What does it take to succeed? Many people might say “intelligence,” and while it’s certainly true that brains can take you a long way, it’s also noticeable that many of the most successful people in the world aren’t Einsteins by any measure – just smart and driven. In fact, they all have three qualities:
First, they all work on projects and businesses which they are passionate about – giving them the fuel they need to work the demanding long hours required to grow into a success. They also pick something that they’re good at, which makes the start a lot easier. Finally, they always look at the market and what it wants, seeking to create something of value.
None of that demands intelligence – although some industries do better for the smart – just a unique collection of circumstance and biz smarts. With Elon, it’s clear that he’s passionate about space: who else could have predicted that 2018 was a year we’d we a bright red convertible Tesla with a spaceman get flung out into the galaxy?
In fact, the whole venture shows how the three qualities work together: Musk didn’t purchase each part required: he looked at Russian rockets, and started building his own factories. Granted, that needed a lot of startup capital, which he has.
Of course, a lot of determination was also vital: many people thought the space dream was largely over, bar the occasional NASA flurry of excitement, and SpaceX’s beginnings are mired in doubt and not without controversy.
But Musk is also determined, and never let that stop him. Again, intelligence is not rushing to the front here. For other entrepreneurs, Musk is an invaluable case study of what a man can achieve if he finds his right mix – and then add in determination. Who needs intelligence?