Do you see the consequences of the way we have chosen to think about success? Because we so profoundly personalize success, we miss opportunities to lift others onto the top rung. We make rules that frustrate achievement. We prematurely write off people as failures. We are too much in awe of those who succeed and far too dismissive of those who fail. And, most of all, we become much too passive.
In his book "Outliers: The Story of Success," Malcolm Gladwell explores the implications of how we define success. He argues that by personalizing success, we often overlook the importance of collaboration and mutual support. This mindset leads to systems that hinder rather than help achievement, and individuals are frequently labeled as failures too quickly, missing the potential for growth and success.
Gladwell emphasizes that our admiration for successful individuals can cloud our judgment, leading us to undervalue those who struggle. This creates a culture of passivity, where we fail to actively support the aspirations of others. By shifting our perspective on success, we can create an environment that fosters encouragement and shared achievement for everyone.
