Is success lack/chance or hard work or both
By truthisgod
@truthisgod (106)
India
October 20, 2011 4:54am CST
If you notice the background of successful people, you will find that most people have achieved success through hard work and planning, but there are others for whom success came by chance or luck. There are many celebrities who were the chance find of a film directors. They were suddenly spotted in a party or crowd and chosen for a movie role. There were others with something unique and interesting happened in life that they were urged to publish and so became successful. Quite a number of millionaires have won their millions in lotteries, bets and casino. On the other hand there are many who struggle all their lives systematically but never achieve the fame or lime light or money they struggled for. Yet there are many others who are successful by virtue of being born in a family of rich businessmen or celebrities. So my question is - is success the consequence of destiny or of one's hard work and struggle for success?
1 person likes this
11 responses
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
20 Oct 11
Perhaps success favours an individuals achievement. Though we could certainly measure success by the amount of money someone has or property held or even noteworthy achievements, maybe true success can also be measured by where a person comes from to where they go to. If this were the case everyone would have a starting point that was different. What they do with what they have would be the measure of their personal achievement.
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
21 Oct 11
I had an opportunity in the past to meet this man who was a skier. He had preformed ski stunts in a James Bond movie. Later in training he slipped and as a result lost everything in an instant. This did not stop him for he went on be a very good motivational speaker. He also drove a van, doesn't sound like much but when your body is almost completely paralysed, it is quite an accomplishment.
@truthisgod (106)
• India
20 Oct 11
Hi Bluedoll,
I really like this answer "true success can also be measured by where a person comes from and where they go to...." I would really like to hear more on it with real life examples if possible.
Thanks
@truthisgod (106)
• India
22 Oct 11
I agree, it's quite an achievement. And it is indeed inspiring. Thanks a lot
@Pushhyarag2000 (1416)
• India
20 Oct 11
I used to feel that I'm the lowly favored lucky chap in spite of all the hard work. There are two things that I've now realized: that perceptions of success are relative and second, success is the outcome of people making the best use of whatever they can muster, including invoking divine blessings. Elaborating the first point,there may be many who must be thinking I have been more successful than themselves, while I could be thinking I deserved much more. The second point is what I have come to realize after a lot of introspection.
@truthisgod (106)
• India
20 Oct 11
Hi Pushhyarag,
I find your answer really insightful and wise. I would be interested in hearing more on your insights with examples, anecdotes etc.
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
20 Oct 11
I feel it can go either way. If you are lucky enough to be born into a rich family or a family that owns it's own successful company then that is great. Most people have to work to prove themselves and to be successful in life. I have had to work hard to prove myself every step of the way. Even now I work 3 jobs to support my family though I am a manager in my main job it just does not pay enough. I am always striving to make more money
@truthisgod (106)
• India
20 Oct 11
Success is a pretty clear concept but quite mysterious is its ladder. I think you're moving the right way. You're are determined and persistent. That's one clear sign of the right approach. Wishing u the best for success.
@megamatt (14292)
• United States
20 Oct 11
Success I think is really two things. A lot of hard work and a lot of trial and error. Knowledge is a key component of success. Often times, success might seem to come naturally to some people. It might seem like chance but there is a lot going on that a lot of people don't see. There are a lot of careful maneuvering to get some level of success. It is really something that many people don't see all of the components of.
I refuse to believe that something as petty as chance, luck, destiny, or whatever is responsible for my success. On the flip side, I also refuse to accept that those things are responsible for my failure. So it least I am willing to take full credit for my successes as well as my failures. Still it is a lot of hard work. Also a lot of careful and intelligent maneuvering to get myself right into the position. For many people, there are things that are not seen.
@truthisgod (106)
• India
20 Oct 11
You're pretty close to the truth. If you read or have read Napoleon Hill, you may know why I think your analysis is pretty close to how success really works. You probably know that mysterious element - the power of mind - that plays a vital role in success.
@truthisgod (106)
• India
20 Oct 11
Hard work sure but the concept or role of destiny is not quite clear to me.
@huilichan8 (1378)
• Singapore
21 Oct 11
For instance, we cannot choose our parents. If our parents happen to b rich, then we might b able to inherit their biz or their wealth.
@stary1 (6612)
• United States
21 Oct 11
truthisgod...Oh I think it is always a combination of both. With either missing I don't think one can be very successful. I think anyone I have ever heard speak on this subject, said it was hard workPLUS..one of the following ...luck/chance/destiny/God..
@sjvg1976 (41281)
• Delhi, India
21 Oct 11
Hello truth,
Success depends both on luck and hard work.When a person does hard work and could not succeed we say hard luck but thats not hard luck actually we did not work hard to the extent which was required there.
In fact hard work is required anywhere to succeed.
Yes luck is also a factor to be successful like kids of miliionaires have luck as they get all things as parental property and not required to work hard compared to the kids of poor people who have to fight for meals twice in a day.
@aquacan (216)
• China
21 Oct 11
Hello, truthisgod. I belive success requites chance as well as hard work. Every one needs a chance to prove himself. This chance could be a turning point in one's life. But I believe hard work is of greater importance. There's a saying in China that success always falls on those who are well prepared. And I know there's also a famous saying in Western: God helps those who help themselves.Paying hard work and making good preparations help us get ready for any challenge. We can see some are blessed by god to be born in a family of rich. So they don't have to struggle for success. But I think success choose people too. If you don't have the capability and are not ready yet, any chance that falls on you would finally run away from you.
@gracepadirog (201)
• Philippines
20 Mar 12
SUCCESS comes in our life not by luck nor by chance.It is a product of hard work and prayers, commitment and patience. Because everything that happens in life is not by luck,chances or a coincident, it is plan by GOD to make us grow in our life, and everything in life has it's own purpose and will happen whether we like it or not.