Are Successful People Just Better at This One Thing?

The Truth of Success. Why Some People Achieve Significantly More?

In my last article, we explored the definition of success. This week, I've been pondering a deeper question: what separates the folks who genuinely crush it from the rest?

Is it some magical skill they're born with?
A golden ticket called luck?
Or maybe just the right last name?

Deception. Seriously. Talk to anyone who's clawed their way to the top – the self-made ones, the grinders – and that fairytale crumbles fast. Those shiny labels we slap on them? 'lucky,' 'smart,' 'skillful'? They're just snapshots.

The Illusion of Overnight Rockstar

We see the highlight reel – the Ted Talk, the IPO, the bestselling book – and call them 'lucky.'
We hear them speak eloquently and think, 'Wow, so smart!'
We witness their expertise and marvel at their 'skill.'

But here's the cold, hard truth: that 'overnight success' was probably a decade-long slog in the dark.
You know it, I know it.

Credit: Google

Now, I hear you. You're thinking, 'Hey, I also do the hard work!'
And you're damn right. Plenty of hardworking people don't reach that pinnacle we call success. So, what's the damn difference?

Showing Up When It’s Hard

It boils down to this uncomfortable truth: successful people keep showing up, even when every fiber of their being screams no.

Every profession, no matter how prestigious, comes with its share of less-than-glamorous tasks.

University professors need to tirelessly pursue funding opportunities.
Supreme Court justices handle tedious administrative duties.
CEOs of major corporations must navigate board member approvals.
Even the President of a large nation faces the constant scrutiny of the media.

Many of these tasks might seem unappealing, yet successful people consistently give them their best effort.

I believe this willingness to tackle the less desirable aspects is what ultimately makes them appear 'lucky,' 'smart,' and 'skillful' in their respective fields.

They lean into the discomfort while the rest of us find excuses to bail. The average person might simply stop or avoid these crucial tasks.

The Power of "Peace" and the Art of Saying "No"

Here's the kicker: this relentless drive doesn't come from forcing yourself into a miserable existence.

Remember that 'peace' and 'pride' I talked about in my last article? That's the fuel.

When you're genuinely aligned with what you're doing, when you feel a sense of purpose, the hard work doesn't feel like a soul-crushing burden.

Without this internal alignment, the risk of burnout becomes significant.

This inner compass also gives them the strength to say 'no.'
They're not chasing every shiny object or pleasing every person.
They guard their time and energy fiercely, focusing on the tasks that genuinely move the needle towards their vision of success.

It's a tough lesson for us people-pleasers, right?

The Bottom Line

It's About Relentless Forward Motion on the Right Things. Forget the magic formulas and the overnight miracles.

True success isn't about innate talent or random chance.

It's about the gritty, unyielding commitment to doing the necessary, often unexciting, work that propels you forward.
It's about knowing what to push through, even when it feels like pushing through treacle, because it aligns with your bigger game.
It’s about saying 'no' to shiny things or objects to protect your time while pushing through unexciting work.

That's the real secret sauce. Now go out there and grind – “Strategically”.

I send out Master Mentee 🎓 weekly with curiosity and a passion for growth. If you're enjoying it, I'd be grateful if you shared it with a friend who’d appreciate it too.

Not subscribed yet? Join the growing mentee squad of curious minds.

✨ Get the next issue in your inbox for free:

If this resonated, tap the like 💚—it's free for you, but it supports my work and helps Master Mentee reach more amazing people like you.