My favorite pastime involves spending the afternoon reading biographies of my personal heros. Unlike a movie or online article, biographies gave readers an intimate look into the minds of high performing people. In addition to demystifying the myth of the individual, we get a glimpse of the harsh realities surrounding what it takes be successful. As Dr. Eric Thomas says, “Success leaves clues.”
In my fervor to digest the knowledge of high achievers I began reading Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance. I expected a bold account of a genius rising to greatness. Instead I gained a gritty insight into intelligent man who realized his vision through uncanny persistence and will power. As of today I am half way through the book and most of it thoroughly accounts Elon’s failures. In the early 2000’s a dark cloud of bankruptcy loomed over both Telsa and SpaceX. With an uncanny persistence Musk continued to fight for his vision. On quote from the book really exemplifies his mindset,
“Most people who are under that sort of pressure fray,” Gracias said. “Their decisions go bad. Elon gets hyperrational. He’s still able to make very clear long term decisions. The harder it gets, the better her gets…” –
Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance.
This tells us that the biggest clue in Elon Musk’s success lies in his persistence. Bringing a vision to reality requires one to persist despite the presence of failure. Whatever you decide to accomplish this year remember to persist.
Keep on pushing – Barry
