Re-Think Your Success Idols: Why Real Inspiration Starts Next Door

By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer

We all want to be successful. But are you idolizing the right people?

It’s easy to look at the rich and famous—the celebrities, CEOs, and influencers on your feed—and think: “I want that life… but how do I get there?”

Here’s a wake-up call: It’s not magic. It’s not luck. And it’s not about who you know.
It’s about drive. Relentless effort. Grit through rejection. And the courage to never give up—even when no one is watching.

Still sounds like a cliché? I get it. But let me introduce you to someone who will completely change how you define success.

Meet Richard Peterson: The Street Musician with a Net Worth

Richard Peterson is a savant street musician in Seattle. He’s not famous by Hollywood standards, but he should be.

If you’ve seen the movie Rain Man, you might recall Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of an autistic savant. Richard is a real-life version. His brain is extraordinary—if you tell him your birthday, he can instantly tell you the day of the week you were born. He can even play the trumpet and the piano at the same time.

You’ll find Richard performing outside Seattle Seahawks and Mariners games, collecting donations in a bucket. But don’t make the mistake of pitying him—he’s not hopeless.

Richard has:

• Saved hundreds of thousands of dollars

• Recorded six original albums

• Had a song licensed by Stone Temple Pilots

• Been the subject of a feature-length documentary, Big City Dick

• Earned the support of celebrities, including Oscar® winner Jeff Bridges

Not bad for a guy who was abandoned by the school system, shuffled through foster homes, and living independently by age 12.

The True Measure of Success Isn’t Who You Know

Richard was never given a “big break.” He didn’t have corporate mentors or startup funding. He created his own opportunities. When no one would hire him, he made his music into a business.

What’s more inspiring? Richard has never made excuses. He’s never blamed his traumatic past or his neurodivergence for any setbacks. He simply shows up, every day, and shares his talents.

“Instead of looking for inspiration from somebody on television—someone you don’t even know—why not find motivation in the people around you who’ve overcome real adversity?”

Find Your Hometown Heroes

Here’s your challenge:
Stop idolizing distant celebrities and start noticing the resilience of people nearby.

• Who in your circle has quietly built a life of meaning and purpose?

• Who’s overcome hardship, rejection, or failure and kept going?

• Who are the everyday entrepreneurs, artists, or leaders in your community?

Success doesn’t always wear a Rolex. And wealth doesn’t always live in a penthouse. There are millionaires in your neighborhood who live modestly—and don’t feel the need to flaunt it. Why? Because their success is internal. It’s grounded in perseverance, not performance.

Success Starts with the Right Inspiration

The world is filled with Richard Petersons—people who quietly conquer incredible odds and keep chasing their dreams without applause. If you want to build a life of real achievement, study them. Observe how they:

• Focus on craft instead of clout

• Keep moving forward despite rejection

• Work for purpose over praise

You don’t need to become a viral sensation. You need to stay consistent. You need to show up for yourself, every day—like Richard.

Watch the Video: Re-Think Who You Idolize

🎥 Get inspired by the story of Richard Peterson and discover why real success isn’t about fame or followers.
👉 Watch the full video here

Want Ross Shafer to Speak at Your Event?

Ross Shafer shares compelling, real-world stories and insights that help teams and individuals build a mindset for long-term success. His talks are unforgettable, high-energy, and deeply practical—perfect for organizations that want to inspire performance from the inside out. Hire Ross Shafer to speak at your next event.