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Malcolm Gladwell's 5 Steps to Success

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Re: Malcolm Gladwell's 5 Steps to Success

#21

Post by nazgulnarsil »

rapind wrote: post #20
staunch wrote: post #2

> 3. Discover the relationship between effort and reward. I think that's by far the biggest stumbling block. Once there is a direct relationship between effort and reward most people behave appropriately and put forth a lot of effort. It also smooths over a lot of the lesser issues. Doing very boring things can be very exciting when doing it well results in big increases in reward. It becomes a high stakes game.

Agreed, IMO this is the only point that matters. Rich or not, we only value rewards that take effort. If your fairy grandmother showed up, waived her wand, and you suddenly had a couple billion, you wouldn't value it. If you work your a off to make a couple hundred K though, or to learn a new language, or learn to surf, etc. you will feel a great sense of accomplishment far more valuable than the coin.

it's pretty rare in our society, but believe it or not some people do appreciate what they have even when it is given to them.

Re: Malcolm Gladwell's 5 Steps to Success

#22

Post by yters »

trickjarrett wrote: post #4

For those who don't click through, here are the 5 steps: 1. Find meaning and inspiration in your work. 2. Work hard. 3. Discover the relationship between effort and reward. 4. Seek out complex work to avoid boredom and repetition. 5. Be autonomous and control your own destiny as much as possible.

I'm generally way dissappointed with these lists from big name thinkers.

Re: Malcolm Gladwell's 5 Steps to Success

#23

Post by yters »

maryrosecook wrote: post #13
alaskamiller wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

1. coin catchy phrase 2. write book 3. create a demand for books based on pseudo-intellectualism 4. make sure it appears in every airport gift shop 5. ... 6. profit! i kid, i kid, i own and read all his books.

Gladwell is successful because he relays a great anecdote. Anecdotes lend themselves well to re-telling, thus his books are popularised by word of mouth. "Man, I read this great piece by this guy called Gladwell about a policeman who could ready body language so well he held fire when facing off a kid with a gun."

And isn't that precisely the scenario outlined in Tipping point? That's pretty cool - a book that proves its own point. It also reminds me of people who get rich selling self help books.

Re: Malcolm Gladwell's 5 Steps to Success

#24

Post by yters »

time_management wrote: post #19

Whether overnight success exists depends on the definition of "success". Becoming skilled can't happen overnight, but recognition does and, since most people are not independently wealthy and have to work, recognition sadly matters a lot more than skill, practically speaking. Growth in one's skill level is gradual and relatively steady, but the selection process for the "stars" is full of dumb luck, black swan events…

Right, b/c to become a star you need recognition from the masses. Thus, you must conform to the criteria the masses have for success in your field. Who's most likely to have the worst idea of what entails success in your field? The masses.

Re: Malcolm Gladwell's 5 Steps to Success

#25

Post by skmurphy »

mkn wrote: post #15

It's worth pointing out where Gladwell is wrong about overnight successes and why. While it's true that in a field where continued effort is required for continued success (like acting, to continue the theme of his 'American Idol' remarks), software (web software in particular) can be a different kind of beast. For sites that derive value from the network effect, your work can taper off once the network size reaches…

If you define success as making a lot of money quickly you should go into sales and cut out the middleman.

You can buy one lottery ticket and make a lot of money. You can buy many lottery tickets every day of your life and never cover the cost of your lottery tickets.

Most of the time the opportunity for "overnight success" is sold by folks who are interested in making a profit on your dreams without actually fulfilling them.

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