It’s simple: to get ahead of 99% of people, you need to be willing to do something that 99% of people are not willing to do. While this may sound obvious, many videos claim to make you more successful through common advice like having goals, being disciplined, and removing distractions. However, to truly stand out, you need to take a contrarian approach. In this post, we’ll explore what it takes to achieve extreme success and why you might not actually want it.
The Common Misconceptions
The Myth of Common Advice Goals, discipline, and removing distractions are common advice, but they won’t make you more successful than 99% of people. These actions are widely practiced and won’t set you apart. True success comes from doing what others don’t do.
The Importance of Contrarian Ideas To achieve extreme success, you need to:
- Have a contrarian idea.
- Be correct about that idea.
- Execute on it massively.
Most people don’t have contrarian ideas, and even fewer are correct about them. But those who are correct and willing to execute on these ideas can achieve remarkable success.
The Reality of Successful People
Case Studies of Success Steve Jobs believed in the potential of personal computers a decade before anyone else. Warren Buffett identified undervalued companies and invested in them long-term. Both of these individuals succeeded because they had correct contrarian ideas and executed on them.
Execution Is Overrated While execution is important, it is not the sole determinant of success. It’s the correct contrarian ideas that make the difference. For example, Warren Buffett attributes his success to a dozen truly good decisions over 58 years of management at Berkshire Hathaway.
The Downsides of Extreme Success
Being a Contrarian Is Lonely Extreme success often comes with a lack of validation and approval from others. When you quit your job to pursue an unconventional path, people may think you’re crazy. Success only improves relationships that didn’t need improvement in the first place.
Failure Is Part of the Process To be a correct contrarian, you have to be incorrect a lot. Most contrarian beliefs are wrong, and it takes many failures before finding the right idea. Younger individuals may struggle with this because they are unaware of the failed contrarian ideas from the past.
Success Doesn’t Equal Happiness Extreme success amplifies who you already are. If you’re unhappy, success won’t make you happier. If you have great relationships, success will enhance them. Success should not be the ultimate goal; pursuing a meaningful contrarian idea should be.
Conclusion
Instead of asking how to become more successful than 99% of people, ask yourself why you want to achieve this level of success. True success comes from pursuing meaningful ideas that you believe in, not from following common advice or seeking validation. Take the time to define what success means to you and ensure it aligns with your values and aspirations.
FAQs
Q1: What is a contrarian idea?
A1: A contrarian idea is a belief or perspective that goes against widely accepted norms or opinions. It involves thinking differently and challenging conventional wisdom.
Q2: Why is execution not enough for extreme success?
A2: While execution is necessary, it is not sufficient for extreme success. The key is to have a correct contrarian idea and execute on it. Execution alone won’t set you apart.
Q3: What are the downsides of extreme success?
A3: Downsides include loneliness, frequent failures, and the realization that success doesn’t guarantee happiness. Extreme success can amplify existing emotions and relationships.
Q4: How can I identify a correct contrarian idea?
A4: Identifying a correct contrarian idea involves thinking critically, questioning widely-held assumptions, and being willing to take risks. It’s a process of trial and error.
Q5: Why should I question my desire for extreme success?
A5: Questioning your desire for extreme success helps you understand your motivations and ensure they align with your values. It prevents you from pursuing success for the wrong reasons.
Q6: How can I define my own success?
A6: Define success by identifying what is meaningful to you, setting goals that align with your values, and pursuing ideas that you are passionate about. Success should be personal and fulfilling.
Q7: What is the role of failure in achieving success?
A7: Failure is an essential part of the process. It helps you learn, grow, and refine your ideas. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to finding the right contrarian idea and achieving success.
