Saying What Everyone Else is Afraid To: 5 Success Myths Busted

People tend to sugarcoat hard truths to make them more palatable. I'm putting a stop to that tonight:

1. Myth: "Hard work and dedication will take me to the top!" 
Truth: Do you know how hard many housekeepers work, but still have to worry about how they will be able to feed their children? Hard work isn't enough. A combination of hard work, smart work, leverage and a strategy is the way to the top.

2. Myth: "All I have to do is believe in myself and I will be successful."
Truth: Belief in yourself is essential to success, but it still is not enough to take you to the top. To be frank, sometimes our belief in ourselves can be hogwash. Haven't you seen American Idol? Some musical hopefuls go on there genuinely believing that they will be the next Mariah Carey or Justin Timberlake and end up making fools out of themselves. The journey to success is no time to look for people to tell you whatever you want to hear. Seek feedback from honest people who care about you.

3. Myth: "I can be, do and have anything that anyone else has."
Truth: The problem is that society brainwashes us into thinking that we're all on a level playing field which isn't true. It is more likely that Paris Hilton will make $5,000,000 within the next 5 years than it is for someone who just graduated college with their Bachelor's degree. That doesn't mean that you still can't be successful in your own right. We need to stop comparing our lives to people who were born into privileged circumstances and/or received unfathomable amounts of luck (and yes, luck plays a factor. You can be in the right place at the right time and get opportunities that others couldn't get with a decade of striving.). Do your best in regards to YOUR life and watch where it takes you.

4. Myth: "I can be successful in anything I put my hand to."
Truth: We all have strengths and weaknesses. The easiest formula for success is to take on situations that cater to your strengths and avoid or minimize things that cater to your weaknesses. As much as we all look up to Bill Gates as the epitome of success, he could never be a successful male model. One of the main keys to success is staying in your lane. Putting yourself in situations where your success is entirely dependent on your weaknesses will lead you to a lot of self-doubt and frustration.

5. Myth: "I'm going to move to L.A. and become a superstar." or things of this nature.
Truth: Not everyone has what it takes to shine in highly competitive situations. Your best bet may be working in niches. Sometimes it's better to be a big fish in a little pond.