After obsessing about success for years and studying successful people daily, I tried to find an underlying connection that could be turned into a success formula.

Something that could make sense to us, mere mortals.

The long-time sought “success formula.”

The well-kept secret of “status quo.”

Alex Hormozi about the study that found 3 traits present in all successful people:

Rather than that,

I couldn't find a correlation in their paths.

I couldn't find a correlation in their morning routine.

I couldn't find a correlation between their characteristic once they became successful.

But what I was able to recognize is a repeating pattern in their approach to success, which I will try to comprehend in my new theory today- The Temperament Approaches Theory. The idea is based on the belief that we can differentiate successful people by their approaches to their goals.

There are two approaches to success.

Type:

A) The Audacious Type

B) The Conservative Type

You can't choose which approach you will use since your temperament predisposed it long before you knew about it. I would argue that you might be able to develop the opposite type of approach, but it won't come naturally to you. It will be a fight against your own nature. You approached choose your not vice versa.

They overpromise, knowing they must overdeliver, even if they need to learn how.

They always seek to get in the room of people above them - the A+ players so that the environment forces them to advance rapidly. This approach can cause anxiety and burnout since you constantly have to perform outside of your comfort zone. But that's the price you must pay to speed up a few steps on the journey.

An example of this is a child who is intellectually capable of attending the higher grade class but lacks emotionally and socially. To close the gap between him and his upper-class friends, he rapidly develops the skills he is missing.

Usually, the need for adventure, wandering, and ego are the main drivers behind their audacious moves. They know discipline is not their strongest characteristic, so instead of depending on slow growth and consistency, they rely on accountability and grit. They figure out as they go, and under great mentorship, the audacious type improves swiftly. They wouldn't be able to live with themselves if they let down their mentors. They repeat to themselves, “I wanted this; now I will do it. No matter what I think or feel, I won't look for a way out.” They love big challenges so much that you turn their soul on fire whenever you tell them: "It's impossible to do that.” Ohhh.. and one more thing, they can't stand to lose.

Somebody would try to describe them with the phrase, “Burn the bridges,” referring to the fact that there is no way to return. But if you ask me, this is more “Lock me in a room with no food and water and let me figure out” kind of approach.

The audacious type will have phases of rapid expansion followed by consolidation. It's impossible to grow at that pace without integrating what you learned and slowing down for a little at least.

And yes. You guessed it right. I am a 100% audacious type.

Conservatives are the ones who will underpromise, so they can easily overdeliver.

They feel like they are lying to their bosses or society if they fabulously brand themselves.

From most people's point of view, they are representing themselves even lower than what they are actually capable of. Imposter syndrome, lack of self-esteem and experience lock them into playing small games. They enjoy their peace of mind since they know each day they go to work, they will be able to do what they are required to without big issues. They know they are playing the long game, so they don't see a need to get in a situation where they will burn. They are consistent and have the well-equipped mindset to keep them slowly building upward momentum. Slow, steady growth, compounded over a period of time, creates wonders.

They don't have phases of rapid expansion followed by the consolidation phase. They are so responsible that they can't stand the idea of being in a situation where they can't deliver what they said they could do. They know how much they are capable of, and they will never step outside of that zone by promising something they are not sure at any moment they can't deliver.

As much as I respect them, I consider this so boring, and also, my ego can't stand being with losers. Nothing less than an A+ player is a loser to me.

Both types have imposter syndrome. Type A feels it more since they know they are in the circle of people who are above them and that they must work hard on their self-improvement to get to that level realistically. Since the contrast is strong between them and their environment, they will feel the omnipresent pressure of imposter syndrome daily.

Type B can't even consider the idea of promising a lot upfront because of imposter syndrome. Since they didn't promise much and they are surrounded by people who have similar skills and knowledge to theirs, they will most likely experience less of an imposter syndrome. They will outperform others and deliver more than what is expected from them. This is the advantage of the conservative type; they might not work at the most fancy and status-seeking places, but they will definitely have a healthier mental state along the ride.

The first type is hunted by imposter syndrome once they get into the league of big players.

The second one is overwhelmed by imposter syndrome before it even starts working. Because of that, initially, the thought of interaction with more prominent players never even crosses their minds.

Both types are determined and persistent in the pursuit of their goals.

Both types can be equally ambitious, but their approach is totally different.

The first one will most likely have multiple failures behind it until it hits the jackpot (a jackpot is when your stacked skills align with new opportunities in industry and economy).

In contrast, the second one will focus on one thing over a long period. The progress will look seamless on a day-to-day basis until one day, the compounding effect unlocks, and growth takes over. The first type experiences much turbulence, while the second type is more stoic.

To make an analogy,

Type A represents a tech startup, while Type B is an Index Fund.

Type A would be most likely be impressed with crypto, while Type B with the FIRE movement. (Financial Independence, Retire Early)

I must put myself in a situation where I have to survive; I hate my job so much that my burning desire for freedom and status outweighs my laziness and insecurity.

The pain of staying the same catalizes me to do something with my life.

When I am in my comfort zone, I have no drive, no aim. I perform best under stress. My nervous system is still learning to be okay with no pressure. And that's why I feel so confused and aimless. On the one hand, helpless. I don't think I will ever be able to perform better when I am not stressed or under pressure. But who knows life will tell us…

Until next time,

Angela <3