Rooting for the Strugglers: A Guide to Believing in Your Own Success

I read a blog by Seth Godin recently that contrasted what we believe about ourselves and good or bad outcomes. Some believe they’re smart and savvy because they got lucky. Others believe they’re lacking in some major way because they haven’t yet succeeded in what they’re trying to do.

This blog is about that second group, because that’s most of us. So many teens, when asked what they want to be, say they want to be an influencer. In truth, the chance of becoming an influencer is remote, and the vast majority of them will never achieve it, no matter how hard they try.

Most people I talk to don’t have such hard-to-reach aspirations, but still find themselves struggling to reach success, especially these days. Most of these people end up blaming themselves over what they see as failure.

What I want to remind you, if you’re in that situation in your life, is that failure an essential part of the process of success, that if you stick with it, you will eventually succeed. I know this from my own failures and successes, and from watching people in my life who did eventually succeed. I’m also pretty sure this isn’t the first time you’ve heard this. Even so, it’s true that failure is part of the process of success, and perhaps you simply need a reminder.

Successful people treat every failure as a chance to improve and change for the next round. Their attitude is almost always one of interest and excitement and curiosity. Yes sometimes, the process gets to them, but not very often.

I agree it is a lot harder than it used to be to achieve success because of all the chaos and turmoil around us. It’s harder, but still very possible.

I see a lot of smart, ambitious people who fit this description. I am rooting for them and am confident they will eventually succeed.

Quote of the Week

“You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky rocket ship underpants don't help.”

― Bill Waterson, Calvin and Hobbes

What role does luck play in your life?

Announcements

Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programs, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co . 

If you’re interested in the topic of avoiding burnout for people who do too much, you may be interested in checking out my youtube channel.