Here is my answer to this Question in Quora which is the most popular answer to this question:

Tesla was founded in 2003, SpaceX in 2002, and he had almost 100 million of his own money to invest.

So when you say in such short time, it reminds me of this quote by Messi: “It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success.”

No doubt Elon Musk has talent and the ability to learn.

1.He took on problems that had large impact and hence potential for large success.
2.He took on project that had some even if remote chance of success
3.He worked hard and did not consider failure or give up
4.He burned put all of his money into his projects
5.He went through things most of us will not even dare
…and: He got lucky while doing 1 and 3

No one sees the pain and trouble one has to go through and the sacrifices that must be done to be a successful.

If you watch the 60 Minutes interview with Elon Musk, take a listen at 8.01 to 8.10, and then 9.01 and look at the tears in his eyes at 9.36. Then you will understand what sh** one has to accept to go through to become successful for people then wonder how did they do it so fast and so easy.

Elon musk interview

But as Nike puts it: “Winning takes care of everything.” …almost everything.