You’re unlikely to come across a biography of a successful individual where sheer luck was responsible for their achievements. This is because the widely accepted myth of the "self-made man" suggests that an individual’s success is essentially an attribute of one’s own endeavors. However, this perspective neglects a myriad of invisible factors like cultural norms, society, upbringing, personality, and mindset - that significantly impact one's journey to success - with many of these factors being beyond one’s direct control.In his...
There is no guarantee of success beyond a certain threshold
Outliers are individuals who’ve stood out from the field in their respective area and achieved tremendous success and fame - artists, sportspeople, billionaires. But here’s the thing.Reaching a certain level of skill or talent doesn't guarantee success. Proficiency is vital but doesn't assure exceptional achievement. Instead, external factors like timing, cultural background, opportunities, and support play pivotal roles in determining success.For instance, consider the world of sports. Beyond a certain “threshold, innate qualities like height in basketball players may not...
10,000 hours of practice will make you king of your trade.
Continuous practice is one external factor that results in achievement for innately talented individuals. The psychologist K. Anders Ericsson found that the main factor impacting success among music students is the number of practice hours over a certain time period. Focused practice of about 10,000 hours is believed to be significant in developing expertise in almost any field. Undeniably, talent is an important element leading one to success, hard work seems to be at least equally important. The Beatles, for...
The ‘Matthew effect” - the effect of your birthday on your success
The "Matthew Effect" was an idea proposed by sociologist Robert Merton; Its name is derived from a verse found in the Gospel of Matthew, which states that individuals who are already in advantageous positions will likely experience even greater gains, while those who are disadvantaged may continue to suffer losses. This type of bias can arise from elements like one's birth date!In the context of the "Matthew Effect," there’s a noteworthy pattern among the wealthiest individuals in history. 20 percent...
The upbringing of children profoundly impacts success.
Our upbringing and the cultural heritage we inherit significantly mold our prospects for success. That is where practical intelligence comes in - the skill that allows you to be a go-getter in social situations - to know what to ask for, who to ask for (requires key negotiation, influencing skills!), and when. These abilities are not necessarily innate. They are developed over time.Sociologist Annette Lareau's research highlights the concept of "entitlement," which wealthier parents instill in their children through attentive...
Cultural legacies can also be a key to success.
Cultural legacies including values, beliefs, and traditions passed down through generations are another important factor that influences an individual's path to success. These legacies can shape people's mindsets and behaviors, ultimately impacting their opportunities for success.Cultural legacies provide individuals with certain advantages or disadvantages based on the norms and values ingrained in their respective cultures. For example, cultures that value hard work, persistence, and discipline may foster a work ethic culture that contributes to success. Conversely, cultures that discourage risk-taking...
Create equal opportunities for success
Equal opportunities for success refer to the principle that all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, or socioeconomic status, should have a chance to achieve their full potential and attain success in various aspects of life. This means that everyone should have access to the same opportunities, resources, and support systems necessary to pursue their goals and aspirations.The ideas of providing equal opportunities and support to individuals from all backgrounds align with the underlying theme of the book, which...
Summary
There are multiple factors other than natural skill or hard work, that contribute to extraordinary success. The conventional belief in the "self-made man" is questionable at best. Success is not solely a result of individual efforts or talents but also influenced by external factors, such as cultural background and social context that combined can play a pivotal role in shaping opportunities for individuals.By leveraging these and catering to these, we can have more talents go on to achieve great success...
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About the Author
The best-selling author of five books, including: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking and Outliers: The Story of Success, is journalist Malcolm Gladwell.
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