Three Realistic Steps To Be Successful

How Do You Find Success?

Although our definition of success differs, most of us still want to be successful. We all have ambition. We like to do something meaningful and to do it well.

Step 1 — Understanding that You’re Probably Average

I’m average. And you’re probably too. I’m not trying to be rude here. I’m sure there’s a minority of you who are way above average. But birth probably follows a normal distribution curve as well. Hence, most of us are in the Bs range.

By average I am referring to our natural talent. Not all of us are born with high IQs, EQs, or even both. Most of us are probably born with just decent IQ and decent EQ. Not too shabby, but not amazing either. If everyone is born with basketball skills like Micheal Jordan, Micheal Jordan will simply just be average. Everything is relative anyway.

But understanding that you’re average does not equate to conceding that you will always be average or that you have no potential to be more. Natural talent is indeed important. If you’re born with it, make good use of it! But most of us are born with some talent only. Understanding that you’re average is the first most important step to becoming successful.

It means that there’s work to be done and here comes the second step.

Step 2 — Work with Conviction

Sure, my talents may be average. But never stop believing that your capabilities can grow.

Nurture over Nature

You can nurture your abilities through hard and smart work. Grind, grind and grind. If you have a passion, go for it. Grind it out and be good at it. If you don’t, don’t worry. Grind a few skillsets that are versatile enough. Skillsets like writing, programming, and video editing.

Expand your toolbelt and be ready to use them when you find your passion.

On top of your skillsets, get a job. Success comes in many forms and financial success is one of them. Don’t shy away from 9–5 because it seems boring and slow. And don’t be attracted by the promises of entrepreneurship.

Yeah sure, everyone can be an entrepreneur, but only a few are successful.

Instead, you should consider getting a 9–5 job. Work in big industries to understand the proper practices and standards before starting out, if you are into entrepreneurship.

Step 3 — Trail and Error

The recipe for success is different for different people. Hence, I kept it as broad as possible. It is important to experiment with different lifestyles and skillsets to understand how to progress more effectively.

Try a 9–5 job at a multinational company. Try another job with a startup. Try graphic design or maybe cooking. Experimenting is crucial for success since a big part of success is luck. The more things you try, the luckier you get. Instead of creating the ultimate success plan, it’s far more effective to run multiple independent experiments until one of them finally takes off.