Most
entrepreneurs have a strong aversion to the word random. The word, which is defined as “without
definite aim, purpose, method, or adherence to a prior arrangement,” is the
antithesis of what is typically perceived as good business practice. Oddly
enough, one author believes randomness, and how we deal with it, can be the
greatest indicator of whether enterprises will succeed or fail.
In his
book The Drunkard’s Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives, Leonard
Miodinow discusses in great detail how the laws of randomness are a driving
factor in our successes, and how this is counter to the widely-held belief that
success is directly derivative of talent or intelligence. Research from the
last decade suggests there might be some merit to this line of thinking, and
supports the idea that “the ability to persist in the face of obstacles is at
least as important a factor in success as talent.” When faced with
miscellaneous setbacks, it is the persistent one, rather than the genius, who
will prevail.
For
entrepreneurs, persistence is a must. At the end of the day, it isn’t just the
philosophical prowess needed to envision the perfect solutions to problems, but
the resolution and doggedness to actually get in there and solve them.