“I found the key to success, only to discover that the door was never locked”

People often seek the key (or keys) to success. The “key” is a metaphor.
 
“I found the key to success, only to discover that the door was never locked” is a one-line saying that has been printed on several images The saying was posted on Twitter on November 9, 2010.
 
Other sayings about the “key to success” include “I looked for the key to success and then found it’s a combination lock,” “If you can’t find the key to success, pick the lock,” “Just when you find the key to the market, they change the locks,” “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success” and “Successful pianists know the key to success.”
   
     
Twitter
Gaurav Kant Goel‏
@gauravkantgoel
After so many years, at last I found the key to success, only to discover that the door was never locked.
10:37 AM - 9 Nov 2010
 
Twitter
Saul Rodriguez‏
@LifeEZsolutions
I found the key to success, only to discover that the door was never locked.
4:07 PM - 30 Nov 2010
 
Twitter
Amat Victoria Curamॐ‏
@BR_Nation
I found the key to success, only to discover that the door was never locked
11:04 PM - 30 Nov 2010
 
Funny Status
I found the key to success, only to discover that…
May 26, 2011 Misc. Status Updates
I found the key to success, only to discover that the door was never locked.
 
Twitter
D4NNY‏
@D4nnyMusic
I found the key to success, only to discover that the door was never locked.
5:02 PM - 30 Jul 2013
 
Facebook
Harding Homes
October 29, 2013 · Boise, ID ·
I found the key to success, only to discover that the door was never locked.
 
Twitter
Bill Murray‏
@BiIIMurray
I found the key to success, only to discover that the door was never locked.
4:15 PM - 23 May 2017