Hard Workers
Why are certain people more successful than others?
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Hello Financial Healers,
Why are certain people more successful than others? It’s a question that’s bothered humanity for generations. I think there are many variables, including family background, economic status, and timing. I’ll point out what I’ve discovered here in 2 recent articles.
Genuine interest opens doors
The Rational Walk’s latest post has an interesting take. The author’s thesis is that interest in your area opens doors. For instance, when you pursue a skill of passion, you’re much more likely to master it. RW writes, “People who are highly skilled at their craft almost always make it look deceptively easy.” Masters make us think, Hey! I can do that. And you can. It just takes years of hard work. RW ends with: “You cannot reach the top if you do not have genuine interest in what you’re doing.”
You need interest to become the best in your area. But I want to ask, Do you want to be the best? Do you want to outperform the Beatles or Michael Jordan or Warren Buffet? Probably not. The years needed to develop such a skill require sacrifice. Some people put in the time, and enjoy doing it. Others don’t and still experience fulfilling lives.
Skillful in your ways
You don’t need to be the best to carve out a wonderful life. You just have to be skilled in what you do. Scripture says: “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” - Proverbs 22:29
This skill could be in how you communicate, how you balance a budget, or how you love your spouse. You don’t need to be the world’s greatest chef, but you do have to be good at something, and hopefully monetize that skill. Hobbies are fine, but converting them into passive income is even better.
Years of study prepare you for breakthrough
Another article I found shows the importance of preparation. In a piece originally posted in The New York Times, we see the early years of Mr. Beast, America’s number one Youtuber. This article shows how dedicated this young man was to learning his craft:
“For most of [my] teenage years, I woke up, I studied YouTube, I studied videos, I studied filmmaking, I went to bed and that was my life… I hardly had any friends because I was so obsessed with YouTube.”
Donaldson spent decades honing his skill, the ins and outs of making viral videos. Now he’s the most subscribed to individual on Youtube, clocking in at around 137 million subscribers. His net worth is around $25 million.
In summary, genuine interest and dedicated study opens doors. When opportunities arrive, preparedness allows you to seize them.
One more thing…
It’s important to develop your skills, but it’s even better to take care of yourself. I had a nervous breakdown in my 40s because of overwork and exhaustion. God saved me during this crisis and taught me how to rest. I’m a better husband and father now because I balance work and leisure.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be great. But when ambition harms your health, that’s a problem. Your most important role is a son or daughter of God. After that, it’s being a righteous spouse, parent, or mentor.
God bless your Prosperous Soul,
Stephen K. De Silva
About the author: Stephen K. De Silva is an author, speaker, and financial coach. From 1995 until 2017, he served as the CFO of Bethel Church, and a member of the senior leadership team. Stephen’s unique experience, training, and gifting make him a pioneer in the subject of money. You can reach Stephen at hello@stephenkdesilva.com