Monday 22 July 2013

The Secret Formula for Success

Before I commence blogging, I must offer an unreserved, unfettered, profuse, grovelling apology to all my faithful readers who have been greeted with the same stale post on Fresh Angle. Mr Mojo has been missing for the past couple of months, but I intend wooing him back. Hope you enjoy reading this Fresh post.

 Do you ever wonder why it's not you in the headlines making the news about your latest invention, book, computer programme, feat or accomplishment?


Why are some people so successful and at the top of their game, while others - who are even more capable - receive little recognition?

Success is not down to how hard you work, your drive, talent or the force of your personality. It is determined by time and chance. 

In other words, Andy Murray winning the Wimbledon title on the 7th day of the 7th month (July) ending Britain's 77 year wait for a men's champion did not happen purely because of his determination, talent and hard work. It was largely determined by time and chance.

On Monday, the 22nd of June, the Duchess of Cambridge was delivered of a baby boy on a historic day - the hottest day in seven years. Time and chance.

Disregarding auspicious dates and timing, success is not just a product of our sweat, talent, grit and determination. Bill Gates success is not simply a product of his hard work, talent and intelligence. There is a lot more. A combination of various factors account for the outstanding success of a handful of people and not others. According to Malcolm Gladwell, author of 'Outliers' no one is self made. A combination of hidden advantages, opportunities and cultural legacies determine who rises to the top and who does not.

I will discuss this further in my next post. But in the mean time,  I'd like to read your opinion. It's a big world & there are a plethora of talented, gifted, intelligent, hard working individuals, yet only a few make it to the top. Why do you think  some people are marked out for success and not others? Your thoughts please. 






6 comments:

  1. i think everyone is marked for success,but our greatest weakness lies in given up easily'not persistent enough to pay the price,not having a positive attitude towards our dreams. Perseverance is the key,it overcomes almost everything,you never know how close you are before you give up.it is the ability to hang on after others have let go.Andy Murray has lost several times, but finally it paid off and he broke 77yrs record.like Michael Jordan said" i have missed more than 9000 shots in my career,I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times,I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. i have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why i succeed" .the key is never give up until you become the envy of everyone around you

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    1. Chuks, thank you for such an upbeat comment. Murray is a model example in sheer determination and grit. But he didn't win because he was the best or most hard working guys. There were factors at play beyond his control.

      I guess when it comes to success, we're not all going to hit the limelight. But we can redefine success to denote happiness, personal fulfillment, financial comfort etc. Success must not always equal series of pages in the papers.

      Thanks for your comment.

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  2. Yes there is an element of time and chance. However, they do not constitute the principal ingredients required to succeed. Rather I see the ability to focus on a specific goal and push on until it is achieved as being of paramount importance.
    What the average person usually forgets is that the ability to focus needs to be fueled on. This fueling factor may be from interactions with friends, relatives and acquaintances; or reading inspiring books or listening to the right speakers. One thing is sure, with this daily motivation/fueling, a person can be sure of having the energy and tenacity required to push on to success, just as indicated by Chuks in his earlier comment.

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  3. The danger with the destiny/time and chance philosophy is that it aids the mind to dwell in the valley of depression. A place from which it is impossible to get the energy and positive mindset that leads to success.

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  4. Thanks for your comment, DLaw. It carries so much depth and insight. The 'destiny/fate philosophy' is also based on hard work. No one who doesn't work hard and make the most of opportunities can be favoured. I agree with you totally, maintaining a positive outlook is important. However, seizing opportunities is also crucially important. You must not only work hard, you must be at the right place at the right time for the right opportunities to meet you.

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  5. with this everyday motivation/fueling, a individual can be sure of having the power and determination needed to force on to achievements, just as indicated by Chuks in his previously opinion.
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    ReplyDelete