You’ve Got To Want To Succeed
Looking back, I can't help but think about how the lyrics “You’ve got to want to succeed” from the song "Owner of a Lonely Heart" by Yes inspired me to look into my own aspirations for success. Those six words set off a whirlwind of thoughts in my mind, prompting me to ask questions and seek answers within myself.
It was a moment of awakening. It made me look back at my life and how I related to success and the obstacles that held me back. And let me tell you, it wasn't a straightforward road. It’s been a winding, broken road… like the roads we have all travelled on in our journeys.
I used to question whether I really wanted success. I mean, I looked at successful people and admired them, but when I thought of success for myself, I felt this anxiety and found comfortable discomfort in avoiding anything that might lead me to success. Can you relate?
But here's the thing: I started realizing there had actually been some benefits to NOT succeeding. Living in a toxic marriage gave me a sense of security, even though it also meant relying on something that caused me pain. Playing it safe and not putting myself out there protected me from the risks and challenges that come with chasing success. I kind of got uncomfortably comfortable hiding in plain sight.
But let me tell you, that hiding had its costs. My tolerance for all of those heavy emotions got too high. I found myself trapped in self-pity, constantly feeding my fear of ending up with nothing. It became a cycle, reinforcing this belief that failure was inevitable. I was unknowingly holding myself back, hiding from the world and denying my true potential.
But then it hit me. Embracing success had its own set of advantages. It meant independence, the freedom to live life on my terms without depending on anyone. It spurred me into getting my advanced degrees and training and putting myself out there in a big way as someone who helps others out of where I once was. That drive opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to pursue my passions and explore new horizons. And you know what? The idea and potential of being known and respected as an expert in my field, someone who could inspire others, that became a driving force for me.
You’ve heard of the fear of success, but what about the benefits of not succeeding? Looking back at your life, where did holding yourself back actually seem beneficial to your unconscious mind? The unconscious mind is there to serve you, but all too often it has the wrong idea. In this case, for me, it was all about changing my mindset to embrace that as much as I held myself back, I truly did want to succeed.
So what does success look like for you? It's not just about material things or achievements. It's about feeling confident and competent in what you do. It's about embracing who you really are and knowing deep down that you have something valuable to offer. Success means living boldly, believing in yourself, and making a positive impact on others. And yes, financial abundance can play a part in giving you the freedom to pursue your dreams without limitations.
Success isn't a one-time destination. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth. It means asking yourself the tough questions, facing your fears and limiting beliefs, and aligning your desires with your true self. It's about defining success on your own terms, not based on what others expect of you.
So my friend, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey.
What obstacles are holding you back?
What positive intentions might be hidden behind them?
Redefine what success means to you, and believe in your own potential. It's time to step out of hiding and embrace the path that leads to your own version of success.
You've got this.
