife, Sue; and many other writers.

Plus, Patterson has donated millions of books to students and U.S. soldiers and millions of dollars to students, schools, libraries and independent bookstores. Whether you’re a fan of his

famous characters, including Alex Cross, Michael Bennett or Maximum Ride; his numerous novels, narrative nonfiction and children’s books; or the movies or television series to which his pen

gave life, just a few moments with Patterson would leave you inspired. Here are 7 life lessons from Patterson.   1. IDENTIFY YOUR PASSION  “When I was a little kid, one of my grandmother’s

lines was that ‘hungry dogs run faster.’ That has stuck with me. It’s motivated me, in a good way, to stay hungry, to keep interested. ‘Passionate humans run faster’ would be another [way to

say it)]. Passionate humans accomplish more, or passionate humans maybe have more fulfilling lives. I do, anyway. With any project that I’m considering taking on, if I don’t feel the

passion, I just don’t do it.” 2. PRIORITIZE YOUR STRENGTHS  ‘My time here is short. What can I do most beautifully?’ “I heard this once, and I love it. I’ve been living with [this

perspective] for most of my life. Now, it seems [particularly] relevant, but I think it’s equally relevant — and maybe even more important — for 20-year-olds. I really think that it’s just

so useful in terms of figuring out the priorities you’re going to have in life. When you understand your time is short, what are you going to do? What are you doing today? You want to live

your life. Is family important to you? Is being with somebody important to you? What kind of job do you want to do? Can you sacrifice some money to do something that you really love or not?

When I was a kid, I wanted to play in the NBA. I was pretty good, but not that good. Sometimes you have to let go of the dream for something that’s more realistic, and that’s OK.”  3. PICK

THE PERFECT PARTNER  “To me, one of the hugest things is to marry your best friend. I did. Sue and I have been best friends for 40 years or so. We’ve been married for 26. The first time we

went out for a long dinner, she said that she and I talked more that night than she did during her entire first marriage. One of the things that I mentioned in the autobiography _James

Patterson by James Patterson_ is that every night Sue and I go to sleep holding hands. I have always felt very lucky I found Sue, and that helps me to be attentive and appreciative.”