Uncovering the Truth Behind Absolute Success and Relative Success: Is Luck or Hard Work Key to Success?

Introduction:

Success is a widely debated topic with varying opinions on what it truly means and how it can be achieved. Some believe that success is all about luck while others swear by hard work. But what is the real truth behind absolute and relative success?

Absolute Success: Is Luck the Key Factor?

Absolute success refers to success measured against an objective standard, such as wealth or fame. Many individuals believe that absolute success is solely dependent on luck and that it's just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. However, this perspective disregards the hard work and effort that successful individuals put into their pursuits.

Relative Success: The Importance of Hard Work

Relative success, on the other hand, refers to success compared to others and is often viewed as being achieved through hard work. This type of success requires persistence, determination, and effort to overcome challenges and reach one's goals.

The Intersection of Luck and Hard Work

While luck may play a role in absolute success, it is hard work that truly sets successful individuals apart from those who only rely on luck. Hard work and effort can help individuals overcome the challenges and obstacles that may arise, leading to a higher probability of success.

Luck or Hard Work?

Tu You was not fabulously lucky. My favorite fact about her is that she has no postgraduate degree, no research experience abroad, and no membership in any of the Chinese national academies—a feat that has earned her the nickname “The Professor of the Three No’s”.

But damn was she a hard worker. Persistent. Diligent. Driven. For decades she didn’t give up and she helped save millions of lives as a result. Her story is a brilliant example of how important hard work can be in achieving success.

Just a minute ago, it seemed reasonable that the Ovarian Lottery determined most of your success in life, but the idea that hard work matters feels just as reasonable. When you work hard you typically get better results than you would with less effort. While we can’t deny the importance of luck, everyone seems to have this sense that hard work really does make a difference.

So what it is? What determines success? Hard work or good fortune? Effort or randomness? I think we all understand both factors play a role, but I’d like to give you a better answer than “It depends.”

Here are two ways I look at the issue.

The Power of a Growth Mindset

Adopting a growth mindset, where individuals believe that their abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, is key to achieving relative success. This mindset enables individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles that prevent success.

The Benefits of Hard Work:

Hard work not only leads to success, but it also brings with it a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. When individuals work hard and put effort into their pursuits, they are more likely to feel proud of their achievements and have a stronger sense of self-worth.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while luck may play a role in absolute success, it is hard work that truly determines relative success. Adopting a growth mindset and putting in the effort and dedication to reach one's goals is key to achieving success in life. Remember, success is not just about being in the right place at the right time, but also about putting in the hard work to make your dreams a reality. In the end, we cannot control our luck—good or bad—but we can control our effort and preparation. Luck smiles on us all from time to time. And when it does, the way to honor your good fortune is to work hard and make the most of it.