We can look at successful individuals - an Elon Musk or a Steve Jobs - and consider them as role models and try to follow the path that they have followed / are following. Like imitating their behaviours, their routines and philosophies.

Or we can look at a lot of people who have succeeded (as well as failed) and distill what works and what doesn't most of the time. And then form our own blueprint of what is most applicable to someone like us.

The first path is easier, more inspiring and can trick us into thinking that we are doing our best.

But the second path is what is more likely to work.