How to Actually Make It: The Simplest Success Guide
Making it — achieving success, breaking through, getting recognized — is one of the most sought-after yet least straightforward journeys you’ll embark on. Everyone wants to “make it,” but what no one tells you clearly is that there are basically two paths to get there. One is hitching a ride on someone else’s success. The other is making so much noise with your own that people can’t help but notice.
Both paths have their nuances, benefits, and challenges. If you want to make real progress — whether in your career, your creative pursuits, or your business — understanding these two ways to “make it” is crucial. This guide distills everything into the shortest, most practical advice you need.
The Two Roads to Success
When you’re on the climb, you’ll realize quickly that your success journey often comes down to two main approaches:
1. Riding Someone Else’s Coattails
This path is about mentorship, sponsorship, or simply finding someone more established who can show you the ropes, introduce you to the right people, and advocate for you when you’re still new to the game.
Mentorship is the classic, “someone takes me under their wing” approach — and many dream of this because it promises guidance, quicker growth, and sometimes easier access to opportunities.
But mentorship isn’t magic, and people don’t take you on lightly. You have to be worth their time and energy. Most mentors categorize people into two groups:
- Those who need to prove themselves first
- Those who are worth investing in immediately
Usually, you start in the “prove yourself” category — and here’s why:
For someone to commit to mentoring you, they need:
- Bandwidth: They must have the time and energy to dedicate to your growth. Not everyone has this.
- Expertise: They need to have the ability to teach you what you don’t know yet.
- Incentive: Most importantly, they need a reason to invest. This could be personal satisfaction, the promise you’ll eventually “pay it forward,” or a benefit they see in helping you succeed.
If you want to get a mentor, your pitch matters. You’re asking for someone’s limited resources, so speak to their incentive. Research them, understand what motivates them, and connect your request to that motivation.
Example: If they’re passionate about supporting women in tech, emphasize your own goals within that space. If they value legacy, explain how you plan to honor their mentorship by giving back.
2. Making a Splash on Your Own
The other route is to become so good — in strategy, execution, or both — that you force the world to notice.
This means you’re not relying on others to carry you; you’re building undeniable credibility through results. This path is less about getting help and more about putting in the extra work, learning fast, and being relentlessly proactive.
To make this splash, you need to:
- Excel at strategy: Know what moves will get you closer to your goals and why.
- Master execution: Outwork and out-deliver most people, not just by effort but by smart effort.
- Be feedback-hungry: Ask for constructive criticism frequently and act on it quickly.
This isn’t easy or glamorous — it often means long hours, repeated failures, and constant learning. But the payoff is clear: people start coming to you for advice, opportunities, and partnerships.
Why Do You Need a Mentor — Really?
People ask for mentors all the time, but few do so with a clear purpose.
A mentor’s true job is one of two things:
- Clarify your potential: Help you see what you’re truly capable of.
- Remove roadblocks: Help you navigate challenges faster and more effectively.
Too often, people just want someone to hold their hand or do the “heavy lifting” because they’re unsure about their own goals.
If you want real mentorship, come prepared with a clear and specific question tied to a goal.
For example, instead of:
“Can you mentor me?”
Try:
“I have a portfolio but haven’t landed any interviews at top startups. What’s missing? What should I focus on fixing first?”
That clarity ignites passion and makes mentors want to help.
The Danger of Over-Mentorship: When Help Becomes a Hindrance
There is such a thing as too much mentorship — especially when it’s undirected.
If you hop from mentor to mentor without a clear sense of your goals, you risk:
- Conflicting advice: Different mentors might push you in opposite directions.
- Paralysis by analysis: Too much information without action leads to stagnation.
- Lack of ownership: Relying on others to solve your problems can weaken your confidence and initiative.
Mentorship works best when paired with execution — doing first, refining next.
When your goals are crystal clear, you can benefit from a wide range of mentors, even if they don’t realize they’re mentoring you. Instead of asking for formal mentorship, ask people to share insights related to specific challenges you’re tackling.
This way, you get targeted advice without the confusion or pressure of undefined relationships.
How to Position Yourself for Mentorship or Success
Whether you want to ride coattails or make your own splash, certain behaviors and mindsets boost your chances:
1. Show Your Worth Early
Don’t wait to be “discovered.” Proactively create value, share your ideas, and build small wins that demonstrate your potential.
2. Be Curious and Coachable
Ask thoughtful questions. Listen deeply. Show that you can take feedback and grow quickly.
3. Communicate Your Ambition Clearly
Be honest about what you want and where you need help. Vague requests rarely lead to strong support.
4. Build Relationships, Not Just Networks
People want to invest time in those they trust and feel connected to. Find genuine ways to add value to others.
The Hard Truth: Success Demands Both Strategy and Execution
Most people underestimate how much persistence and hustle it takes to break through.
You don’t just need a plan — you need the discipline to execute relentlessly. And if you want shortcuts, mentorship is helpful but not a replacement for hard work.
The difference between those who “make it” and those who don’t is often about consistency: showing up every day, learning from mistakes, and refining your approach.
Final Thoughts: The Shortest Guide to Making It
To sum up:
- Riding coattails (mentorship) is a powerful accelerator if you find the right person and come prepared.
- Making a splash on your own demands mastering strategy and execution, coupled with relentless feedback-seeking.
- Clear, specific goals help you unlock better mentorship and avoid confusion.
- Beware of too many mentors without direction — it can stall your progress.
- Build genuine relationships and always show your worth early.
- Success isn’t magic; it’s a daily commitment to learning, acting, and improving.
If you keep these truths in mind, you’ll be miles ahead of most people who only hope for success without knowing how to make it real.
What’s your biggest hurdle on the road to success? Drop a comment — let’s figure out how to clear your path.
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