Move Beyond Success Myths
- Oct 24, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 1, 2024
Written by: Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, Ph.D., Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
It seems many people think success is only when a person rises to fortune, acclaim, or brilliant achievement. Everyone is successful unless they give up. Your definition of success is what really matters. There is a long list of success myths that have endured since commerce began c. 150,000 years ago.
Did you buy into the success story myths?
“You have to work hard to be successful.”
“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
“Money will make you happy.”
“You will feel better about yourself when you achieve success.”
“Following your passion is enough to succeed.”
“Success is dependent on your upbringing.”
“Success means the same thing to everyone.”
“Power is the ultimate sign of success.”
“To be successful, someone else fails.’
“You can't succeed without stepping on other people.’
“If you are determined to obtain or achieve something at all costs, you want it regardless of the expense, effort or sacrifice involved.”
“Success means you buckle down, you apply yourself with determination to work hard and give it your full attention.”
“Good things come to those who wait.”
“Nothing good comes easily.”
“Some people are just lucky?”
“You need to be in the right place at the right time.”
"The competition is fierce."
“Only certain personality types can succeed.”
“Successful people never make mistakes.’
“Success always lasts.
These success myths or others that you might have heard growing up, often block you from creating the abundance, fulfillment, happiness and the freedom you desire and deserve in life.
The truth is the Universe guides you every second to achieve emotional, spiritual and financial success. It is easier than you might believe.
Moving beyond the success myths that may be holding you hostage involves recognizing and challenging these misconceptions while adopting a healthier and more realistic perspective on success.
Here are some steps to use to change your success paradigm
The Law of Deliberate Creation: To consciously choose and attract more of what you desire (lack of awareness around this Law is the reason most people struggle with activating the full power of the Law of Attraction in their lives.)
Connecting with your Future Self who already exists is the secret key for manifesting the future you desire to experience (There are multiple versions of your future self!)
Self-Awareness and Reflection: Start by reflecting on your beliefs and attitudes about success. What myths or misconceptions do you hold? Are you overly focused on external measures of success, like wealth, status, or social validation?
Define Your Own Success: Recognize that success is a deeply personal concept. It doesn't need to conform to society's standards. Define what success means to you, considering your values, interests, and long-term goals.
Redefine Failure: Understand that failure is a natural part of the journey to success. Rather than fearing it, view it as an opportunity for learning, growth, and improvement. Embrace failure as a stepping stone toward success.
Embrace the Process: Success is rarely an overnight achievement. It often involves diligent work, persistence, and patience. Embrace the process, and recognize that every step you take is a part of your journey to success.
Focus on Intrinsic Motivation: Rely on Intrinsic Motivation, which comes from within and is driven by your passion and personal satisfaction, rather than external factors like money or recognition. Intrinsic Motivation often leads to more sustainable and meaningful success.
Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable, well-defined goals that align with your values and aspirations. Break these goals into smaller, manageable steps to maintain your motivation and sense of progress.
Seek Feedback and Adjust: Be open to feedback and adjust your strategies based on the results and insights you gain. Continuous learning and improvement are crucial aspects of achieving genuine and authentic success.
Practice Self-Compassion: Avoid being hard on yourself. Acknowledge your limitations and give yourself permission to correct mishaps and mistakes without self-incrimination. Self-compassion will assist you to bounce back from setbacks with greater resilience.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Adopt a growth mindset, which means believing that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. This mindset will assist you to overcome challenges and develop your skills.
Surround Yourself with Support: Seek out a support network of friends, mentors, or colleagues who can provide encouragement and guidance on your path to success.
Challenge External Validation: Be wary of seeking validation solely from external sources, such as social media likes or the opinions of others. Focus on your internal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.
Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on the things you're grateful for. This can help shift your focus from what you lack to what you already have, fostering a healthier perspective on success.
Balance Work and Life: Prioritize a work-life balance that allows you to enjoy your journey and maintain your mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Stay True to Your Values: Be diligent that your pursuit of success aligns with your core values and principles. Success does not require you to compromise your integrity.
Celebrate Your Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no
matter how small they may seem. This reinforces your sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep moving forward.
Breaking free from the success myths that may be holding you hostage or stuck requires ongoing self-reflection and a commitment to a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling path to success.
Remember that true success is deeply personal and you achieve it in your unique and different ways.
This moment is the first moment of the rest of your life. Are you willing to take the steps required to claim your happiness, success, fulfillment, and enlightenment? Will you take advantage of the opportunity to create a new reality for your life?
It's time to SHIFT and get prepared for what's coming up for your life... so I want you to put your heart and soul into paying close attention to how much mental, emotional and physical pain you are in. Then, step by step you can make the SHIFT gently, easily, and without having to deal with the mental and emotional pain and stress of not knowing what to do, not feeling your best, and all the other OLD WAYS that are holding you back.
Remember you might need to ask for assistance to clear out the self-doubt, fear, guilt, shame or unworthiness.
Here’s to living your dream life NOW
There is no shame in asking for assistance to create happiness, success, and abundance.
If you have read the books, taken workshops, had psychic readings, taken prescriptions and OTC drugs, etc., and still struggle; you might have emotional blocks preventing you from moving into your happiness and desires.
Make an investment in time and effort to create your happiness, success, fulfillment, and enlightenment. Following the principles in this process will change your life forever.
You deserve to experience it yourself as soon as possible. Remember only you can take care of your happiness, emotional, physical and spiritual health and financial success.
This is an investment you make for your happiness, success, fulfillment, and enlightenment. Following the principles in this process will change your life forever and I want you to experience it yourself as soon as possible.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and visit my website for more info!
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, Ph.D., Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, Ph.D. is a successful influencer in the public and private sectors, as a consultant, coach, and keynote speaker. She has 30 plus years of global experience in leadership development, behavioral change, and enhancing human potential ‒ i.e. you can achieve more than you think. Dr. Dorothy is passionate about developing great leaders. She works with senior and emerging executives to amplify their leadership skills and drive viable/sustainable organizations with relevant, adaptable, centered, and authentic skills. Her areas of expertise are:
Leadership/Sales Development
Behavioral Change
Business Strategy
Communication Skills
Diversity Coaching
C-Suite, Senior, and High Potential
