How To Be Exceptional And The Bell Curve Theory

[ken nubo]

How To Be Exceptional And The Bell Curve Theory

The bell curve theory states that intelligence is a strong predictor of Joe Blow's "success" in life.

Shaped like an inverse parabola, there are a few "smart" people on top, while the dumb mass are below.

While I think IQ is important - it doesn't guarantee a person's success in life. You got plenty of highly intelligent people who are broke, crazy, or both.

(Ask the Unibomber, he won't bomb you. I promise)

On the other hand, you got people who were poor and gradually become wealthy and "smart" individuals.

I don't think it's faulty to conclude that - to be "successful" in life, it depends on the person's strategic thinking AND the action he takes to manifest his ideas.

(Now you know why the "business" college professor is insanely smart but he won't be the next Steve Jobs in terms of business success, simply because teaches all day. "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach)

People at the bottom of the barrel have faulty strategic thinking and mental blocks. You can tell by the phrases they use:

"I don't think it's possible ..."
"I could never do that!"
"Only the exceptional people can do that"
"Not fair - why me, oh god ..."

I think EVERYONE can relate to this - because we've been there some point of our lives.

Why can't you be exceptional at that ONE thing?

Point is, I think WAY too many people have crappy "hobbies" - like watching TV, or reading trash magazines. Or worst - gossiping.

Change hobbies - like stock trading, marketing or entrepreneurship. You know, hobbies that makes you money.

I know - someone is out there, rolling their eyes, muttering "Yeah but life isn't all about money".

And if you look at them, they're probably broke, in a job they're indifferent too, and take comfort in watching sports or celebrity gossip.

I haven't actually "sat down" and watched TV in 5 years. Nor do I waste my time on Facebook or Twitter. Nor have I replied to an email in 2 years. The time is spent doing something productive. (Working out, building a business, traveling, friends, the usual jazz)

In Tyler Durden's words, "I say never be complete, I say stop being perfect, I say let... lets evolve, let the chips fall where they may."

Note: I don't look down upon people who have mental issues, or people who struggle in life. They got their own problems - and who knows, it might be their "spiritual journey". But generaly speaking, life is great without the emotional baggage.

Now that I think of it, life is like poker. Make the right decisions everyday and you get EV+ in the long run.

And I right, wrong, dumb, genius etc? Tell me what you think, I'm genuinely interested!

[stewartM]

Why is Steve Jobs exceptional and the teacher not?

[GhostGoat]

Originally Posted by ken nubo

...I know - someone is out there, rolling their eyes, muttering "Yeah but life isn't all about money".

And if you look at them, they're probably broke, in a job they're indifferent too, and take comfort in watching sports or celebrity gossip....

This is the most ignorant, immature statement I've ever read in this forum.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by ken nubo

[And I right, wrong, dumb, genius etc? Tell me what you think, I'm genuinely interested!

Well, if I had to choose from your list of adjectives, I'd have to say "wrong & dumb".

Life isn't all about money. (Oh by the way, I'm rich and successful).

Having some money is essential; having a lot of money is very nice; but there is a lot more to life than money.

[Lioness]

Originally Posted by ken nubo

Point is, I think WAY too many people have crappy "hobbies" - like watching TV, or reading trash magazines. Or worst - gossiping.

Change hobbies - like stock trading, marketing or entrepreneurship. You know, hobbies that makes you money.

I know - someone is out there, rolling their eyes, muttering "Yeah but life isn't all about money".

I don't think you deserve to be insulted. It seems to me that your point was, to be financially successful, you vastly improve your chances by doing business-related hobbies instead of time-wasters. And that many unsuccessful people use the excuse that "money isn't everything" to make themselves feel better about their lack of productivity.

What's been overlooked is the fact that among your hobbies, you list travel, working out, friends, etc. So you seem like a well-rounded person.

I agree that IQ/intelligence is not a predictor of success in general. There's a famous quote by Calvin Coolidge that sums it up: "...unrewarded genius is almost a proverb... the world is full of educated derelicts...Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

[GhostGoat]

Originally Posted by Lioness

I don't think you deserve to be insulted. It seems to me that your point was, to be financially successful, you vastly improve your chances by doing business-related hobbies instead of time-wasters. And that many unsuccessful people use the excuse that "money isn't everything" to make themselves feel better about their lack of productivity.

What's been overlooked is the fact that among your hobbies, you list travel, working out, friends, etc. So you seem like a well-rounded person....

What about hobbies such as creating music, art, mentoring kids, volunteering at hospitals, libraries or nursing homes, reading, taking care of animals...I guess these are time-wasting, non-productive wastes of time, and strictly for losers too, huh?

Being 'exceptional' and 'financially successful' are not necessarily the same thing.

Ken Nubo was very judgmental and insulting in his tone towards those who do not follow his strategy, thus inviting reciprocal replies.

His post has virtually nothing to do with the 'Bell Curve Theory' and it could easily be summed up in one sentence, "If you want to get rich, work hard, and don't waste your spare time on non-lucrative activities". No great wisdom there, just common sense.

[Lioness]

Originally Posted by GhostGoat

What about hobbies such as creating music, art, mentoring kids, volunteering at hospitals, libraries or nursing homes, reading, taking care of animals...I guess these are time-wasting, non-productive wastes of time, and strictly for losers too, huh?

Of course not, OP was specific, TV, trashy magazines, gossip are what too many people indulge in. I include myself in getting seduced by too much mindless entertainment. I think your beef is with him advocating hobbies that make money. I'll grant you, that's a bit narrow-minded, but I think it was said in the spirit of spending your spare time wisely with an eye toward your goals.

His post has virtually nothing to do with the 'Bell Curve Theory' and it could easily be summed up in one sentence, "If you want to get rich, work hard, and don't waste your spare time on non-lucrative activities". No great wisdom there, just common sense.

I think the point on the bell curve is that we can't rely on intelligence to be successful. And people who aren't intellectually gifted or well-educated can succeed if they put in the work. Yes, it's common sense, but I always find value in being reminded that I need to invest more time in productive activity, not consuming junk media, and other valueless pursuits. I think the bell curve places too much importance on biology and not enough on environment. Being in positive, stimulating environments with goal-oriented people definetely has an influence.

[Piercetheveil]

If the bell curve was the premise for the statement then we can call this thread over and solved. Bell curve bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbaaaaaaaaaaaaalows for stuff like this.