THE BASICS OF SUCCESS

Before you can start on the path to success, you must decide for yourself what success looks like to you.

Most people define success in terms of position or material goods. Unfortunately, both are ephemeral and subject to the whims of fate.

Perhaps a better definition of success would be something like the following: Success is being healthy, having peace of mind, being comfortable in your own skin, having stable reciprocal relationships, and having the freedom of action that being debt-free, mobile, and with multiple independent and diversified sources of income. 

Next comes the four fundamental questions which form the basis of the ancient Greek aphorism "know thyself."    

1. Who are you presently?
2. Where are you presently? 
3. Where would you like to go? 
4. Who might you want on your journey? 

How?

There is no doubt that one must be able to quantify and measure some key metric in order to illustrate progress and provide further motivation. And while it is generally good to have goals, they are ephemeral and subject to the vagaries of fate.

How much better might it be to develop "habits" that will serve us even if our goals prove illusory and unobtainable? 

Starting with healthy habits that ensure we are properly hydrated, have an appropriate diet, get adequate sleep, exercise daily, and take time to meditate and give thanks.

How about changing your worldview?

• Realizing you ALWAYS have a choice, even if that choice is to do nothing.
• Becoming self-reliant to the greatest extent possible and practical.
• Knowing that you cannot control the behavior of others, having few expectations of others. Not being surprised when others fail to meet their obligations or do not rise to your own ethical code of morality. 
• Adopting a code of conduct that you are polite, professional, and prepared to deal with the situation at hand. 
• Embarking on a journey of continuous self-education. Considering a course in martial arts to increase your mental and physical core strengths. Considering a course in stand-up comedy to help you communicate better and deal with hecklers. Considering a course that provides education and entertainment while avoiding the compulsion to become a slave to your electronic devices.
• Decluttering your life to keep the possessions you own from owning you.
• Realizing that decisions are made in the subconscious and rationalized in the conscious mind. Consider that procrastination may actually be an attempt to prioritize the actions in your life; such as valuing immediate gratification over the work that will yield long-term results.

Start now!

Don't wait until tomorrow or some other symbolic day. Start now because, in this crazy or chaotic world, tomorrow might never come or circumstances will impede your desires.

Be well, be safe, be vigilant, be productive, be at one with yourself and your environment.
 

SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS: THE X-FACTORS THEY NEVER TALK ABOUT

Individuals around the world pore over books, magazines, news articles, videos, tapes, and podcasts about highly successful individuals with the hope of gleaning the golden nuggets of success that will allow them to achieve the fame and fortune of those the world dubs “entrepreneurs.”

In the great majority of cases, you will find that these individuals are information junkies, collecting information but rarely applying it to their own particular circumstances. In other cases, you will find that many individuals are enamored with the lifestyle and toys of the rich and famous, but are unwilling to sacrifice their time, effort, and money in the singular pursuit of their objective.

But, let us examine what these famous and fortunate individuals never seem to say. The x-factors that should be considered before you read the very first word about their achievements.

X-Factor 1.  They never mention the survivorship bias and the pure dumb luck of being in the right place, at the right time, with access to the right resources.

The survivorship bias is a logic error that leads to false perceptions because it concentrates and focuses an individuals attention on one who has survived trials and tribulations to rise to prominence; ignoring in the process those of similar abilities and similarly situated who failed to achieve traction and who may have forfeited everything for naught. Self-deprecating individuals who want to take the edge of their boasts about their accomplishments sometimes mention luck, circumstances, and possibly the assistance of others; but are quick to point out and magnify their own contribution in a magnificent achievement.

X-Factor 2.  They never mention that their agenda is being promoted highly-compensated public relations courtiers to achieve recognition and validation in the mainstream media. 

““Between the idea
And the reality
Between the motion
And the act
Falls the Shadow of Public Relations””

— Apologies to T.S. Eliot, The Hollow Men

Today’s example may be found in the coverage of the smart, wealthy, and entrepreneurial successful, Elon Musk, described in a mass publication as “The Architect of Tomorrow.” The sub-head reads, “Inside the inventor's world-changing plans to inhabit outer space, revolutionize high-speed transportation, reinvent cars – and hopefully find love along the way.”

However, the truth appears to be quite different. Although widely touted as a co-founder of PayPal, Musk was brought into the existing enterprise during a merger and served briefly as its CEO; the title of co-founder having being bestowed by the Board of Directors. Likewise, he is not the driving force behind the technical expertise of Tesla, Space-X, or SolarCity. What Musk brings to the table is the ability of a financier, a money-spinner who can attract both publicity and investment to his various ventures. Other than Space-X which is heavily subsidized by the government, all of his other major entrepreneurial activities do not appear to be profitable and are in dire need of a fresh capital infusion. Musk is the ultimate self-promoter and networker – supported by a cadre of highly-paid and skilled public relations people, graphic artists, and model makers who bring life to his concepts in the mainstream media and the lobbyists who keep those government grants, subsidies, contracts, and tax breaks coming.

In a serious interview with financial media, Bob Lutz, former vice chairman of General Motors claims that “Tesla is a ‘losing enterprise’ that won't last.” and goes on to explain that Elon Musk reveals a new and bold scheme (battery-driven semi-tractor/trucks, exploration of Mars, transporting people under Los Angeles in hyper-loop tunnels) every time he needs to raise capital. And, for now, it appears investors are willing to respond positively – perhaps based on the “greater fool theory” where they believe that they can sell their inflated investment before any bubble bursts.

X-Factor 3.  They never mention that initial demand is driven by the exclusivity that comes from limited production and status-signaling pricing/positioning.  

Even though you might not be aware of the details about special product placements and promotional details that put products on the screen or in the hands of “influencers,” there is a conscious attempt to portray products and services as limited, exclusive, and signal that you are among a select class of individuals who should be recognized for their wealth, position, and good taste. When these very same products and services become available to the mass market, the “influencers” and “signalers” move on to the next product or service.

So when you hear that next success story, think about those who failed; think about who crafted the story; and think about whether or not a similar success can be replicated by an ordinary person without a great deal of luck.