Do this before you follow a successful person’s advice

Before following the advice of successful people, it is crucial to recognize that their narratives may not always be entirely reliable. People tend to focus on the obstacles they overcame, while neglecting the advantages they had, which they rarely remember because they are easy to overlook. This is evident in the numerous LinkedIn posts urging individuals to quit their jobs, attend college, or start their own businesses, which is a simplistic and often misleading perspective.

In reality, entrepreneurship is fraught with uncertainty, and only a small percentage of those who attempt it succeed. The advice given lacks context, particularly regarding privilege, which plays a significant role in shaping success stories. Every success story merely scratches the surface of the iceberg of advantages that the individual may have had.

As the author, who is in their 30s, shares their own career journey, they emphasize that they followed their interests and tried new things, but they also acknowledge the support of their parents, which enabled them to take certain risks. This highlights the importance of considering the context of success stories, as it allows others to understand the advantages that may not be immediately apparent.

Rather than simply regurgitating the glamorous parts of entrepreneurship, it is essential to tell the whole story, including the challenges and the role of privilege. This approach not only provides a more accurate representation of the entrepreneurial journey but also helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the diverse circumstances that can lead to success.