When you see a successful entrepreneur, it’s easy to think they’ve always had it figured out.
But success isn’t always about making the right moves. Sometimes, it’s about learning from the wrong ones.
Enter Netflix, the digital juggernaut that’s not just about binge-worthy entertainment, but also a treasure trove of insights into the world of success.
In this article, I’m going to share 8 Netflix shows that will flip your perspective on success upside down.
These aren’t your typical rags-to-riches stories; these are deep dives into the often messy, always fascinating journey of those who’ve made it to the top.
Ready to see success in a whole new light? Let’s dive in.
1) “The Crown”
Success isn’t always about winning. Sometimes, it’s about overcoming the odds and standing strong, no matter what.
Take “The Crown”, for example. This Netflix hit isn’t just a royal drama; it’s a gripping tale of resilience, perseverance, and the power of duty.
In this show, you’ll see Queen Elizabeth II navigate the turbulent waters of monarchy, facing personal and political challenges head-on with an unwavering sense of responsibility.
Success here isn’t about glory or popularity. It’s about upholding values, fulfilling roles and making tough decisions for the greater good.
It teaches us that success is not always glamorous.
It’s often a rugged path filled with difficult choices and responsibilities.
It’s a must-watch if you want to understand that success isn’t just about personal gain, but also about the impact you make on others and the legacy you leave behind.
Pretty powerful, huh?
2) “Stranger Things”
I never expected a show about kids and a parallel universe could change how I perceived success, but “Stranger Things” did just that.
The main characters are children who are by no means wealthy, popular, or remarkably talented.
They’re just a bunch of kids who enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons and riding their bikes around town.
But when faced with the impossible, they rise to the occasion. They bravely confront supernatural forces, risking everything to save their friend and their town.
They succeed not because they have an arsenal of resources, but because they have each other.
Watching “Stranger Things” reminded me that success is not always about individual achievement or material wealth.
Sometimes, it’s about teamwork, friendship, and standing up for what’s right – even when it’s hard.
It’s about the small victories we achieve together and the bonds we form along the way.
It made me realize that my own successes aren’t just my own – they belong to my team, my family, and everyone who’s supported me along the way.
Now that’s a different way to look at success, isn’t it?
3) “Bojack Horseman”
“Bojack Horseman” isn’t your typical animated show.
It’s a dark comedy that delves into the life of a washed-up TV star who’s grappling with his personal demons while trying to reclaim his success.
While it may seem like an odd choice for this list, it packs a profound message about success and happiness.
It shows that fame and fortune don’t necessarily equate to fulfillment.
In fact, despite having a successful career, Bojack often finds himself in the throes of depression and emptiness – a stark contrast to what we often perceive as the glamorous life of Hollywood stars.
It’s a potent reminder that success is subjective and that it’s crucial to define what success means to you, rather than blindly chasing societal definitions of it.
“Bojack Horseman” effectively uses humor and satire to depict the often-overlooked reality that true success lies not in external accolades, but in inner peace and fulfillment.
Quite a thought-provoking take on success, wouldn’t you agree?
4) “Chef’s Table”
If you’re looking for a show that serves up beautiful cinematography and mouth-watering dishes, then “Chef’s Table” is your pick. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find it’s not just about food.
Each episode features a renowned chef from around the world, highlighting their unique culinary journey.
These chefs didn’t find success overnight. They’ve faced countless challenges, rejections, and failures along the way.
What’s striking is that each of them has a different definition of success.
For some, it’s about creating innovative dishes; for others, it’s about preserving traditional cooking methods.
“Chef’s Table” teaches us that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s diverse, personal, and evolves over time.
It also reminds us that the path to success isn’t always smooth.
It’s filled with obstacles and setbacks, but it’s those very challenges that shape our journey and define our success.
Quite a delicious perspective on success, don’t you think?
5) “The Last Dance”
As a basketball enthusiast, “The Last Dance” was a must-watch for me.
But beyond the thrilling games and iconic moments, I found a goldmine of lessons about success.
This docuseries centers around Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls.
What struck me wasn’t just Jordan’s incredible talent but his relentless drive to succeed.
From his fierce competitiveness to his unparalleled work ethic, Jordan’s approach to success was nothing short of inspiring. He wasn’t just playing to win; he was playing to be the best.
While watching “The Last Dance”, I realized that success isn’t merely about having a goal.
It’s about having the determination to pursue it relentlessly and the resilience to bounce back from failure.
It taught me that true success often lies beyond our comfort zone, pushing us to continuously strive for excellence.
I’d say it’s a slam dunk when it comes to redefining success, wouldn’t you agree?
6) “Black Mirror”
“Black Mirror” is not your conventional success story.
This anthology series examines modern society and the unanticipated consequences of new technologies, often presenting a dystopian future.
While it may seem like a bleak choice for this list, it offers a unique perspective on success.
The show challenges the notion of progress and questions whether our relentless pursuit of advancement is truly beneficial.
Through its thought-provoking episodes, “Black Mirror” prompts us to consider the moral and ethical implications of our actions.
It suggests that success shouldn’t be measured solely by progress or innovation, but also by the impact of our actions on society and individuals.
It’s a sobering reminder that the path to success isn’t always about moving forward at all costs.
Sometimes, it’s about taking a step back, reassessing our actions, and making sure we’re heading in the right direction.
A stark but necessary perspective shift on success, don’t you think?
7) “Mindhunter”
“Mindhunter” might seem like an unusual pick, but it offers a unique perspective on success.
This crime thriller series delves into the early days of criminal profiling within the FBI.
The show’s protagonists, Holden Ford and Bill Tench, are pioneers in their field, often faced with skepticism and opposition.
Yet, they persist and gradually succeed in establishing criminal profiling as a valid investigative technique.
Their journey underscores the importance of curiosity, innovation, and persistence in achieving success.
It shows that groundbreaking ideas often face resistance initially, but can revolutionize entire fields if pursued with determination.
“Mindhunter” exemplifies that success can be achieved by challenging the status quo and persisting against all odds, even when the path is uncharted and fraught with challenges.
A captivating take on success, wouldn’t you say?
8) “Queer Eye”
“Queer Eye” is more than just a makeover show. It’s a series that reaffirms the importance of self-love and acceptance in the journey to success.
The Fab Five don’t just transform appearances; they transform lives. They help each participant recognize their worth, embrace their identity, and take steps towards their personal goals.
If there’s one thing “Queer Eye” teaches us, it’s that success isn’t just about what we achieve externally. It’s also about how we feel about ourselves internally.
It’s about accepting who we are, celebrating our uniqueness, and believing that we are worthy of success.
In essence, before we can achieve success in the world, we must first achieve it within ourselves.
Reflections on success
If you’ve journeyed with me through these Netflix shows, you’ll have noticed that success is a multi-faceted concept. It’s not just about the glitz and glamor, the accolades, or the wealth.
Success, as these shows portray, is about resilience, perseverance, teamwork, and self-acceptance.
It’s about defining your own metrics of success rather than conforming to societal standards.
It’s about understanding that success isn’t a destination, but a journey filled with victories and defeats, personal growth and stagnation, joy and sorrow.
And most importantly, these shows remind us that success is deeply personal and unique to each individual. Your version of success doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
As you delve into these shows, reflect on your own definitions of success.
How have they evolved over time? What influences shaped them?
And most importantly, are they truly your own or are they borrowed from societal expectations?
Remember, just as each Netflix show tells a unique story, so does every individual’s journey to success. What will your story be?
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