In his thought-provoking book, The Third Door, author Alex Banayan reveals a simple yet profound truth: life, business, and success are like a nightclub. There are always three ways in. The first door is the main entrance, where 99% of people wait in line, hoping for their turn. The second door is the VIP entrance, reserved for the privileged few. But there’s always a third door—a side entrance where people refuse to accept the status quo. They find a way in through persistence, creativity, and sheer audacity.
This principle resonates because we’ve all felt stuck in the “line,” waiting for permission or the right moment. But the most inspiring success stories show that game-changers don’t wait. They create their own way forward. Here are a few powerful examples of people who refused to stand in line—and made history by choosing the Third Door.
Steven Spielberg: Sneaking onto the Universal Studios Lot
Few stories embody the Third Door better than that of Steven Spielberg. As a teenager with no Hollywood connections, Spielberg didn’t wait for the film school route or hope a studio exec would magically discover him. Instead, he literally snuck onto the Universal Studios lot. Dressed in a suit and carrying a briefcase, he wandered the lot until he found an empty office and set up shop.
From there, he networked with producers and learned the business from the inside. His boldness eventually led to a deal with Universal—and launched one of the most iconic directing careers in history. Spielberg didn’t knock politely on the front door; he created his own opening.
Sara Blakely: Cold-Calling and Hustling Her Way to Spanx
Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, had no background in fashion, retail, or business. Armed with a $5,000 savings account and a revolutionary idea for slimming undergarments, she relentlessly cold-called hosiery mills and pitched her idea—only to be rejected over and over. But she didn’t let the traditional barriers stop her.
Blakely kept hustling until one manufacturer finally agreed to produce her product. She then took her prototype directly to department store buyers, offering personal demos in restrooms to prove its effectiveness. That tenacity paid off: Spanx became a billion-dollar empire, and Blakely became the youngest self-made female billionaire. Her story proves that when traditional doors are locked, determination can build a new one.
Elon Musk: Betting Everything to Revolutionize Space and Automobiles
Elon Musk’s ventures into electric cars and space exploration weren’t just risky—they were widely mocked as impossible. After selling his stake in PayPal, Musk could have lived comfortably. Instead, he poured nearly his entire fortune into SpaceX and Tesla, industries dominated by government agencies and automotive giants.
When SpaceX faced failure after failure, most would have walked away. Musk, however, pressed on—betting his last remaining funds on one more rocket launch. That mission succeeded, securing a NASA contract and changing the trajectory of private space travel forever. Musk didn’t just look for the Third Door; he bulldozed through a wall and built an entirely new path.
Oprah Winfrey: Reimagining What TV Could Be
Oprah Winfrey’s rise from poverty and trauma to media mogul is well known, but what’s often overlooked is how she transformed daytime television by refusing to play by the old rules. When The Oprah Winfrey Show launched, daytime TV was dominated by tabloid sensationalism. Oprah saw an opportunity to create something deeper—using the platform to inspire, heal, and connect.
She redefined an entire genre by refusing to follow the established formula, eventually building a media empire that extends far beyond television. Oprah’s vision and courage to break from tradition are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we step away from the line.
What the Third Door Teaches Us
These stories share a common thread: the refusal to accept “no” as a final answer. The Third Door isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about resourcefulness, grit, and daring to challenge the status quo. Whether you’re launching a new business, changing careers, or chasing a personal dream, the lesson is clear: you can wait, or you can act.
Your Turn: Take Action Today
Think about the goal or dream you’re working toward right now. Where are you stuck in line? What’s one bold move you could make this week to find your own Third Door—whether it’s reaching out to a mentor, pitching an idea, or creating an opportunity from scratch?
Don’t wait for permission. Find the side entrance. And if you’re ready to step into your next bold move, share your commitment in the comments or connect with me—I’d love to hear about your Third Door story.