Success is defined as accomplishing a goal or a purpose. It can also be defined as achieving popularity, fame, and fortune. But while the definition of success is clearly outlined, it’s not always that simple.
All the proof you need is to look at some of the mental struggles entrepreneurs face. Over the years, it was taboo for entrepreneurs to talk about tough times or on the mental issues they face. These days, that tone has changed drastically with many people stating they struggled and still deal with depression.
The fact that this emotion exists even amongst the successful people in our lives is clear there are a lot of misconceptions about success. Not to mention the price to pay for success in the first place.
But understanding what success isn’t, we can better define what success really means to us. It’s along the same lines as being a millionaire. Sure everyone wants a million dollars, but do you really want it? Because most people don’t have the mental fortitude and crack under it.
We see that all the time with lotto winners going bankrupt in a few months to a year.
Success is similar.
So take some time to understand what success isn’t and you’ll better shape what success means to you.
You Need To Work Insane Hours
Despite there being an entire belief system around working insane hours, this doesn’t mean the entire industry is filled with people like this. I for one don’t believe we need to work insane hours to “make it to the top.”
Science also backs this up with studies showing our productivity level dropping after working 50 hours per week. Not to mention studies showing the dangers of overworking.
Now that’s not to say you should never work insane hours. Some people can manage it provided the work they are doing is something they like doing. One example of this is Twitch Streamers who can stream multiple times a week – or even in a day – for prolonged periods of time.
The idea with this is to understand you don’t need to have all of your focus on just your work. Take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labour and reflect, set goals and so on.
Work at your own pace, not at someone else’s.
You Must Play By The Rules
This misconception also applies to the alternate idea that we need to break all the rules to succeed too. This is a misconception as every person’s road to success is different. Yes, people did break rules, but they also followed their own rules and morals too.
Of course, we should be acting within the confines of the law and avoid hurting people, but outside of those situations, how we find success is entirely up to us.
Money Isn’t Important
I hate to break it to you but you’re going to need money if you want any level of success in your life.
The belief that money isn’t essential springs from various sources. From people who believe that money is the “root of all evil” to people seeing money “corrupt” others, money can be seen as an evil thing.
Not to deny that money has done some evil things, but at the end of the day, money is still a tool. It’s still a means to an end. Whether that end is good or bad is entirely up to the person.
And it says something true about the person if they use it for entirely selfish means rather than helping others.
So if you want your life to be happy and others to be happy, start using your money for good. If you want to achieve any of your goals, start using your money to help you get to those goals.
Success Is Something You Can Do Only On Your Own
Absolutely false.
Out of the many people who have found success there have always been others involved. Sure we can point to singular successful entrepreneurs who have made it.
Steve Jobs.
Bill Gates.
Oprah Winfrey.
J.K Rowling.
Elon Musk.
Vera Wang.
Arianna Huffington.
But behind those men and women are dozens of people – or even hundreds. You need employees and/or freelancers to make a business grow. You’ll need others behind the scene to support you and keep you focused and on track.
In this day and age, it’s hard to find a single individual “make it” entirely on their own. You’re going to need to make connections if you ever want to be successful in this day and age. There’s no way around it.
Once You Hit A Certain Age, It’s Over
That is some utter nonsense and that misconception can be broken down by asking a single question:
What’s the wealthiest place in the world?
While some of us might point to a specific country, I’d point to someplace darker: the world’s cemeteries.
Why is that? Because it’s filled with people who took this advice. They believed they were too old and therefore didn’t try. All because someone told them they were too old to dream. Too old to start that business or develop that idea. And they bought it.
For sure, finding success can take a long time to reach, but you’re never too old or too young. credit.com posted an article showing off various entrepreneurs who made it later on down the road. Some people worked on their business for several years before making it big. You can read their article here.
They also have an infographic which I shared below for your convenience.
Success Is Achievable
Obtaining success is done through a variety of ways. The journey along the way twists and turns and we find ourselves at unusual places. All you need to do is keep making adjustments, set goals, and keep getting yourself out there.
You’ll make it eventually. I truly believe that.
To your growth!
Eric S Burdon
