16 May 2014

Want to Be Successful? Space Invaders Can Show You How.

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space invaders classically trained success

This secret is no secret at all. A simple concept, well-known and completely embraced by every one of those otherworldly invaders is essential for anyone who wants to be successful.

This one factor contributes to the Space Invaders’ eventual success against even the most skilled spaceship pilots they descend upon, and this same factor is applied by the very best players of the game to achieve the highest scores.

The same idea, when applied to life, has been responsible for some of the greatest success stories ever written.

Thomas Edison
Walt Disney
Albert Einstein
J. K. Rowling
Dr. Seuss
Stephen King
U2

This one trait is shared in common with almost every overnight success long before they were successful “overnight.”

In fact, with this idea you can overcome lack of talent and resources.

So what is this incredible power that every one of us can tap into right now?

Persistencequote space invaders classically trained

Discipline

Hard Work

Never. Giving. Up.

The alien spacecraft in Space Invaders do this very thing – they attack in relentless waves, fighting even down to the last ship. Never stopping, never giving up, never turning back.

And eventually they win.

Sure you may achieve the high score or complete the level but there’s always more.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

One of my favorite musicians, Klayton (Celldweller) embodies this very idea in his life and career path.

Facing incredibly difficult odds and an industry that has done him no favors, he essentially built his career during one of the most difficult times of change in the history of music – the digital revolution (remember Napster anyone?).

In spite of opposition from music labels, so called fans, and naysayers at every turn, Klayton successfully created his own record label and positioned his own brand of music in countless Film, TV and video games (Assassins Creed 2, Dead Rising 2, and Need For Speed: Most Wanted, to name a few).

When asked about his advice to others in a 2013 interview by The Music Ninja, he said the following:

“PERSIST! The only reason I’m here today is because I was too dumb or stubborn to quit the many times that I was told to or circumstance probably suggested.”   ~Klayton

The persistence of the Space Invaders game possibly saved video game industry, beginning the rebound from the video game crash during the late 70s and early 80s. Space Invaders has become one of the top 10 most influential games according to IGN, and it was listed as the top rated arcade game for technical, creative, and cultural impact by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Both Space Invaders and Klayton are great testaments to what happens when you persist. And if video games can teach us anything, it’s the ability to persist to keep trying.

Are you facing a difficult challenge or meeting resistance to a dream or goal you are pursuing?

Never give up.

How have you succeeded when faced with challenge? Tell be about it below. 

7 Responses

  1. Dan Black
    |

    Those who keep taking action and persevere through the challenges will produce some great results. It’s all about not giving up! Great post!

    • Jon D Harrison
      |

      Thanks Dan – we never know when one more try is what we need to finally have that breakthrough. How have you seen results by not giving up?

      • Dan Black
        |

        I’ve finished writing my book The Leadership Mandate and have started to make some money as a result. I’ve also been able to continue to grow my blog traffic and email list.

  2. The Wisdom of a Clueless Gamer: Conan O’Brien ClassicallyTrained.net
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    […] In the episode where Conan plays the Atari 2600, he is confronted with games from decades past: Missile Command, Golf, River Raid, Space Invaders, and E.T.. While not all of the games provided the best experience, the solid game play and classic design of Space Invaders won Conan over. While there was some previous experience with the game, even a clueless gamer was able to immediately recognize the solid foundation in design that makes Space Invaders so successful (click here to read about How Space Invaders Can Make You Successful). […]