One Breakthrough Achievement, Not a Portfolio

“One breakthrough achievement is another landmark. Our players mostly had one achievement which changed the world around them, propelling them to high fortune. Not several achievements; just one. If you know that, you must decide what your breakthrough achievement is, or could be, and how to hone it. Knowing you only need one such achievement – and the type of achievement that can work wonders – saves a lot of time, effort and frustration.”

“Summary and conclusion The breakthrough achievement of each player obviously depended on their unique circumstances and aspirations. But there are three important general findings: •  By far the most common type of breakthrough achievement is invention. For most of the players, all their other achievements and efforts pale into insignificance when set alongside their single decisive invention. What might you invent? •  Besides invention, strategic achievements seem most likely to arise from an overwhelming sense of destiny, mission, or desire to bridge seemingly irreconcilable gulfs of ideology, attitude or vested interests. Do you have any of these strong feelings? If so, nurture them. Singular achievement comes from singular convictions. •  Strategic opportunism is one attractive route to a breakthrough achievement. You must know precisely what you want to achieve, but wait for the footsteps of opportunity to be audible before you strike. •  The killer combination is extreme determination coupled with extreme flexibility regarding means and timing. If you are single-minded, yet patient, you will know the perfect time to act. Until then, keep your powder dry.”