Ordinary Success: What We Miss by Idolizing Outliers
Introduction: Ordinary Greatness
We often look to iconic figures like Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, or, in modern times, Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey as models of success. Their stories are undeniably inspiring, yet these figures are outliers in any distribution of success. These individuals often had unique backgrounds or extraordinary circumstances that propelled them into greatness. But how useful is it to model ourselves after them?
Instead, let’s look to someone like Titus Julius Celer. Who the *** is Titus Julius Celer you will say, right?
But most “successful” people are “Titus Julius Celer”.
Celer’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and community-minded ambition. He was no Caesar, but through deliberate choices and steadfast commitment, he advanced his career and cemented his legacy. Here are some practical takeaways from his life that could serve us in our careers today.
(this article is not a historical article, attempting to point out some historical facts, but rather combination of history and fiction aimed to illustrate)
Be Opportunistic, Not Lucky
“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity” Seneca
Titus Julius Celer didn’t rise from poverty, nor was he born into an extremely wealthy, influential family. His life was shaped by choices and opportunities he seized rather than by blind luck. Born into a moderately well-off family in Asseria, he grew up with early exposure to both Roman and Liburnian traditions, learning how to navigate different cultures and expectations. This adaptability, rather than chance, gave him a foundation to succeed when the opportunity to join the Legio II Augusta arose.
Lesson for Us: Don’t wait for luck to strike. Position yourself in environments that foster growth, and take opportunities as they come. Rather than hoping for “breaks” that might never arrive, build a career on adaptable skills and responsiveness to change. Success doesn’t have to (and it almost never does) come from a stroke of luck; it can be built through deliberate, often small, actions.
Seek Skill and Discipline over Prestige
In the Roman legion, Celer was expected to follow strict discipline and develop a mastery of military skills, from formation drills to close combat with the gladius. The path to being noticed and promoted wasn’t glamorous; it was about proving competence. Over time, his focus on skill and discipline earned him respect, and he rose to the rank of centurion, a respected position that gave him authority and influence.
Majority of people cannot expect to become “Emperors”, nor even “Legates” (commander of a legion) but if one is determined, one can become a “Centurion”.
Lesson for Us: Early in your career, prioritize learning and competence over flashy roles or high-status companies. Whether you’re mastering negotiation, technical skills, or leadership, the ability to excel consistently in your tasks will speak louder than the prestige of your title. Trust that skill and discipline build respect and open doors to higher responsibility. However, be minded: it takes time.
Build Loyalty and Cultivate Relationships
“Never confuse tenure with loyalty.”
Celer didn’t just excel in his role; he was known for his loyalty to the Empire and his comrades. In the unpredictable life of a Roman legionary, loyalty built trust and credibility, which paved the way for his promotions. His steadfastness, combined with his skill, allowed him to take on leadership roles and gain the trust of his peers and superiors alike.
Lesson for Us: Cultivating loyalty isn’t about blind obedience; it’s about consistency, reliability, and building solid relationships within your organization. As you rise, your network and the trust you’ve built will be as critical to your success as your skills. Show loyalty through reliability, but ensure you are cultivating mutual trust with those around you.
Embrace Growth through Challenge
When he joined the invasion of Britain in 43 AD, Celer faced fierce British tribes in unknown lands. His role as a centurion placed him in direct combat, with high stakes that demanded courage and composure. These intense experiences in foreign campaigns not only solidified his reputation but also shaped his character and broadened his worldview.
Lesson for Us: Career growth often requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Accept projects or assignments that challenge you, especially those that test your resilience and adaptability. These experiences will not only develop your skills but also distinguish you as someone willing to tackle challenges — an invaluable trait in any field.
Give Back to the Community that Shaped You
Upon retiring, Celer returned to Asseria, using his accrued wealth and status to build a public council hall, a lasting contribution to his city. His munificence wasn’t merely a charitable gesture; it was a legacy move, grounding his family’s influence in Asseria and giving back to the community that had supported his journey.
Lesson for Us: As you advance, think about your legacy and your impact beyond the workplace. By giving back — whether through mentorship, community projects, donations to alumni community or knowledge-sharing — you strengthen your influence and establish a reputation that endures. True success isn’t just about personal gain; it’s about creating a lasting, positive effect in the spaces you occupy.
Conclusion: The Power of Ordinary Achievements
Titus Julius Celer wasn’t an extreme outlier. Though he did have a solid start, he was also a hardworking, strategic individual who made the most of his circumstances. His life shows that success doesn’t require an extraordinary background or the extreme luck that we cannot expect. Instead, success can come from a combination of adaptability, discipline, loyalty, and community-minded ambition. So, rather than striving to be the next Caesar, perhaps we’d do well to be more like Titus Julius Celer, shaping our path with steady determination and a commitment to excellence.
