The Reality of High Achievement: Action Over Armchair Brain Training

The assumption that high achievers achieve success primarily through training brain patterns is a common misconception. The reality is far more nuanced, involving hard work, experience, and persistent action. This article explores the true nature of success and why simply 'training' one's brain may not be enough.

Brain Training: A Misguided Approach?

The belief that you can simply 'train' your brain to achieve success is a prevalent modern myth. It suggests that without leaving your comfortable screen or device, you can still have success by passively training your mind. However, this is not how high achievers operate.

High achievers are consistently active, engaging in continuous learning through experience rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge. In the initial stages of their journey, they may take on any task or challenge. However, they quickly rise above their initial roles and environments, deeply entrenched in a cycle of doing, not just dreaming. Training the brain alone is a rare and often impractical approach.

Success Through Action and Learning

The journey to high achievement is marked by taking proactive steps, gaining experience, and learning from real-world application rather than just theoretical knowledge. High achievers understand that true success comes from actively engaging in challenges, failures, and learning through experience.

Most high achievers share a common trait—they are not afraid to immerse themselves in new opportunities, learning by doing. This hands-on approach often leads to rapid growth and a quick outgrowth of their initial roles. Being comfortable with discomfort and taking calculated risks is a hallmark of high achievers.

Success Is Continuous, Not a One-Time Achievement

Another significant misconception is that success is a one-time achievement and maintaining that success is an ongoing challenge. High achievers recognize that maintaining a consistent level of success over an extended period is extraordinarily difficult.

Most high achievers go on to build on their initial successes, but staying successful over a period longer than two years is a significant feat. This is because the journey of achievement is not linear and there are many external and internal factors that can derail progress.

The Role of Luck and Environment

While talent, hard work, and persistence are crucial, the role of luck and environmental factors cannot be overstated. Bill Gates, one of the most prominent examples of a self-made success, also had his share of luck. IBM's choice of MS-DOS over DR-DOS, and Apple's decision to capitalize on ideas that Xerox had discarded, are significant factors in their success.

Eighty-five percent of new ideas and innovations ultimately fail, highlighting the reality that success is often the result of carefully identifying the right opportunities and executing them effectively. This underscores the importance of being agile and seizing timely opportunities.

Realistic Expectations and Setting Boundaries

It's essential to set realistic expectations and understand that success is often the result of a combination of factors, including luck and environmental conditions. Success stories of self-made individuals, while inspiring, are rare and should not be the sole standard by which you gauge success.

Recognizing that high achievement is not just about training your brain but actively engaging in the world, learning from experiences, and pivoting when necessary, sets a more grounded and realistic approach to success.

Conclusion

The path to high achievement involves a blend of hard work, continuous learning, and active engagement. Brain training alone is an inadequate approach when compared to the real efforts of high achievers. Understanding the true nature of success, including its continuous and often unpredictable journey, can help set more realistic goals and expectations.