“Success is not a random act. It arises out of a predictable and powerful set of circumstances and opportunities.” - Outliers
There are many theories detailing how successful people prosper. “Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration” declared Albert Einstein, musing over the benefit of sustained determination. Others insist that intelligence, family connections, or a college degree are the key. Pamela Anderson was famously discovered on a Jumbotron at a Canadian football game, something inconceivable for the beauty-challenged crowd. Most of us are more likely to go the way of a young John Wayne, who while performing menial labor on the backlot of a film studio, was plucked up to act in a small role in a movie. Being prepared when an opportunity presents itself, might just be the ticket. Of course, having lucky genes never hurt either.
After the devastation of the Great Depression and the end of the Second World War, the Horatio Alger Association was started in 1947 to bolster the belief in the American Dream. Horatio Alger, the author, wrote young adult novels in the mid to late 19th century, where the leading character always became successful through honest good deeds. The goal of the association was to reintroduce the idea that anyone could overcome adversity and reach their potential. Many famous people, from Oprah to Ronald Reagan, have been honored for attaining unfathomable heights despite their humble beginnings.
A fortunate few of us are born with an innate talent like Tiger Woods or Adele, those who seem to have come ready-made with a unique skill. Psychologist K. Anders Ericsson, however, disputes that point. His “deliberate practice” theory claims any healthy person, through productive practice can achieve expertise in any field. Innate talent might get you in the door, but how well you’ve developed your abilities makes the real difference.
Most will be familiar with the Boy Scout’s motto “Be Prepared”, a slogan developed to encourage a state of readiness. Scouting guides its young disciples in the training and development of their character, believing the act of being prepared can be more valuable than having a natural talent that has atrophied from lack of action. If the old axiom “Opportunity never knocks twice at any man’s door” is true, one best be ready.
A high IQ seems to be the most obvious advantage on the road to success. But genius can only get you so far. Like innate talent, IQ will certainly get you a seat at the table, but there is no guarantee that high intelligence will end in high achievement. Smart people tend to retain knowledge and can apply it in certain situations. Unfortunately, IQ tests are unable to measure another critical aspect of success: creativity and imagination. Without it, far too many wannabe Einsteins end up as educated derelicts.
Further, there is little cause and effect between intelligence and common sense. I once watched someone with a master’s degree try to back their car up against a curb. They backed up, drove forward, backed up, and drove forward, unable to get the car close enough or parallel enough to the curb. I couldn’t help but wonder why they didn’t just back the car well past the curb, and then simply pull forward into the spot. Why didn’t they? No common sense!
In Malcolm Gladwell’s 2008 book, “Outliers”, Gladwell provides a series of stories of people who, as outliers, succeeded beyond the ordinary. But how they achieved their success is often surprising. For instance, Gladwell illustrates how most successful hockey players seem to be born in the first quarter of the year. Odd, right? Not really. It had more to do with the cut-off dates imposed by the league, making the oldest players the most advantaged. Another question he covers is why Asians are so good at math. Not only is their counting system more logical, but the actual mathematical words are shorter, increasing their ability to remember mathematical formulas. Many of Gladwell’s other outliers, although on the right side of circumstances and opportunities, did another thing as well. They practice, practice, practice until they are the best. So, when their ship came in, they were ready.
Gladwell goes on to describe how success is often dependent on several different factors coming together. One’s home life during those early critical growth years is important. Children in homes with books, tend to do better than those without. The country and culture from which you sprang can play a role in your success, as well. Were you raised in an individualist society where your voice matters, or a collectivist one, where it doesn’t? Is there a hierarchy of authority that has made you passive? Or were you lucky to be born in a nation like America, where being an independent thinker can increase your prospects?
As we’ve seen, success comes from an accumulation of opportunities and advantages. Certainly, being born at a unique time in history and to the right parents helps. But for those who weren’t, there are still advantages to be gained. First, we need to develop a society flush with opportunity, where rainmakers can create a dynamic economy with potential for everyone. Then, we as individuals must create and hone the skills necessary to meet those opportunities. Lastly, we need to find meaningful work, where we can thrive and be happy. Being autonomous in today’s world is increasingly important. Creating this kind of culture will provide enhanced prospects for future generations.
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