Here’s one hard truth about success…
It won’t be given to you.
Because skillful doesn’t equal successful.
We’re taught early in school that if you’re great, you will reap the rewards.
If you’re smart, someone will notice and give you an A.
But, in the marketplace, things are different.
Being noticed is not part of the deal… you’re responsible for not only being skilled, but getting attention and recognition for it.
No one’s coming by to give you that A.
Skillful and successful are two entirely different arenas.
Because, even if you earn it…
Even if you’re the best…
Even if you work the hardest…
Even if you want it more than the next guy…
Even if you’ve put in more time, energy, and talent…
There’s no guarantee anyone will notice.
Success is an ability you must develop if you want to reap the rewards of your skill.
Being skillful requires practice, research, education, and training. It involves hours of studying and honing your craft.
It requires dedication and a fierce commitment to excellence.
It requires an understanding of the big, overarching principles and the tiniest of details.
Mastery requires attention, focus, and hard work.
Mastery requires deep reverence for your art.
But, being successful is different.
Being successful requires an entirely different range of talents.
Being successful requires guts.
It requires us to step outside our comfort zones.
It requires us to interact with other humans, a lot.
It requires storytelling and connection.
It requires conversation and interaction.
It requires a little legwork.
It requires you to brilliantly showcase your talents, promote your work, and get others on board.
Success requires a deep reverence for other people, and their part in the big picture.
Skill is something we develop on our own, for the most part.
Success is when we let the world in.
Some folks feel the need to choose between skill and success.
But, choosing means leaving some important things on the table.
Pick skillful and you’ll be deeply proud of your work. You’ll go to bed at night with a brain that is buzzing, growing, and excited about the quality of your craft.
Pick successful and you’ll be proud of your influence. You’ll go to bed feeling connected, full of opportunities, and a part of something bigger.
Pick both, and the world is yours.