Tom Brady - Life is hard - and worth trying (1 Viewer)

[Terminalxylem]

To me the ideal message should be, make the most of your opportunities regardless of your talent/aptitude/dreams etc.

A lot of people fail in life because they've chased unrealistic dreams. Where I live in Southern California, the region is littered with the show business/professional athletics failures and it's kind of sad.

"Don't put a cap on your success, do the best that you can but don't be unrealistic" is a much more meaningful message IMHO.


Just look at our higher education, we have more attorneys than we need, too many liberal arts majors but corporate America has to outsource information technology roles or leverage work visas because American kids are chasing unrealistic dreams because they saw an inspirational message from a pro athlete or actor.

On the show business front, I don’t remember where I heard it or who said it, but it was something along the lines of one of the biggest impediments to “making it” in show biz is having a Plan B.

I think there is absolutely merit to the "Burn the boats, we're not going back" mentality.

It's a whole different thread probably, but planning to fail is one of my big worries with a prenuptial agreement.

It is another thread, but agree 100%.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

To me the ideal message should be, make the most of your opportunities regardless of your talent/aptitude/dreams etc.

A lot of people fail in life because they've chased unrealistic dreams. Where I live in Southern California, the region is littered with the show business/professional athletics failures and it's kind of sad.

"Don't put a cap on your success, do the best that you can but don't be unrealistic" is a much more meaningful message IMHO.


Just look at our higher education, we have more attorneys than we need, too many liberal arts majors but corporate America has to outsource information technology roles or leverage work visas because American kids are chasing unrealistic dreams because they saw an inspirational message from a pro athlete or actor.

On the show business front, I don’t remember where I heard it or who said it, but it was something along the lines of one of the biggest impediments to “making it” in show biz is having a Plan B.

I think there is absolutely merit to the "Burn the boats, we're not going back" mentality.

It's a whole different thread probably, but planning to fail is one of my big worries with a prenuptial agreement.

It is another thread, but agree 100%.

Your FIL would like a word.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I believe the biggest factor is opportunity, which is probably 90% luck, 10% effort imo.

I think the balance between luck and effort there is one of life's most interesting questions.

I think it's clear luck plays a significant role. But I'm a strong believer that effort can massively increase the "surface area" and expand the opportunities for "luck".

Some don't like to hear the "harder you work the luckier you get" but I think there's some truth there. It's for sure not all luck. But for sure not all effort.

I don't know where the balance is but it feels closer to 50-50 to me.

But I fully realize my view is skewed as I had lots of advantages AND I got lucky. And I also worked hard. So I have to be careful there.

 

[Desert_Power]

I have to admit that I have a hard time maintaining my equilibrium level of hatred for Tom Brady now that he's out of football.

Not me. I watch how people act when they are in the thick of it. It is easy to put on a false face when you want to look good. Who are you when the false face is removed?

Brady is the guy who wouldn’t shake opponents hands when he lost and chose football over family.

Still not has bad as Bill who spent years being a complete C-word to media and now wants to be nice when he needs speaking work. Laughable.

I get that, but honestly I am even finding Belichick kind of funny these days, in the same way that I came to like Bill Parcells. I'm sure he's not a nice person in any normal sense of the word, but he has a dark, mean sense of humor that I actually kind of like.

One thing I kind of miss about life as a Bills fan these days is that I don't have anybody to actively hate. I hated Jimmy Johnson and Michael Irvin in the 1990s, and I hated Bradychick up until a year or so ago, but they're not around anymore. I like watching Mahomes, and he seems like a totally fine guy to me. I have no issues with anybody on Miami's roster, aside from the obvious stuff with Tyreek Hill. Hating the Jets feels like hating a little crippled kid. We need a new Bryan Cox-like heel figure.

The Bills have only one enemy left: themselves.

 

[jwb]

Loved this line: “To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t: consistent, determined and willing to work for it.”

I am with GroveDiesel. I find that line to be BS from someone like Brady.

This sounds like something that rich people tell poor people. You are poor just because you didn't work hard enough in life.... Yet they are out there working 6-10's working on an asphalt road crew in the Texas desert in the summer.

On a scale of 1 (not at all) to 10 (crucial) how important would you say being consistent, determined and willing to work for it are important to success at the reasonable thing you're trying to do?

Assuming of course you're physically and mentally capable of being successful at that thing. I can be as consistent and determined and work hard harder than anyone, but if my goal is to be a NFL linebacker, it's not happening at my age and size.

Most people work for someone else, and when you do that it seems politics, friendships, and luck matters more. My next promotion is 100% dependent on someone that likes me getting promoted ahead of me at this point.

I see many hard working experts that are even stuck below me in the corporate totem pole.

This is not just in the corporate world either. I was a concrete foreman in my 20's and was pretty decent at that. If I would have been lucky enough to have parents that could have funded me starting my own concrete company my life could have turned out completely different, and under that path I probably would have more success.

Alot of life comes to luck.

Absolutely. Lots of factors in play. Including of course, luck,

But I think it's a good question. On a scale of 1 (not at all) to 10 (crucial) how important would you say being consistent, determined and willing to work for it are important to success at the reasonable thing you're trying to do?

I would say 7/10.

The bolded - without anything else - gets you "we all loved Fred. He showed up to the mill every day, did his job, and could be relied on". But Fred also never left the shop foor, and at best, got 3rd shift supervisor. That other 3/10 - charisma, contacts, luck, willingness to take a chance, etc - makes a big difference too. But those alone are nothing without the willingness to show up and finish things.

Being all "show up and work" will likely net you that middle class life where you can pay your bills but there's not much left. Being all charisma/contacts etc is worse though - all talk/no action guys who are always two steps away from their big break. You definitely need both.

 

[MTskibum]

I don’t think genetics matter much for most of us, beyond whatever role genes play in intelligence and debilitating diseases of youth. I also don’t think wealth plays a huge role, once you exceed poverty level.

I believe the biggest factor is opportunity, which is probably 90% luck, 10% effort imo.

The original argument for genetics was for tom brady's version of success and the muscle memory that requires.

Wealth does matter quite a bit though. Depending on the study about 80% of people end up in the same percentile income bracket as their parents. There were even studies in Italy that tracked income brackets over hundreds of years and determined there that people generally do not move to a different income bracket than their ancestors.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I don’t think genetics matter much for most of us, beyond whatever role genes play in intelligence and debilitating diseases of youth. I also don’t think wealth plays a huge role, once you exceed poverty level.

I believe the biggest factor is opportunity, which is probably 90% luck, 10% effort imo.

The original argument for genetics was for tom brady's version of success and the muscle memory that requires.

Wealth does matter quite a bit though. Depending on the study about 80% of people end up in the same percentile income bracket as their parents. There were even studies in Italy that tracked income brackets over hundreds of years and determined there that people generally do not move to a different income bracket than their ancestors.

Again, I'm thinking of much more than wealth for defining success. The desire to be a good dad, husband, friend, member of your community and more. I think a huge part of success in those things is being "consistent, determined and willing to work for it".

 

[IvanKaramazov]

At this point, I think a lot of people are less interested in getting what Brady is saying and more interested in playing little semantic games. I'm sure Brady knows that hard work and grit aren't enough to turn the average guy into a SB-winning QB, and I suspect he knows that 80% of the population is incapable of breaking into the top quintile of wealth no matter how hard they work. That isn't what he was talking about, but go on I guess.

 

[MTskibum]

At this point, I think a lot of people are less interested in getting what Brady is saying and more interested in playing little semantic games. I'm sure Brady knows that hard work and grit aren't enough to turn the average guy into a SB-winning QB, and I suspect he knows that 80% of the population is incapable of breaking into the top quintile of wealth no matter how hard they work. That isn't what he was talking about, but go on I guess.

I think you misrepresented my point. I am stating that hard work and determination is not enough for many people to break out of the bottom quintile.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I don’t think genetics matter much for most of us, beyond whatever role genes play in intelligence and debilitating diseases of youth. I also don’t think wealth plays a huge role, once you exceed poverty level.

I believe the biggest factor is opportunity, which is probably 90% luck, 10% effort imo.

The original argument for genetics was for tom brady's version of success and the muscle memory that requires.

Wealth does matter quite a bit though. Depending on the study about 80% of people end up in the same percentile income bracket as their parents. There were even studies in Italy that tracked income brackets over hundreds of years and determined there that people generally do not move to a different income bracket than their ancestors.

Again, I'm thinking of much more than wealth for defining success. The desire to be a good dad, husband, friend, member of your community and more. I think a huge part of success in those things is being "consistent, determined and willing to work for it".

That’s fair, and it’s important to remind ourselves “success” doesn’t equate to material wealth.

But it’s hard to compare how far effort can take one growing up in the suburbs of middle class America, versus a place like rural Burundi. Hard-working or not, the majority of the world lacks a lot of opportunity we take for granted.

 

[bigbottom]

At this point, I think a lot of people are less interested in getting what Brady is saying and more interested in playing little semantic games. I'm sure Brady knows that hard work and grit aren't enough to turn the average guy into a SB-winning QB, and I suspect he knows that 80% of the population is incapable of breaking into the top quintile of wealth no matter how hard they work. That isn't what he was talking about, but go on I guess.

I think you misrepresented my point. I am stating that hard work and determination is not enough for many people to break out of the bottom quintile.

But for those who are able to, hard work and determination are almost assuredly critical to their ability to do so (absent winning the lottery or marrying into wealth).

 

[IrishTwinkie]

At this point, I think a lot of people are less interested in getting what Brady is saying and more interested in playing little semantic games. I'm sure Brady knows that hard work and grit aren't enough to turn the average guy into a SB-winning QB, and I suspect he knows that 80% of the population is incapable of breaking into the top quintile of wealth no matter how hard they work. That isn't what he was talking about, but go on I guess.

If he wasn’t talking success on the football field, what kinda of success is he talking about? I sure hope it isn’t fatherhood.

 

[Todem]

Good words. But he had me until, on the heels of talking about how life is hard he said, if you look at my teammates “it would be impossible to find better examples of men who embody that work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination, and discipline that it takes to be a champion in life.” You guys make a comfortable living playing a game. I’m not saying those guys don’t embody work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination and discipline, but it’s not impossible for me to think of better examples. Many in fact.

Gonna disagree here.

To get to that level….and play a child’s game for a living takes incredible grit, determination, heart, work ethic, discipline and perseverance.

It’s no secret why most corporations love hiring former college athletes.

Because most have those qualities.

So to get to the highest level? Man that takes a lot of blood sweat and tears and for a lot of grinders like Tom Brady, they were told how they would never make it.

 

[Todem]

I don’t think genetics matter much for most of us, beyond whatever role genes play in intelligence and debilitating diseases of youth. I also don’t think wealth plays a huge role, once you exceed poverty level.

I believe the biggest factor is opportunity, which is probably 90% luck, 10% effort imo.

The original argument for genetics was for tom brady's version of success and the muscle memory that requires.

Wealth does matter quite a bit though. Depending on the study about 80% of people end up in the same percentile income bracket as their parents. There were even studies in Italy that tracked income brackets over hundreds of years and determined there that people generally do not move to a different income bracket than their ancestors.

Again, I'm thinking of much more than wealth for defining success. The desire to be a good dad, husband, friend, member of your community and more. I think a huge part of success in those things is being "consistent, determined and willing to work for it".

And team sports teach those valuable life lessons like no other.

I consider myself to have a successful life, being a good husband and father and rewarding career and not much about the money but the fact I love what I do, I love “earning” my piece of the pie and being determined to do so.

I played baseball thru two years of Junior College.

I owe everything I learned about, teamwork, discipline, community and hard work and most importantly overcoming failures and adversity thru my experiences playing ball.

Invaluable.

 

[bigbottom]

Good words. But he had me until, on the heels of talking about how life is hard he said, if you look at my teammates “it would be impossible to find better examples of men who embody that work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination, and discipline that it takes to be a champion in life.” You guys make a comfortable living playing a game. I’m not saying those guys don’t embody work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination and discipline, but it’s not impossible for me to think of better examples. Many in fact.

Gonna disagree here.

To get to that level….and play a child’s game for a living takes incredible grit, determination, heart, work ethic, discipline and perseverance.

It’s no secret why most corporations love hiring former college athletes.

Because most have those qualities.

So to get to the highest level? Man that takes a lot of blood sweat and tears and for a lot of grinders like Tom Brady, they were told how they would never make it.

Ever hung out with Navy Seals? I have.

 

[Todem]

Good words. But he had me until, on the heels of talking about how life is hard he said, if you look at my teammates “it would be impossible to find better examples of men who embody that work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination, and discipline that it takes to be a champion in life.” You guys make a comfortable living playing a game. I’m not saying those guys don’t embody work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination and discipline, but it’s not impossible for me to think of better examples. Many in fact.

Gonna disagree here.

To get to that level….and play a child’s game for a living takes incredible grit, determination, heart, work ethic, discipline and perseverance.

It’s no secret why most corporations love hiring former college athletes.

Because most have those qualities.

So to get to the highest level? Man that takes a lot of blood sweat and tears and for a lot of grinders like Tom Brady, they were told how they would never make it.

Ever hung out with Navy Seals? I have.

Lol I know a few…..absolute bad asses.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This is a good picture I think. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6yoJihAplf/?igsh=MTFwNjhudW80Z2k0bg==

It's Christian McCaffrey's offseason workout regimen where he's working super hard. And not just hard, but smart doing different workouts.

McCaffrey, unlike a guy like Brady, had a clear head start on the NFL. His dad provided a gateway into the league few players have. And he's much more physically gifted than Brady.

But there are tons of people with incredible physical gifts and smooth paths. Yet they don't rise to the top like McCaffrey.

Good picture I believe that it takes both.

Now for sure, the feedback comments on the Instagram post were typical. Everyone is an expert as they're criticizing. Often from the couch.

But I think the big picture point is: "Success Is Not An Accident".

 

[IvanKaramazov]

This is a good picture I think. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6yoJihAplf/?igsh=MTFwNjhudW80Z2k0bg==

It's Christian McCaffrey's offseason workout regimen where he's working super hard. And not just hard, but smart doing different workouts.

McCaffrey, unlike a guy like Brady, had a clear head start on the NFL. His dad provided a gateway into the league few players have. And he's much more physically gifted than Brady.

But there are tons of people with incredible physical gifts and smooth paths. Yet they don't rise to the top like McCaffrey.

Good picture I believe that it takes both.

Now for sure, the feedback comments on the Instagram post were typical. Everyone is an expert as they're criticizing. Often from the couch.

But I think the big picture point is: "Success Is Not An Accident".

When we're talking about athletes, this point is totally uncontroversial. We can all rattle off a bunch of guys who put up great film in college, had great combines, got drafted early, and then ate their way out of the NFL. Or didn't spend enough time in the weight room. Or who just tried to coast on talent. My team just picked up Chase Claypool from the bargain bin. Lots of players like that out there.

But for some reason everybody wants to argue when you point that it's the same for tax accountants.

 

[Hawks64]

Good words from Brady.

x.com

x.com

Sorry, it's really difficult to listen to a multi-generational wealth guy talk about it being hard when you're young. Lot of other folks had his same challenges without the money. Rings hollow IMO. It's like if Buffett just had a Ted talk about how it was so hard at a young age, saving money, watching the market, making your play. Everyone's life is hard when you're young and out of the nest.

 

[Hawks64]

Loved this line: “To be successful at anything, the truth is you don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t: consistent, determined and willing to work for it.”

Utter nonsense. Elite Athletes saying things like that might as well be blanking into the wind. Rings hollow. He's a different version of the 1% of the 1%.

 

[Hawks64]

Good words. But he had me until, on the heels of talking about how life is hard he said, if you look at my teammates “it would be impossible to find better examples of men who embody that work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination, and discipline that it takes to be a champion in life.” You guys make a comfortable living playing a game. I’m not saying those guys don’t embody work ethic, integrity, purpose, determination and discipline, but it’s not impossible for me to think of better examples. Many in fact.

Gonna disagree here.

To get to that level….and play a child’s game for a living takes incredible grit, determination, heart, work ethic, discipline and perseverance.

It’s no secret why most corporations love hiring former college athletes.

Because most have those qualities.

So to get to the highest level? Man that takes a lot of blood sweat and tears and for a lot of grinders like Tom Brady, they were told how they would never make it.

Ever hung out with Navy Seals? I have.

SpecOps are a different breed. Period. They have the skills that less than .1% of the population have, it's really not a fair comparison.

 

[AAABatteries]

The older I get the more I feel like I recognize that we as humans struggle to acknowledge the complexity in things and how generalizations and rules and adages and what ever don’t apply to the degree we assume they do.

For one individual their number out of 10 for how much luck plays a part may be 10, for another it may be 1 and from the outside it would appear they’ve lived the same life. There’s plenty of people who have had talent and didn’t work hard and they weren’t successful but there’s plenty that did word hard and didn’t succeed.

Also, the idea idea of luck usually starts with where you are born and to which parents - to me that sets the path for so many people and it’s entirely luck. But many have to then not screw it up and/or work hard.

Basically, it’s complex and you aren’t really going to find a formula that leads to success for a person and never for a group of people.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Basically, it’s complex and you aren’t really going to find a formula that leads to success for a person and never for a group of people.

Of course. It's clearly complex.

But I don't think that means there aren't best practices and general things one can do to improve one's chances or situation.

 

[dgreen]

At this point, I think a lot of people are less interested in getting what Brady is saying and more interested in playing little semantic games. I'm sure Brady knows that hard work and grit aren't enough to turn the average guy into a SB-winning QB, and I suspect he knows that 80% of the population is incapable of breaking into the top quintile of wealth no matter how hard they work. That isn't what he was talking about, but go on I guess.

I think you misrepresented my point. I am stating that hard work and determination is not enough for many people to break out of the bottom quintile.

The second quintile of household income in the US is $30k-60k. Two adults living in the same household would need full time employment at minimum wage to hit the lower limit of the second quintile.

I think the characteristics of these first-quintile households will help determine if many of them could break out of the bottom quintile with hard work and determination. For example, I assume many households in the first quintile are single-adult households, so obtaining two full-time minimum wage jobs isn't happening for them. However, some states have their own minimum wage that would get a single person up to the lower end of that second quintile. I wonder how many of these households are elderly and living off of just SS. I don't think work and determination are doing much for them. And I wonder what percentage of the lowest quintile are younger singles, possibly people who are on their own after finishing HS (or maybe dropped out of HS) and they are starting with low earnings at a young age but will work their way up to the next quintile within a few years as they learn a trade. I'd say hard work and determination are really important for those households.