The Secret of Success Isn’t Good Fortune, Hard Work, or Talent
Most answers to the secret of success are dissatisfying.
We want hope. When someone’s balloon rises, we want to believe we can rise too. When others earn promotions, make money, or garner respect – and we don’t – we search for the secret of success.
We don’t usually say, “Tell me how to be like you.”
We ask…
- What is your advice for people starting out?
- How can I get ahead in my organization?
- What can I do to build my business?
3 dissatisfying answers to the secret of success:
#1. Good fortune:
“I’ve been fortunate,” means the secret of success is like rolling dice.
Good fortune is part of success. Jay Elliot met Steve Jobs – by chance – on the day his new job disintegrated.
Raise your hand if good fortune has been part of your journey. Someone cared for you. You had opportunities because of family. You were at the right place at the right time. A wise advisor said something that shifted your trajectory. For Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell’s Soup, it was Neil MacKenna.
#2. Talent:
You’re born with talent. You can’t control it. Yes, you develop it. But you can’t order it at the talent store.
Good fortune and talent are disappointing secrets to success.
#3. Hard work:
Most people who ask about success are in two categories. One group wants easy success. The other group is working hard but not rising.
Many people work hard all their lives and don’t rise.
Gary Vaynerchuk said, “Hard work is the only real “secret to success” out there – but a lot of people these days are demonizing it.”
Hard work isn’t a secret of success. It’s a given. But what to do when hard work doesn’t work?
Beyond the big three (Good fortune, talent, and hard work), what is the secret of success from your point of view?
Thanks Dan. Being the 35th work anniversary at my company for me today I saw this as relevant to reflect upon my success. Hope & Belief in the possibilities. Being willing to act on those ; gaining enrollment by others to implement through inspirational behavior to nurture Talent.
These are the secrets of success from my point of view.
Congratulations, CV!! That’s a rare accomplishment these days. Your brain went where my brain is going tomorrow. If someone asked, “How did you get ahead at work,” what would you say.
On my list for tomorrow is being a positive person at work. I think that’s little like hope and belief in the possibilities.
I’m thankful for you and your insights. Once again, congratulations.
3 secrets (that shouldn’t be secrets) for me include:
1. Help someone everyday!
2. Show genuine gratitude for work, team, opportunities
3. Bring my best effort daily… including attitude, demeanor and work ethic
And the cool thing is, EVERYONE can do all 3! 🙂
Thanks, Brian. It would be great if we all lived by these “secrets”.
“Little things, done repeatedly, with excellence”….
Thanks, Ronald. Waiting for the big moment results in disappointment. Love it.
Our journeys (careers or otherwise) are long. In my experience, creating meaningful, authentic and unconditional relationships with people have had a big impact.
Thanks, Para. Research backups your comment. The single most important factor in thriving in life is supportive relationships.
One danger of remote work is we don’t build the same kind of friendships at work.
Grit.
Thanks, Keiran. Angela Duckworth’s research indicates grit is more important than talent. One thing is certain, talent doesn’t matter when you can’t stick with it.
Taking time to reflect on what’s working and not working. Learning as you go. Fine-tuning your approach to continuously improve your approach.
Thanks, Paul. I learned the value of structured reflection late in life. That’s one reason our book, The Vagrant, means so much to me.
I think it takes humility to engage in reflection. Arrogant people blame instead of reflect.
Discernment of the risks and possibilities along with the courage to move forward and try both play a role in success as well. Many people see ideas and possibilities, but those who have succeeded are those who both recognized the opportunity and were willing to step out into it, knowing there was a possibility of failure. And maybe they did fail in that instance, but that didn’t stop them from discerning new possibilities and trying again, or again, or again.
Great point, Kristi. If you want to succeed, be a person of action. Anyone can explain what can’t be done. It takes skill focus on things that can be done and then do them!
The other concern is coming up with things OTHERS should do. That’s important, but expecting others to act while you are playing it safe won’t work.
Mindset. Failure is an incredible and effective teacher, and seeking to find the good in that moment to do differently often leads to success. Whether for ourselves in a moment of “this did not go as I intended” or as a leader of others who experience failure, how we approach and support can lead to future success, especially for those we lead.
Thanks H. The growth mindset. We can thank Carol Dweck for that one! So powerful. What are you learning?
Like you, Dan, I am not sure there is a “secret” to success. Looking back over my 30-year career, a few things stand out. Of course, hard work, but a focus on doing the work with excellence. Asking for help. Without the help of others and my mentors, the road would have been much more difficult. Lifelong learning. Staying constantly curious and understanding how little you actually know. And here is an interesting one, saying “yes.” Early in my career, the boss would ask people to do especially difficult projects, including jumping on a plane and flying to a far-off country to negotiate deals. No one else wanted the jobs. I always said yes. I learned a lot by doing things others did not want to do. That reminds me of the phrase, “Successful people willingly to do what unsuccessful people are unwilling to do.” Of course, I had a lot of good fortune and luck, but another famous phrase is “Success is where opportunity meets preparation.” I am full of phrases today! Have a great day, my friend.
Brilliant, John. The “interesting one” is powerful. Say yes more. Obviously there’s a place for no. But as you say, “Early in your career,” say yes.
Taking on hard projects is great. Even marginal success is appreciated, especially if make improvements in long-term issues.
I know you’re writing today, so steady on my friend.
Good fortune is sometimes only visible in hindsight. That is, you were in the right place at the right time but only because of everything you did to get there. And then you took advantage of that good fortune. So in the end, it is more a matter of initiative than good fortune.
Thanks for jumping in today, Jennifer. I appreciate you consistently sharing your insights.
You comment reminds of things like, “The harder I work the luckier I get.” One thing is certain, success in your career probably won’t find you while you’re sleeping in or playing video games.
I guess I’d take a little issue about your premise. Might part of your answer depend on how we define success? I was a lawyer for 20 years, then I hung it up to practice an occupation that made considerably less money and had considerably less influence. Was that a success or a failure?
In Ecclesiastes, the teacher writes,
“The race is not to the swift
or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
or wealth to the brilliant
or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.”
As someone who has tasted many of these ‘successes,’ learning that they are a product of time and chance can be disheartening. But as someone who raises a special needs daughter who will *not* taste these things, I find hope in this verse. Regardless of her disadvantages and disabilities, my daughter isn’t necessarily destined to lose the race or lack favor.
There’s a certain humility that comes from recognizing that none of us ‘deserve’ the good (or bad) that comes our way. My two cents.
Brion, Q1 Yes of course. Congrates on finding your new occupation. Q2 success referring back to “how you define success?”
Yes we can learn so much from Ecclesiastes, especially if sarcasm is a second language. “personal opinion”
My question to you, was your ‘successes’ as you look back were they more traps, blessings or a combination of both? Ecclesiastes show us that concreate black and white thinking is not the answer. It does appear that we both know where the answer(‘s) lie.
You may be correct about the implied list of perceived successes that this world is chasing. However, your daughter successes are just different, maybe without this worlds envy and adoration, but just as or more important for her life.
Coming back to your first point of “how you define success?”.
By this time you may be wondering who is this *** who responded. I to left my career of 30 years to follow another path. I too have a daughter with disabilities.
We both know our daughters are a gift to us. To keep our focus and not to rely on our own understanding.
Pease and love to you and your household Brother as you continue to walk your path.
-Art
Thanks for your insights, Art. Really good stuff. Going off on a rabbit trail, I have a book you might enjoy. Timothy Shriver’s “Fully Alive” (available in Kindle). The intro has a story about seeing through the lens in both directions that I thought was terrific.
The nonprofit I run is fueled by the premise that integrating people with disabilities into the community doesn’t just benefit those with disabilities, but very much helps the community to see through the lens differently, too.
Hey, maybe seeing through the lens differently is itself a way to inform what constitutes success!
Grace and peace, indeed. Brion
Wow! Thanks for sharing your story and your insights, Art. Your life experience along with Brion’s sober and encourage me. I appreciate the challenge and encouragement. I wish you well.
Congratulations, Brion. Ecclesiastes also says, “Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.” 4:6
You chose the “better” life. Sadly, some of us lose ourselves to things that make life unfulfilling in the end.
I wish you well. And yes, there is humility in the notion that “time and chance happen to all.”
If I define success as feeling like I’ve done a job well, then my secret of success is the “dead skunk” approach. That is, owning whatever problem or need occurs such as dealing with a dead skunk. Not to say that I personally have to pick up the beast (not advised given the threat of rabies) but owning the problem until the experts have come in.
I’m somewhat hesitant to mention it as I have read about women who feel as if they are frequently asked to be the ones who do the necessary but unglamorous (skunk) work while their teammates get the accolades.
I was raised both as a preacher’s kid and a military brat, both professions of duty and service that prioritize the organization or others above the self. Fortunately, I have worked for managers who recognized the value of that mindset and I’ve been given more responsibility. Fortunately, I also find doing a good job as a reward in itself, so I don’t need to feel disgruntled at others who may fly higher (at least in the world’s sight.)
Thanks for a creative and insightful comment, Elizabeth. Love the use of “dead skunk.”
Skunk Works is a term used for highly innovative teams. Your use of the expression is powerful. Do the work others don’t want to do. Boom!
Your insight is about rising in organizational life as well as being a person who brings value wherever they show up.
Relationships.
Thanks, Kate. Brevity rules.
Add – relationship building and being a person who is dependable and walks with integrity.
Thanks, Ken. Do what you say you’re going to do. Don’t make excuses. Don’t let people down. When something is going off the rails, let people know early. Don’t show up and announce you can’t deliver.
Relationships. To me this means treating everyone with the same respect. Your co-workers, president of the company, your boss, the cafeteria workers. EVERYONE. And being outwardly greatful for help. Having fun at work, and being a good person to be around. (trustful, encouraging, energetic, hard working, helping others, etc.)
Thanks, Pamela. Your explanation of relationships is actionable. Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their title.
Unexpressed gratitude is ingratitude. It doesn’t matter how you feel. Thanks again.
Here’s my two cents.
Learn to think like your boss. When you can do that, and anticipate what the boss needs, you can solve a lot of problems that would otherwise rise to their level without bothering them. It’s a pretty good deal when you can go to the boss and say “I solved this/took care of this/addressed this” and it was in a manner that they approve of…. that’s why you have to learn to think like the boss.
Cent number two. Find a place where you excel and hammer it home. If you are the best person at one on one’s, for example, then find a way to do them frequently. If you have a skill that no one else has you will grow your value. Then grow from there. Find a complimentary skill to your world class skill… maybe if you are world class at one on ones the complimentary skill is employee evaluations. Imagine how powerful that would be… a person who is terrific at one on ones and can perform effective employee evaluations!
Those are two powerful cents, Josh. Totally love think like the boss. Being a leader can be lonely. Most people think of themselves first. A person who thinks like the boss bring great value.
If you don’t mind me adding another way to maximize the place you excel, teach it to others. I suppose it’s great to have a niche. It’s pretty spectacular to help others up their game too. Of course, that takes generosity and self-confidence.
I truly believe the secret of success is:
1. Recognize your opportunity and be brave enough to embrace it. Not all opportunity is meant for you. Be prepared for when it is!
2. Look at the BIG picture. Don’t just look at an acorn and see the acorn. Don’t just see the tree it can become. See the whole forest!
3. Lead with a soft heart and a steel spine. Do what needs to be done with grace and kindness. People will remember that, and relationships can grow because of it.
So helpful, Keala. My favorite expression is, “Lead with a soft heart and a steel spine.” I appreciate you adding your insights.
For me: choosing a different path, even in the face of adversity.
Thanks gce…. There’s an interesting discussion to be had over the tension between flexibility and staying the course. Is this time to adapt or press through?
I was very slow learning to be more flexible. I tend toward putting my head down and pressing through. Sometimes it’s useful. Other times it’s just dumb.
I’d say there’s no such thing as “SUCCESS” as one huge thing. That’s like getting hung up on a single defining moment in time, that may never appear. And when it does appear – does it then vanish? (That’s harsh). I’d suggest, instead, that it’s kinder and more achievable (realistic?) to focus on smaller successes instead. For me what works is having clarity on “what is success” at any given moment. Sometimes it’s getting a big deal signed off, and sometimes it’s supporting someone who just needs to be heard. I started my business in 1997, and throughout it, I’ve had numerous successes. Some huge, and some teensy. I’ve loved celebrating them. And every one of them has actually been about flexibility and connecting with my values. Which has kept business fresh and interesting.
Great point, blogologist. It’s powerful to focus on the process instead of the result. Focusing on the result (success) causes discouragement when you fall short and arrogance when you arrive. It also adds stress.
You make me also think about the power of focusing on progress.
Ability to focus on GREAT (over good) and a touch of dissatisfaction. I have to make decisions every day to say “no” to some things because, although they are “good,” they will get in the way of “great.” I also have to see our “good” and decide how to make it “great.” That requires a touch of dissatisfaction. I am always happy with what we are doing when we are getting the results we want, but can we do better? What is the “1%” opportunity for improvement that will make a difference?
Powerful, Dr. Rose. My favorite is your expression, “a touch of dissatisfaction.” I believe in dissatisfaction when it’s a motivator. When people ask me why I started blogging I respond, dissatisfaction.
Showing persistence in never giving up is important. Too often, we find ourselves looking for short cuts on trying to achieve something in the short term, but it usually leads to disappointment and frustration. In my view, it’s always about “the climb.” If you envision a large wall and you have very little rope, it would do you no good if you don’t get extra help along the way. Especially with social media dominating our lives, my hope is that networking never gets out of style. Ask to set aside a few minutes and get some constructive feedback and if you don’t like their answers, at least ask to see if they refer to someone who can help. It is a never-ending process. Above all, never give up hope and repeat positive mantras every day and night–even during times of success. Celebrate life’s little victories just as much as the big ones if you get that hard earned promotion or if you are in sales, reaching that financial goal that at one time was thought of as unreachable. That’s what separate the great ones from the good to average employees.
Thanks for taking us to school, big… So many useful tips. One thing in your comment that speaks most to me is “positive mantras.” We need to notice the things we say to ourselves. Self-talk is constant. What we say matters. One profound secret to success is learning to talk to yourself like you would talk to someone you love and respect.
I think it’s just a word we use to try to feel better. I once had a therapist who told me her success was her children and that success was basically that for her, but it’s different for every person.
Thanks, Dave. It’s important to know what success is before striving to achieve it.