The Secret Traits of Success

TL;DR: This is a lengthy reminder to redouble your efforts.

I have been knocked on my ass more times than I can count. But I know that I have gotten back up more times. I have learned to gather myself with as much mindful poise and enthusiasm as I can muster. Not to get back up slow but to pop up like an NFL running back after a tackle.

It is trite to say and seems difficult, but it’s not. Unless you are a boxer and get punched in the face repeatedly, getting up and back on track is easy and natural if you follow your curiosity. Stay curious and foolish.

Cultivate your curiosity, and persistence and determination naturally follow.

In the realm of achievement, you cannot replace persistence and determination.

Talent isn’t enough. Nothing is more prevalent than talented folks who fail in their endeavors.

Many talented people never achieve anything, but there aren’t as many determined ones who fail, which is one indication that determination counts more than talent.

No matter how talented an individual may be, they still need to put in the hard work, effort, and dedication to turn their talent into something tangible.

Talent is a raw ability that needs to be developed and honed through practice, learning, and perseverance.

Success also requires a combination of qualities like passion, discipline, and determination. For example, talented athletes may have a natural gift for the sport, but they must put in the necessary time and effort to train and perfect their skills. Likewise, a talented musician may have a great ear for music, but they still need the drive to keep practicing and performing.

Talent alone can only take one so far. At some point, everyone hits the ceiling where they need to put in more effort to reach the next level. By putting in the time and effort, individuals can overcome their limitations and turn their talents into something remarkable.

Genius alone won’t do it; unappreciated genius is practically a proverb.

Genius is a rare and valuable commodity, but it is not enough to guarantee success. Being a genius is only one aspect of the equation, and it does not ensure that one’s ideas or creations will be recognized or appreciated.

Or genius may be ahead of its time and underappreciated while the genius lives — ask Tesla or Mozart.

Many geniuses throughout history have gone unrecognized or unappreciated in their lifetime, only to be celebrated posthumously. So who gets Mozart’s money?

Being smart isn’t enough.

You can be too smart for your own good, overthink things, and be indecisive or second-guess.

For example, here is Charlie Munger’s observation of some high-IQ investors,

“A lot of people with high IQs are terrible investors because they’ve got terrible temperaments. And that is why we say that having a certain kind of temperament is more important than brains. You need to keep raw irrational emotion under control.”

Moreover, success often depends on the timing and place of one’s genius. It is not just about the quality of the idea but also the context in which it is presented and the reception it receives from the public. Marketing, being in the right place at the right time, with the right idea, is often crucial to success.

Education is insufficient since there are many educated misfits in the world.

Many highly educated individuals struggle to find meaningful work or to fit in with society.

Education provides individuals with knowledge and skills, but it only sometimes prepares them for the realities of the world. It does not always teach them how to navigate the complexities of relationships, how to make decisions that are in their best interest, or how to handle the various challenges that life throws their way.

When life throws you shit, you make shiitake!

Education is just one piece of the puzzle.

More than past achievements is needed. How many people rest on their laurels?

After achieving a certain level of success, many individuals become complacent and rest on their laurels. They believe their past accomplishments will sustain them and do not put in the effort necessary to continue growing and improving.

Success is not a one-time event. It requires continuous effort, learning, and growth. The world is constantly changing, and individuals who fail to adapt and evolve will eventually fall behind.

Furthermore, resting on one’s laurels can lead to a decline in motivation and passion. Individuals who do not continuously challenge themselves and strive for improvement may lose their drive and become bored with their work, resulting in a decline in their productivity and quality of work.

Being a non-conformist, or someone who goes against the norm, can be a powerful and liberating experience, but it is not enough to guarantee success or fulfillment in life.

While nonconformity can lead to innovative thinking and new ideas, it does not always translate into tangible outcomes or real-world success.

Furthermore, nonconformity can also lead to resistance and opposition, making it more challenging for non-conformists to achieve their goals. Society often resists change, and those who go against the norm may face significant resistance as they try to implement their ideas and make a positive impact.

Success is not losing gusto, brio, and zest as you move from failure to failure.

Only determination and persistence are all-powerful.

Achieving any goal requires more than a passing interest or a fleeting thought. It requires persistence and determination. These two qualities are the backbone of success and the driving force behind anyone who has ever accomplished anything worthwhile.

Persistence is the ability to keep going, even when it seems impossible or setbacks occur. Determination is the unwavering resolve to see something through to its completion, to stay focused and keep pushing forward no matter the obstacles.

Without persistence and determination, the journey towards success becomes arduous, if not impossible. Achieving anything of significance requires time, effort, and a relentless pursuit of progress.

These two qualities are essential to success and must be cultivated and honed to reach your goals. They are the foundation upon which all outstanding accomplishments are built and the key to unlocking the door to success.

Without them, the journey towards success becomes much harder and the likelihood of giving up much higher. With persistence and determination, however, the sky’s the limit.

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