The article challenges the notion of a "secret" to success, arguing that consistent effort is paramount. It critiques the common belief that luck plays the most significant role, instead highlighting the importance of dedicated work and a positive attitude. The author initially disagreed with Steve Martin's advice to "be so good they can't ignore you", believing it neglected the influence of luck and privilege. However, the author now interprets it as emphasizing consistent effort in pursuing one's goals.
The article references Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers", clarifying that the book's main point is not simply the "10,000-hour rule", but rather that increased exposure and consistent effort significantly improve the chances of success, thus making luck more likely.
The central message emphasizes the controllables: effort and attitude. While acknowledging luck's role, the article argues that dedicated work increases the likelihood of seizing opportunities that arise through chance. In essence, the more you put yourself in a position to succeed, the more likely you are to be successful, even if there is an element of luck.
Whenever Steve Martin is asked about what it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry, he gives advice I used to detest. He says, “Be so good they can’t ignore you.”
I used to hate that line because I thought it focused too much on talent and ignored the reality that luck plays an outsized role in success. I hated it because it also ignores the fact that we all start at different points. Having a parent who is even a C-list celebrity gives you a leg up if you want to be in the entertainment industry.
But over time, I’ve softened my criticism of his advice. I don’t think he’s talking about talent. He’s talking about work.
I think what Steve Martin meant was that you have to do the thing you want to be noticed for. You cannot control luck, who your parents are, or where you were born. The only things you can control are your effort and your attitude.
I still think luck plays an underappreciated role in any kind of success, but the more you play the game, the more likely you are to catch a lucky break.
This is the real message of Malcom Gladwell’s book, Outliers. While many people focus on the so-called 10,000-hour rule, Gladwell’s point was not so much about hitting a magic time threshold…
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