Success Can Be An Illusion #

We love success stories. The entrepreneur who mortgaged their house, ate ramen for two years, and struck gold. The artist who lived in their car before becoming a sensation. The athlete who overcame impossible odds to become a champion. These tales inspire us, showing what’s possible with determination and grit.

The problem is we only see the winners. For every successful risk-taker, countless others have lost everything. The entrepreneurs who went bankrupt, the artists still living in their cars, the athletes whose bodies broke before reaching the top. Their stories remain untold, hidden in the shadows of triumph.

This creates a distorted view of success. We start to believe the path to greatness is clear and straightforward, ignoring the hidden pitfalls and challenges many face. More importantly, we miss the lessons on what to avoid.

Question everything and strive to see the whole picture.