No One Is Self-Made

Hello Everyone!

In my two-decades as an entrepreneur, I've come across so many people who drink their own Kool-Aid, thinking their success is a result of their hard work - and NOTHING ELSE. Clearly - as my capitalized words signify - I don't believe anyone is self-made.

The "Self-Made" Myth

Listen, I love a good rags-to-riches story as much as the next person, especially the idea that someone pulled themselves up by their bootstraps with sheer grit and talent is inspiring. But let’s be real - no one does it alone. Behind every success story, there’s a network of people who provided guidance, opportunities, support, or resources.

Malcolm Gladwell, in Outliers, dives deep into what truly makes people successful. In the book, he states that talent and hard work matter, but they don’t operate in a vacuum. Meaning timing, environment, and access to opportunities play just as big a role. For example, Bill Gates had access to a high school computer in the 1960s - something incredibly rare at the time. In other words, even the best of the best don’t make it without help.

Let's Talk About Luck Baby!

The first thing I want to say with utmost emphasis is that "luck" plays a massive role in success and yet is rarely acknowledged. Hard work is essential, but luck often decides who gets the big break. A study published in Advances in Complex Systems analyzed success patterns across different industries and found that while talent is important, randomness plays a huge role in who rises to the top.

Think about it:

• Where you’re born determines your access to education and opportunities.
• Who you meet can open doors you never knew existed.
• The timing of your ideas can make or break a career (ask the person who created a social media site right before Facebook took over).

Even Warren Buffett acknowledges luck in his success, often saying he won the "ovarian lottery" by being born in a stable environment with access to education.

So, what does this mean for you? It doesn’t mean you should sit back and hope for a lucky break. It means that if things haven’t fallen into place yet, it’s not because you’re not good enough. It might just not be the right time. Luck only happens if you stay in the game, keep improving, and continue putting yourself out there where opportunities can happen.

Getting Support

You know what isn’t random? Getting help.

Coaching and mentorship can be game-changers in your career growth. They don't just share wisdom; they help you see blind spots, connect you with key people, and accelerate your growth in ways you wouldn’t have figured out alone.

In the world of coaching, it's like having a personal trainer - but for your profession. A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that executive coaching leads to higher performance, increased confidence, and improved leadership skills. A good coach keeps you accountable, helps you refine your skills, and fast-tracks your progress. Whether it’s public speaking, leadership, or business strategy, investing in coaching can take you way further, way faster than trying to figure it all out alone.

The Network Effect

If you want to succeed, surround yourself with the right people. Here’s how:

• Find a mentor: Look for people who have done what you want to do and ask for their advice.
• Hire a coach: If you’re serious about growth, invest in someone who can help you get there faster.
• Network smartly: Join groups, attend events, and put yourself in the right rooms.
• Lean on your people: Friends, family, and peers can provide emotional support and fresh perspectives.

Parting Words

Success isn’t a solo sport. It’s a mix of hard work, the right people, timing, and yes - luck. But the good news? You can control three of those four factors. So, don’t try to go it alone. Get help, seek guidance, and give yourself more chances to get lucky by taking action.

You're not meant to do everything alone, so stop trying.

Have a great beginning to your week!

Thought Of The Week

A weekly thought to meditate, ruminate, and/or ponder on:

"No One Succeeds Alone. No One."

- Gary (Vee) Vaynerchuk

If you are interested in improving your speaking, communication skills and confidence, schedule a call with me or learn more about communication coaching here. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe to The Confidence Weekly Newsletter here.