Success

For as long as I can remember, my image of success has largely revolved around career success. Starting with perhaps Gen X, then Gen Y/Millennials and now Gen Z, society has been sold the idea that if you’re not successful, you are in some way a failure. But why does it have to be all or nothing? In this blog post, I’ll share with you some of the often overlooked perspectives in order to offer an alternative way of viewing success.

Hustle culture

Success doesn’t just happen. Most people would agree that hard work and persistence is a prerequisite. Where it can become problematic is when excessive hours are being put in over a sustained period. This is hustle culture, whether you like it or not. It is prevalent in start-ups and entrepreneurial environments but has also crept into almost every industry as workloads get out of control. The increasing rates of burnout are probably even a result of hustle culture.

The barriers to success need to be acknowledged

Daniel Markovits who wrote a book on meritocracy revealed that “the rich train [their kids] really well and really hard.” From there, their kids get into the best universities, enrol in the top courses/programs and they become the top doctors, surgeons, lawyers etc. Children from wealthy families have opportunities and advantages that other children don’t have.

Markovits appeared in another video titled, ‘Is meritocracy a myth?’, and he shared the following thought – “Unless you’re either super talented or super lucky, if you’re outside of the elite, probably hard work is not gonna be enough.” What the? Are you as gobsmacked as me in hearing this? Had I known this, I might have approached life differently.

Race is another barrier to success. The truth is that Blacks, Indigenous and persons of colour don’t have the same opportunities that their white counterparts do (even with the emergence of equal opportunity policies in the Western world), and often have to contend with negative and/or deep-seated stereotypes.

A case in point is being Black in America. The discrimination and disadvantage that Blacks experience is well-publicised. However, hearing Khary Lazarre-White remind us that slavery lasted 13 generations, segregation four generations, and there are currently just two generations where Black American’s have been free citizens, really hits hard.

It’s important to acknowledge that gender, disability and LGBTIQ+ status are also barriers to success. Some people are empowered by their disadvantage (note: the term ‘disadvantage’ is used very broadly here) and kudos to them. I am not trying to take anything away from them or their pride in overcoming obstacles. But for many, their disadvantage (or disadvantages) is a barrier that is just too big to overcome.

What do some ‘successful’ people have to say?

Professor Jamie Anderson, an Australian expat living in London gave a TED talk several years ago. He shared the following insight – “I was arrogant. Cos to survive in that environment, that egotistical, hierarchical environment, I’d become a bit of an arsehole.” Of course, not all successful people are like this, but it does open one’s eyes to the toll and pressure that chasing success can have. Jamie also added that he was unhappy with his job. So on the surface, he was someone that had it all but on the inside there was so much turmoil.

A different way of viewing success

You don’t have to be a doctor, lawyer, have a senior position or a high paying job to be successful. And every aspect of your life doesn’t have to be a success. Entrepreneur, Graham Cochrane, has learnt that success can be broken down into smaller, even day-by-day, achievements. If we can start thinking about success in this way, we’ll have a more positive and healthier attitude towards success.

What are your thoughts on success? It can be a very personal and individual thing, so there is no right or wrong answer.