"Absolute Success is Luck. Relative Success is Hard Work."

"Absolute Success is Luck. Relative Success is Hard Work."

Success is a subjective and multifaceted concept. Different individuals have different definitions of success, and the factors that contribute to it vary greatly. However, one thing is clear: luck and hard work play significant roles in achieving success.

Take the story of Tu Youyou, for example. She is a Chinese scientist who made groundbreaking contributions to medical science. Tu volunteered to be the first human subject to try a new drug for malaria, infecting herself with the disease in the process. Her boldness and determination led to the development of artemisinin treatment, which has saved millions of lives. Tu's success can be attributed to her persistent and diligent work ethic.

Tu's story exemplifies the importance of hard work in achieving success. While luck may play a role in absolute success, it is hard work that determines relative success. When comparing oneself to others who have experienced similar levels of luck, it is the habits and choices that make the difference. Your trajectory and the actions you take are more important than your current results.

Nassim Taleb, the author of "Fooled by Randomness," emphasizes that mild success can be explained by skills and labor, while wild success is often a result of variance and luck. As success becomes more extreme, the role of luck becomes more significant. However, this does not negate the importance of hard work. In fact, sustained success often requires a combination of both luck and hard work.

Richard Hamming, a mathematician and computer engineer, suggests that luck is both present and absent when it comes to doing great work. He believes that a prepared mind will eventually stumble upon something important and take action. Luck lies in the particular opportunity that presents itself, but the decision to seize that opportunity is not a matter of luck. Hard work, pursuit of opportunities, and trying new things increase the likelihood of stumbling upon a lucky break.

Michael Seibel, a successful entrepreneur and investor, has identified certain characteristics that set the top 10% of founders apart. These characteristics include execution and formidability, clear communication, and internal motivation. Successful founders do not get stuck in execution; they adapt and find ways to overcome challenges. They can succinctly explain what their business does, which is crucial for attracting investors and customers. Moreover, they possess internal motivation and resilience, allowing them to stay determined even in the face of failure.

To achieve success, it is essential to combine hard work with the traits identified by Seibel. Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Cultivate a strong work ethic: Success requires consistent effort and dedication. Develop good habits and routines that align with your goals. Stay persistent and diligent, even when faced with obstacles.

2. Embrace opportunities and take risks: Luck often comes to those who actively seek it. Be open to new experiences and seize opportunities as they arise. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks and step out of your comfort zone.

3. Communicate effectively: The ability to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely is crucial for success. Practice explaining what you do in one to two sentences, as this will help you attract investors, customers, and collaborators.

In conclusion, success is a combination of luck and hard work. While luck may play a role in absolute success, hard work is the determining factor in relative success. Cultivating a strong work ethic, embracing opportunities, and mastering clear communication are essential for achieving success. As Thomas Jefferson once said, "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."