[lotsofpulp]

This is why it's important to grow up in the right zip code, do well in school, score high enough on standardized tests, get into the best universities. If you want to maximize your chances of getting to the top, the best way to do that is to know the right people.

[decasteve]

Pick your parents well.

[malvosenior]

There are many, many people who do these things and fail or become mediocre at best. In fact I'd say the ultra rule following path you laid out is contra to what makes a great entrepreneur in most cases.

That being said, having rich parents is the #1 way to raise capital. VCs fund people they know socially first.

[cik]

Why do we focus on zip code, schools and the like? The help, but they're way less valuable than human relationships. Entrepreneurs put way too little value on non-business friendships, but the reality is that they're what sustain you. Sometimes I really just need to discuss things with my best friend and get her perspective - she has nothing to do with tech, doesn't live on my continent, and at the same time, has so many of the similar problems. That's the real magic.

[the_clarence]

I have the opposite experience. And still managed to surround myself with like-minded people. What did I do? I did what the op wrote:

> I find goals that excite me, and I dedicate every molecule in my body towards achieving this goal.

I did this for many things. And I finally connected the dots.

[adreamingsoul]

That’s one approach of many, and ultimately depends on the individual.

[lotsofpulp]

That's why I wrote "maximizing chances". Life offers no guarantees, all we can do is try to optimize our choices so the probability of success (however one defines it) is maximized. The data I've seen suggest that knowing the right (well heeled, hard working, smart, etc) people plays a huge role in building a business.

[iagooar]

Great advice! That's like saying that it's super easy to become rich. It just takes 2 easy steps: Step 1. Be born into a rich family. Step 2: Get inheritance cash.

[gowld]

Don't be so morbid. If you have a rich family, you can get plenty of capital without anyone dying.

[adrianmonk]

They're not saying it's easy. They're saying some people have a huge head start in the race.