Simpler than You Think, Part 1

Posted on August 17th, 2011 by Eric Dodds and currently 15 commenting.

The only way I know how to write an opening line of this post using the word “success” – without seeming cheesy – is to tell you that I don’t know how to do it.

There, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I can tell you that when it comes to the ingredients of success, I’m a devout skeptic. I think my cynicism comes from two observations: First, we seem to have an insatiable desire for silver bullets that will magically bag whatever type of success we’re looking for. “10 tips for this” and “secrets” for that. We want easy paths to victory.

Second, where there’s a search for silver bullets, there’s always an ‘expert’ vendor who gladly sells people maps that mark whatever path they want to walk.

Now, I think there are plenty of people out there seeking honest solutions, and plenty of companies selling them. But as I read books, articles, blogs and tweets about success – in whatever context the authors discuss it – I find that all too often the commentary bends towards silver bullets and under-emphasizes the good old-fashioned ingredients that have served people since the beginning of time: hard work and skill developed over time.

Here’s the first of two examples. I’ll post the second one soon.

The music thinkers over at hypebot recently published an article called “5 Top Characteristics of Full Time Musicians.” (1) (It’s worth noting that the author points out that for most artists, success means making a living at music, not becoming the next worldwide super star.) I can tell you right now that the list isn’t sensational, and it isn’t going to show up on Mashable.com. Check it out:

1. They work (very) hard.
2. They love what they’re doing.
3. It’s not about the money.
4. They have support.
5. They don’t give up.

Remember that these aren’t tips for success, but characteristics that successful people have cultivated in themselves. And it took a long time. The author goes on to say:

One final thing I’ll say on this subject is that it often took these artists years to get to the point of making a full-time living from music, usually 7-10 years. Most “overnight successes” are years in the making, and nowhere is this truer than in the music industry.

Where are the social media tips? Where is the “our agency has a secret that no one else does” statement? Where are the silver bullets?

I’ll have more conclusive thoughts in the next post, but for the time being, I’d love to hear what you think. What do you think are the main ingredients to success? Do you think there are there silver bullets?

• You can read the hypebot article here.

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