Why are people more successful than you?

Because they’re better at their job than you are.

It’s that simple.

That’s not an insult. It’s just true.

I’ve learned this by founding my own publishing imprint and writing novels. Being a writer today requires wearing two hats, the creative hat and the business hat. In essence, an independent author is a small business, creating product and selling it to customers.

After a lot of trial, error and honest assessment, I’ve realized those more successful than me were better than me at in areas in both the creative and business sides of being a writer.

I chose the word “better” because it can be applied broadly, depending on the specific situation and goal. There are many reasons other authors and better than me, but let’s start with the two most common beliefs, because they are actually the least important:

1. They’re more naturally gifted than me.
2. They’re lucky and happen to be in the right place at the right time.

Natural Gifts – People like what I write, so I know I have some ability, but I can always get better. And, the good news is that hard work can often overcome challenges with natural ability. You see this in sports all the time. Some of the greatest athletes in the world weren’t the most talented. They just worked harder and got better every year.  Granted, they needed to have a base level of skill that allowed them to be in that space, but, once there, they out worked everyone else.

How can I overcome any lack of natural ability?

• • • Read more.
    • Write more.
    • Work harder.
    • Work consistently.
    • Don’t give up.
    • Be honest with myself.
    • Adjust accordingly.

Luck/Timing – I’m a firm believer that opportunity comes multiple times in ones life. Those with “luck” or “being in the right place at the right time” are simply prepared for when that door opens. It’s why overnight successes aren’t overnight. They’re years in the making, waiting for the next chance.

Most people see the door open and try to squeeze through before it closes. Those “lucky few” have been doing the work in anticipation for when the next door opens. When it does, they rush through first.

How can I be ready for the next time opportunity knocks?

• • • Write more.
    • Read more.
    • Train more.
    • Study the market more.
    • Study the genre more.
    • Study success stories.
    • Be agile in thought.
    • Be agile in execution.
    • Experiment.
    • Learn and improve.

Finally, people are better than me for two other reasons.

3. They know more than me.
4. They connect with their customers better than I do.

Knowledge – How can I know more? That’s the easiest thing, right?

• • • Read more.
    • Write more.
    • Train more.
    • Study more.

Connections – How can I connect with my customers more effectively?

• • • Try things.
    • Listen.
    • Learn.
    • Adapt.
    • Add value.
    • Add more value.
    • Interact.
    • Add more value.
    • Communicate that value.
    • Care.

So, with a little effort, I can boil these down to a few simples tasks:

• • • Write more.
    • Read more.
    • Be honest with myself.
    • Learn more.
    • Study more.
    • Try things.
    • Add Value.
    • Listen.
    • Care.
    • Never give up.

See? That’s not impossible. It’s just a list of things to do. It’s work. It’s time. It’s effort. It’s consistency.

To be “better” simply be better – a better reader, writer, student, and person.  Do all those things and the rest will take care of itself.