outliers

In his best selling novel Outliers, Malcom Gladwell noted that "the biggest misconception about success is that we do it solely on our smarts, ambition, hustle and hard work."

I think the biggest misconception about success is that it is defined solely by superficial things like money and status.

Re-watched The Wrestler last night. Not by choice—last thing I wanted to see last night was a supposedly depressing movie. But you know what? It’s not a depressing movie, the ending isn’t sad. Sure, his daughter hates his guts, his chick leaves him, and his heart ultimately fails him. But Randy The Ram went out doing what he love, and found acceptance on his own terms.

Let’s revisit the final moments before his death: He hears the roar of a crowd who loves him. He receives support from his peers. He feels alive in the ring.

The final image of him soaring over us, arms outstretched, heartbeat fainting, smile on his face. Flying. He dies, but he wins.