Dave C wrote: ↑Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:00 pm
We're constantly told that only 5% can make a living doing this.
5% might be true, but if you exclude the lazy, the impatient, the dickheads and those without the time, sufficient capital or humility to recognise their own weaknesses, I reckon it's much closer to 50/50. It's certainly not the case that everyone starts with a 5% chance.
You mentioned being intimidated by the 'superbrains', fear not, it's certainly not a prerequisite although starting with a particular type of brain is a distinct advantage.
Not overly analytical and not overly impulsive seems to be key (quelle surprise) and beyond that it seems to be beneficial to have experienced having to accept authoritarianism, perhaps a strict or military background (Eg cb) where you learn to obey orders and surpress your own instincts. Yet at the same time it helps to be a contrarian. Strange mix.
That last point isn't critical as people can retrain themselves to be disciplined especially the younger ones or some people just naturally are disciplined. But speaking from experience as someone who'd never 'done' rules, it's a son of a bitch to change how you tick and maintain it 100% of the time.