PAUL GURNEY
FOUNDER, BECOMINGX
veryone has the potential to achieve
extraordinary things. Whether it’s
climbing Everest, running a
marathon, getting a degree, or
simply landing a job to be able to support your
family. No matter what the perceived obstacles,
if we work hard enough we can all realise our
dreams. At least, that’s what we’re led to believe.
It used to be “do well at school” or “learn a
trade” and be set up for life. But the narrative has
changed. We are now told that by “finding our
passion” and “striving every day”, we can land
our dream job, go on great holidays and retire
early by a beach. Sadly, it’s not that simple and
this isn’t how life plays out for most.
Despite the efforts of social mobility groups and
the many books, articles and videos that provide
‘the secrets of success’, the greatest predictor of a
child’s future standard of living remains the
education level and income of their parents.
Even for those who have opportunities and
support, most people never really discover what
they’re capable of and never achieve the goals
they set for themselves growing up. Many young
people don’t see a bright future and lack the
hope that things will work out for them.
Stanford psychologist William Damon
believes “a sense of emptiness has ensnared
young people” and we live in an age where
“apathy and anxiety have become the dominant
moods”. As a society, we need to pause for
thought and ask how we can really prepare
young people for a rapidly changing and
uncertain future.
E
“Paddle your
own canoe.
Choose your own
path. Don’t expect
the world to give
it to you”
LEADERSHIP
QUICK
• Everyone has
the potential
to achieve
extraordinary
things.
• BecomingX aims to demystify what it
means to succeed – and will be
working with Future Talent magazine
to share insights.
• In this introductory article, four
celebrities provide headline tips on
achieving success.
Bear Grylls –
became ‘the
world’s
best-known
adventurer’
››
Sir Ranulph Fiennes – became ‘the world’s
greatest living explorer’
“Follow your dream at all costs. The
only person who should make you change
that course is you, not anybody else”
FUTURE TALENT // 63