The Truth About Success

I've read a lot of material about succeeding and following your dreams.  While there is a lot to be learned about both from reading, ultimately I've learned...

...there is no clear path for success.

There are too many variables in a person's success to replicate another person's formula.  A person's journey in life is affected by natural gifts, upbringing, circumstances, personality, friends, temperament, the times in which you live, etc. ,etc. etc.  A lot of these things can't be chosen.  You get what you get.

The mediocre can rise to the top and the prodigious can self-destruct.

I know we've been taught from a young age that we can do anything we set our mind to, but we can't.  That's just a fact.

I couldn't be a jockey.  I'm 6' 3".

What we really need to learn is something I picked up from Robert Greene.

The ability to see life and ourselves exactly as they are...that is a truly great skill.

We're often so blinded by our desires and frustrations that we don't clearly see things as they are.  We spin our wheels trying to do something we're better off not doing.

That doesn't mean you'll have instant success in the areas you excel.  It means you have the will to persevere because you know you have the ability to succeed.  You know you have the tools and the ability to learn what you need.

I would never try to discourage someone from following their dreams, but I would urge you to clearly and realistically assess yourself and what you can do.

Do you ever play video games?

In a lot of games you have the ability to upgrade your character's abilities.  You can make them stronger, faster, etc.  If you're a warrior you need strength and fortitude.  If you're a magician you need intellect and willpower.  You wouldn't choose a thief and boost his strength more than his other traits.  That's not what he needs.

I have this natural desire to be good at everything, so I often try to improve things I would be better served ignoring.  My advice would be to improve what you're good at and forget what you're not.  Life is too short to try and be good at everything.

The truth about success is that you can succeed.  Your path will be your own.  You'll have to take stock of what you have to offer, what you can learn and do, and use that knowledge to make your own way.  Don't compare yourself when there is no true comparison that can be made between two people.