5 elements for success

The dialogue in the dark room, from the movie “Boyhood“, between Mason and his photography teacher, reminds us how important it is, in addition to talent, to exercise the features of the free will, as a matter of discipline, commitment and a solid work ethic.

This scene is a compelling exhortation to all and to anyone who wants to make “art“, those who desire to stand out from the crowd and to win in whatever field you compete.

Seth Godin opens his book “The Icarus Deception” telling the mythological story of Daedalus and Icarus, respectively father and son, who were trapped into a maze and in order to escape they made wings attached to their body with wax. The only recommendation Daedalus gave was to not fly too high, close to the sun, because the heat would melt the wings.

This is what society imposes on us with its recommendations, with its subtle manipulations: not fly with the mind, be ordinary, copy the mass and not rebel because you might burn because of your ambitions. Godin reveals that history is incomplete, almost as if someone has once again wanted to exploit it so as to keep us attached to the floor of mediocrity. Daedalus told Icarus not only “do not fly too high”, but “not too low” because sea damp would have weighed down the wings, making them collapse.

I find this metaphor very useful: “not too high”, “not too low.” In his book, Godin explains why it will be the art, and the ability to compose it in all its forms, that will take us out of the crisis. Making art requires discipline and commitment.

In all truth, discipline and commitment go beyond competition. I have always considered the two variables “Product” and “spreading” two main assets of any company or professional. You can even be the best, most talented, most competent professional in your industry (product), but unless you have the discipline and commitment to understand and apply strategies to get to your target market (spread), you can keep your talent tight, nobody will see it.

The teacher in the scene well-expresses the concept when he says that “There are too many talented people who want to work” and a “plethora of talentless idiots who cannot wait to rip you off,” their only weapon is the preparation, discipline. In other words, doing the homework.

“Doing your homework” is worth more than talent. The two strategies that emerge from the scene are:

1. Do you have talent? Add discipline and commitment.
2. Do you lack talent? It will take more discipline and commitment.

In short, if you want to succeed, “doing your homework” is an obligation. However, I  differ only in one respect. If no one has ever said: “Your photos are unique,” if you feel you have no particular talent in that area or in that activity, then leave it alone. Let it go.

Do not follow the talk: “Never give up”, “Your will can lift mountains”, “If you want, you can”, and so on. In that case, committing yourself, disciplining yourself and biting the bullet would only increase the frustration. Rather, look for what makes your heart beat, your true talents, uniqueness which make others look for you. Strive to understand how to make a profit and, at that point, discipline and commitment will make the difference.

Regarding the work ethic, I think it is the glue of the whole. I cannot imagine that “superficiality”, “pursuit of the mere short-term profit”, “unsustainability” take the place of ‘quality’ , of “intellectual honesty” and “value”, because it would be a self-destruction sentence.

The teacher challenges Mason to maintain his artistic talent even during the football game. This challenges him to work hard, since Mason would never see that game. Perhaps it is the right time to test his talent. If you want a talent to explode into a profitable and successful activity, then it must be supported by passion, and when you have that you would do anything to practice it.

Here are the 5 elements for success:

• One thing you’re passionate about
• In that thing you have talent (because others tell it to you)
• That thing add value to others
• Discipline and commitment to spread it (homework)
• Work Ethic

Which of these points do you miss?

And if they are all there, how come you have not got the results you wanted?

What should you improve? Doing what?

Many are the questions, but what better time to do an analysis and an action plan to start your year than this!? So have some good reflections.