Success is a Marathon Not a Sprint: Talent Sold Separately

You open Instagram and see an old coworker enjoying an extravagant dinner at a high-end restaurant with their new coworkers. A quick switch to TikTok reveals peers discussing newfound "get rich quick" schemes, showcasing wealth and luxury vehicles. Swiftly closing the app, you turn to LinkedIn, only to find former classmates posting their recent promotions. However, this flood of curated content often leads to feelings of inadequacy as we compare our own journey to those we see online. It's crucial to remember that what we witness on social media is merely a snapshot of someone's life, carefully curated and filtered. What we see online should not be the standard we compare ourselves to. As President Theodore Roosevelt would say, "Comparison is the thief of joy."

Many times we are reminded of the success stories such as Mark Zuckerberg who started Facebook at 19 years old or Bill Gates who led Microsoft and got it off the ground at 23. We often forget or are unaware of stories of people who found success later in life. Consider the stories of individuals like Stan Lee, who didn't find success until his late thirties with his first comic hit, or Colonel Sanders, who franchised KFC at the age of 62. This serves as a reminder that success often follows a non-linear trajectory.

Personally, I never ranked at the top of my class as a student and was never the most eloquent speaker or the most talented individual in any classroom setting. However, pivotal moments such as joining All States and Engineering & Construction during my final year of college or being graciously invited to join The National Millennial & Gen Z Community by Mr. Bill Imada and Dr. Katrin Harich to represent California State University, Fullerton, was not solely attributed to my inherent abilities or lack of. Rather, a classroom poster outlining 10 controllable behaviors that have remained a constant presence in my mind since grade school. Coupled with the wisdom of author Nora Roberts, who once said, "If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."

10 things that require 0 talent

Being on time: Respecting others' time leaves a positive first impression and demonstrates your proactive planning, preparation, and organizational skills.
Work ethic: Legendary basketball superstar Kobe Bryant preached the importance of work ethic and discipline. Show up every day and make the right decisions that pave the path to success.
Effort: Effort isn't just a behavior—it's a mindset. By cultivating good habits, you pave the way for great results.
Body language: Your mannerisms and presentation not only influence how others perceive you but also shape your own self-perception.
Energy: Energy has the power to illuminate or obscure a room. Bring your utmost positivity to every opportunity, while also allocating time to recharge your energy.
Attitude: Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right." Uphold a positive attitude and approach challenges with optimism.
Passion: Discover fulfillment and purpose in your endeavors. While you may not always love what you do, you can certainly excel in it.
Being coachable: Set aside your ego and approach situations with humility. Enhance your listening skills and welcome feedback openly. There's always room for growth.
Do extra: Strive to go above and beyond in every facet of your life. Challenge yourself to push beyond perceived limits and break through mental barriers. In doing so, you'll often surpass your own expectations.
Be prepared: Returning full circle to the importance of preparation. It is solely up to you to allocate the necessary time and create the environment needed to adequately prepare for what lies ahead. As Benjamin Franklin stated, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."

As we journey towards success, it's crucial to refrain from comparing ourselves to others and instead focus on our own growth. Embrace new opportunities and challenges, recognizing that each experience offers a chance for success or at the least learning from them. I leave you with a final quote that encapsulates this sentiment "Rome wasn't built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour." by John Heywood, and "In order to succeed greatly, you have to be prepared to fail greatly." by boxing champion Mike Tyson. The only one that can stop you is you.