Why you shouldn’t follow people you admire
If you could follow the exact same path Elon Musk took, you still wouldn’t be able to reach his success. He’s already done it. The treasure at the end of that path has been looted. Anyone else who is able to follow his path will find nothing.
He’s taken his skills and reaped the opportunity only possible to someone with that exact combination. There are so many factors that led to his success in business and innovation. His parenting, place of birth, diet, teacher’s, motivation, experience and fears. All of these things form the complexity that is a human life. It isn’t formulaic.
In the age of information and understanding, I think the world is primed towards trying to find equations for everything. Equations that can explain the rotation of planets and the mind, formulas to find love and straightforward answers to why we are here. Now people around the world are trying to find the formula to success and the steps anyone can take to reach it. It’s an honorable mission but foolish.
Just like Elon Musk, we are all complex. The factors and events that shape our personality and interests cannot be measured. While people can provide you advice to follow, it should all be taken lightly. Although there are universal lessons, when it comes down to specifics, you are your best advocate.