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Talent, Focus And Persistence: Three Pillars Of Success For Entrepreneurs

Forbes San Francisco Business Council
POST WRITTEN BY
Milo Shammas

Here’s something about me that many would not guess: I didn’t intend to go into agriculture, let alone a consumer goods business. I didn’t grow up dreaming of probiotic fertilizer. I didn’t know my destiny would be to educate millions of people about the benefits of sustainability. When I was in elementary school, fate would have it that I would be recruited by a Hollywood talent scout. It was a twist of luck moment, really. I went on to star in a series of commercials for a food company. I had found my calling – or so I thought.

Shortly thereafter, the callbacks stopped coming in. My agent rarely called with good news anymore. I was frustrated and disappointed, and I thought I was failing. Maybe it wasn’t in my telos – or maybe it just wasn’t my path. It wasn’t too long after that I elected to take a botany class. I had no particular passion or interest in the subject, and I wasn’t innately obsessed with it, nor did I have any specific training. But curiosity was the seed that changed all that – and my life.

I’ve learned a few things about destiny since. When you're pursuing your goals, I recommend you consider these tips.

Prioritize focus, not talent.

I say this because so often we get distracted by the idea of being talented. We get distracted by the idea of being naturally gifted and innately skilled at something. Sometimes we lose ourselves in the fantasy and pursue too many dreams at once. I've heard a fable about a dog who found two bones. He chose one and then licked the other — and he walked around in circles until he dropped dead. What's the moral? Focus on one thing, and don’t let the other bone distract you.

This brings us back to the talents we have and the ones we’ve convinced ourselves that we need. Think about how it feels when someone you consider a peer or even a competitor seems to have a superior IQ, an inherent talent, or that God-given creativity you covet. Thinking about this may make you feel inferior and ill-equipped. Ultimately, you could let those feelings hold you back and become stuck in a cycle of unhappiness and subordination — a reality of your own creation.

Fight back. Forget the perceived competition around you. You will never be the best by focusing on what you lack. Instead, focus on progress and taking actionable steps each and every day. Then, I believe, your talents will soon shine.

When you’re not born with the innate skills to pursue your dreams, it likely doesn’t mean those dreams are unachievable or unrealistic. In my experience, it simply means that you must work twice as hard to attain them. The reality is that you may never reach the top, but if you work hard enough, you could get close with determination.

Remember the details.

Personally, I worked very hard to make a name for myself. Building a reputable brand and calling yourself an entrepreneur will not happen overnight; these weren’t inherent opportunities for me. But, if you have even an inkling of a business you want to build, don’t take shortcuts. Know that every single detail matters — so live in those details, and celebrate them.

Even if you think it’s impossible, I recommend pursuing it anyway. Although it's up for some debate, I've heard people say that the act of rolling a rock down a hill helped contribute to the modern-day wheel. It goes to show that curiosity and persistence can unveil your greatest opportunities – and talents – in life.

My mentor and friend shared with me that his father had a plaque on his desk that read: “Blessed is he who runs around in circles, for he shall be considered the wheel.”

The moral is not to be so hard on yourself. If you dream of being president of your company but never get there, that’s OK — as long as you tried and "ran around" trying. The gifts of life will reveal themselves in between. I believe it's the journey that matters, not the outcome or the title on your business card. Additionally, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel — just make the best version of it.

I’ll tell you this much: From my perspective, no one owes anyone anything. If you want it, go get it. And if it’s meant for you, then it will not pass you by. In hindsight, I am grateful for all the disappointments or perceived failures. Had I pursued acting, then I would never have chosen botany. If I had not taken that class, I wouldn’t be writing this article today.

Forbes San Francisco Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners in Greater San Francisco. Do I qualify?