The 15 Life Lessons We Learned From Scarface

Scarface is one of the most epic movies to be ever produced. We all remember the story of a Cuban immigrant who worked his way to the top of the Miami underworld. Coming from another country and being forced to survive in unfamiliar territory is a daunting task.

Tony Montana knew that he wanted to achieve something great when he first stepped foot into this country. He didn’t sit there and just watch others around him succeed. He got his hands dirty and worked his way to the top. Nothing kept this man from achieving his goals.

He used his talents and worked through countless obstacles to get his work done. Tony is a great businessman and we can learn a lot from his entrepreneurial mindset. Here are The 15 Life Lessons We Learned From Scarface.

15. Always tell the truth.

When you say what you mean and are sincere, people will trust you. If you are a man of your word, doing business with you is a breeze. The truth may not always be pleasant. It may not always be what you want to hear, but if you want to succeed in any endeavor in life, you must face the truth, even if it hurts. "Good? You're not good. You just know how to hide, how to lie. Me, I don't have that problem. Me, I always tell the truth."

14. In America it pays more to work smart than to work hard.

You can work hard for yourself, building something that lasts and is self sustaining, rather than simply toiling in the sun, digging ditches. It is all relative; for success in an online business of any sort, hard work and long hours will be required. But know that hard work only pays off if you work smart. It will take work and effort, but there is no need to work 80 hours a week for a living wage. Use your hard work for yourself. Start your own business and watch it prosper. "I didn't come to the United States to break my f*cking back."

13. Stick to your word.

Being an immigrant didn't give Tony many options when he first started out. He only had one thing and that was his word. You must stick to your word no matter what. It's the only way people are going to want to do business with you. Don’t make deals if you can’t follow through

12. Have the balls to try something different.

You will never make it in any industry unless you take risk. Risk is what keeps people doing their job. Everything however must be calculated and you should know the consequences of your actions. You need to take risks, it's the only way you're going to be able to further yourself. So when things seem like they are stagnant it's because you are not taking enough risk. Live on the edge and know that no matter how hard you push yourself, if you put your mind to it you can achieve your goals.

11. Money equals power and power leads to more women.

Money is not just a currency or means of trading. It is the key to power. The more money someone has, the more power they are given. Once you work hard to make the money then you will fully realize all the perks that come with being successful. "In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women."

10. Seize opportunities. Make the most out of any opportunity.

There is a plethora of opportunities available to us on a daily basis. We will go nowhere in life if we are not vigilant and willing to seize these opportunities. Every missed opportunity holds you back. As proven in the movie, Tony can easily say that the best opportunities are usually the ones that pop up unannounced. Just know this: It’s better to shoot and miss than to never pick up the gun at all.

9. Know your place in the operation and complete the task given to you.

In any given organization there are levels of hierarchy as well as levels of responsibility. When starting out, know your role and what it requires of you. Complete each task to the best of your abilities, but never get comfortable. Think outside the box when it comes to getting your tasks done and remember to always be on the look out to increase your role and responsibilities. It's the only way you're going to get noticed and move up the ranks.

8. Get the job done at all costs.

Even if something doesn’t go the way you plan while fulfilling an obligation, bite the bullet and finish the job. Outsource if you need to, but you should never let it get to this point. No one is going to get it done better than you. If you have to ask someone for help make sure it is a person who is reliable and organized.

7. Don't cross somebody first.

Sleeping at night with a gun under your pillow is not fun. Who wants to be constantly worried about people seeking revenge on them? It is annoying to live knowing someone is looking for you. This can drive you crazy. Remember deceit is a gift, but vengeance is swift.

6. Know when to cut ties.

Don't burn bridges unless it is necessary. If a business relationship is heading sour, don't cling to it forever. Know when to cut your losses. There comes a time to end a relationship, business or otherwise. Sure, there’s loyalty, but it’s a two-way street. If they cross you, cut the cord. If a more profitable opportunity arises elsewhere, then go for it. If your current business partner is not willing to compensate you for breaking your back for them, someone else will. In the end, it comes down to knowing what you deserve.

5. Surround Yourself with the right people.

Tony achieved most of his success through his own means and hard work. Not to take credit away from Tony, but he could have never achieved some of his success without the assistance of his beautiful wife Elvira, or without the assistance of his right hand man, Manny. "Okay, here’s the story. I come from the gutter. I know that. I got no education… but that’s okay. I know the street, and I’m making all the right connections. With the right woman, there’s no stopping me. I could go right to the top."

4. Close the deal no matter what.

An education is important, but learning the “art of the deal” and how to make connections is just as important. You will never get paid for how smart you are. If you are able to be a closer and close deals, then you will be golden in the business world.

3. Know when to stop.

You don't want to get too deep into anything that you lose all your friends and those closest to you. There is a fine line that needs to be teetered. When things are not going well, you will always want those closest to provide you with support and motivation. However do not be the one to get all caught up in your work and forget about those closest to you. Tony's biggest fault was that he didn't know when to quit. Tony got too out of control and the people closest to him left him. He sold his soul for money and power.

2. If you really want something, work for it and you will achieve it.

Achieving a goal comes with many obstacles. Nothing in this world is handed to you. If you really want something, you will work around problems. You will be able to come up with crafty solutions to your obstacles. Nothing will stop you from achieving your goal if you set your mind to it.

1. Never be satisfied.

'The World is Yours'...literally. Always strive to better yourself and those around you. Never settle for less. Always work to make yourself better. Once you start getting comfortable that is when you start failing and losing touch. Be aggressive, but don't overwork yourself. What's the point of becoming successful if you can't enjoy the fruits of your labor?

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