You Just Need a Little TLC

I’ve spent years trying to figure out the combination of human qualities that are conducive to ‘success’. Apart from just showing up, there are many traits -- both inherited and nurtured -- that contribute to success. I’ve managed to reduce the top contenders to just three, all of which can be enhanced through study, training, and our everyday actions. These traits tend to work as a system, each enhancing the others.

So what are those key traits?

Talent
Yes, to a certain extent it really is about talent. Fortunately you don’t need heaps of talent to be a pretty good drummer. Those who consistently top the charts tend to have more raw talent than the rest of us ... but not always. A modest talent with excellent skills can do very well in any business. I think of talent more as the ability and capacity to acquire knowledge, understanding, and skills. It’s the ‘soil’ that nurtures our growth. So-called talented people just have better quality soil.

Luck *
There’s a lot to be said for being in the right place at the right time. Many careers have been launched this way. One of the best ways to improve your luck is by networking and by patronizing local music stores and venues. It's really just marketing. Get yourself out there so people know more about you. Look for or create opportunities to hang with other musicians. I like to meet people for coffee. A fundamental way to attract luck is to enhance and refine your drumming, musical and even business skills.

Charisma
There are some people that others just want to be around. And there are those that kill the buzz. As with talent, you’re born with a certain amount of charisma, which can then be honed. I’m not the one to give advice on being charismatic, being at times socially iffy, but I’ve at least been able to distinguish what is helpful from what is not when working with others. At root, charisma is largely how you make others feel.

In summary:

T - The capacity to acquire skills and knowledge

L - The ability to be in the right place, at the right time with the right stuff.

C - The ability to get along well with others, to be a ‘good hang’.

So, there it is, a simple formula for making it.

Talent + Luck + Charisma = Success

And occasionally:

Talent x Luck x Charisma = Steve Gadd

* Note that being born with a surfeit of Talent and Charisma is definitely Luck.

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