The Secret of Success

This well-loved poem by Nixon Waterman shares a simple yet powerful lesson about success. Written with humor and warmth, The Secret of Success reminds us that steady effort often matters more than always chasing the next new idea.

Through the simple story of a boy picking huckleberries, Waterman shows the value of choosing a good course and sticking with it. While others spend their time searching for something better, Johnny stays focused on the work in front of him, and his persistence pays off.

The lesson is lighthearted, but it is also practical. Whether we are working toward a personal goal, building a career, or simply trying to improve our lives, staying focused and consistently doing the work can move us closer to success.

To look at fifty bushes doesn't count like picking one. Nixon Waterman

Updated September 28, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

The Secret of Success

Poet: Nixon Waterman

One day in huckleberry time, when little Johnny Flails
And half a dozen other boys were starting with their pails
To gather berries, Johnny's pa, in talking with him, said
That he could tell him how to pick so he'd come out ahead.

"First find your bush," said Johnny's pa, "and then stick to it till
You've picked it clean. Let those go chasing all about who will
In search of better bushes, but it's picking tells, my son.
To look at fifty bushes doesn't count like picking one."

And Johnny did as he was told, and sure enough he found
By sticking to his bush while all the others chased around
In search of better picking, 'twas as his father said;
For while the others looked he worked, and so came out ahead.

And Johnny recollected this when he became a man.
And first of all he laid him out a well-determined plan.
So while the brilliant triflers failed with all their brains and push.
Wise steady-going Johnny won by "sticking to his bush."

Key Messages

Success grows through focus.
Staying with one goal often brings better results than chasing many ideas at once.
Consistency matters.
Small steady effort, repeated over time, can take you further than short bursts of excitement.
Patience and persistence work together.
When progress feels slow, sticking with a good plan can still move you forward.
Action beats endless searching.
While others look for something better, the one who keeps working often gets ahead.
Simple advice can hold real wisdom.
This poem reminds us that success is often built on practical choices we can make every day.

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Conclusion

This poem reminds us that success is often built through steady effort rather than quick changes. By staying focused on one path and continuing to work at it, we give ourselves the chance to grow and improve over time. The lesson is simple, yet it carries lasting value.

The Secret of Success encourages us to look at our own goals with patience and determination. Instead of searching for something better, the poem suggests that real progress comes from making the most of what is already in front of us. When we commit to our efforts, small steps can lead to meaningful results.

As you reflect on this poem, let it be a reminder to keep going, even when progress feels slow. Success often comes quietly, through daily choices and continued effort. By staying consistent and believing in the work you are doing, you move closer to the goals you hope to achieve.

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