Thought of the Day 09.24.09

On competition shows like America’s Got Talent, the winners always remind us what it takes to win. “Just don’t ever give up on your dream. If you believe in yourself and work hard, you can make it, too.” Sadly, this formula, so widely believed by aspiring performers, couldn’t be less true.

Despite working for a few people, tens of thousands of others tried this and failed. And an interview with them would yield a far less inspiring commentary: “I kept trying, working, believing, sacrificing, and dreaming every day. Yet, here I am, not a success. And keep in mind that I am the vast statistical norm.” No drug with such abysmal results would ever pass the FDA.

So what is the real secret to success, if not this? Truth be told, people win such shows because of genuine skill, temporary popularity, and a heaping pile of luck. And one time, I’d like to hear a winner admit he won because he was better than the other acts and he got really lucky. What’s true and what’s encouraging just aren’t always the same thing.