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If you really want to succeed in life, start saying “no” to these 6 things

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by Louise Jackson

October 29, 2023, 9:00 am

We all want to make something of ourselves. But the sad truth is that wasted talent and missed
opportunities are rife in the world.

Sadder still, it’s so often the case that we are the ones who are getting in our own way.

The good (and perhaps the bad) news, is that it’s down to you.

So if you really want to succeed in life, start saying “no” to these 6 things.

1) Unreasonable demands on your time and energy

Look at it this way:

Every single thing you say yes to in life requires you to say no to something else.

Why?

Because despite what anyone says, you cannot “have it all”.

Life is actually about priorities.

That means rather than trying to cram in more and more, we must be selective.

If we want to succeed, we need to focus our energy on what matters most.

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That often means letting go of things that are not so important to you.

This may include certain activities, plans, or even people.

What is it that you want most in your life right now?

This is where you should be placing the majority of your energy.

In the words of one of the richest men on the planet, Warren Buffet:

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people
say no to almost everything.”

If you get asked to join the governor’s board of your kid’s school and you don’t have the time or
inclination — say no.

If you get asked out for drinks with friends but you would rather stay home and rest — say no.

If you get invited to apply for a job that doesn’t feel like a good fit for you — say no.

Get so comfortable with saying no that it becomes effortless to put your own needs first.

2) The expectations of others

The idea of putting ourselves first can appear selfish at first glance.

It may feel like you are just being considerate, but if you’re not careful you end up living your life for
other people.

I know it matters to a certain extent what your parents, peers, and society think about you.
But the bottom line is:

It’s your life, and you have to decide how to live it.

Freeing ourselves from the weight of expectations isn’t always easy. But we have to trust ourselves
enough to back ourselves.

Don’t let the opinions and naysaying of others hold you back.

Yet sometimes we find that the most negative voice is the one that comes from within.

Just like the expectations of others, we cannot allow this to derail us either — which leads me to my
next point.

3) That little voice in your head that tells you to wait for a better time

I’m sorry to say, it’s not your friend.

That voice is fear and it’s saying those things to keep you stuck.

Its intentions are good. It believes that you are safer when things stay the same. After all, change is scary
as it brings with it the unknown.
But it’s also being manipulative. It is trying to trick you into thinking that “one day” you will get around
to all of the things you want to do.

Secretly, that negative inner critic knows it will constantly keep putting it off.

Here is the unfortunate truth about making a start on our plans:

We never feel fully ready. It’s always going to be a bit scary.

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Just try to reframe those nerves as excitement. Interestingly, the body cannot tell the difference
between the two emotions.

We have to adopt a growth mindset that believes anything we don’t know, we are capable of learning
along the way.

We must cultivate an optimistic approach and keep an eye on any negative thoughts that will
undoubtedly crop up along the way.

Unless we recognize that the time is now, we will wait our whole lives and never make a start.
Believing that voice that tells you “not right now, maybe later” only leads to stalling tactics, as we’ll see
next.

4) Letting procrastination and overwhelm get the better of you

Succeeding at anything is a process. But from where we stand, it can often feel more like a huge leap.

We look around at where we are now, then we consider where we want to be. That journey in between
the two can all of a sudden feel insurmountable.

So it’s natural that we’re hesitant to get started.

That’s when overwhelm can lead to procrastination.

But breaking things down (both mentally and practically) into bite-sized chunks can make all the
difference.

We don’t have to do it all at once, we do it one step at a time.

Don’t get too far ahead of yourself, keep your focus on the present, and ask what is the first thing that
you need to do. Then you can think about the next small step to take.
Try to take the pressure off by tapping into your curiosity. See your ambitions as something playful to
explore further, rather than a burden.

Make yourself the promise to give things a try and simply see where they lead. Because if you want life
to be an adventure, that means leaving your comfort zone.

5) The path of least resistance

Let me be clear, I am all for going with the flow in life.

I don’t think that success means resistance. In fact, there’s a lot of acceptance and adaptability that are
key to achieving anything.

But neither can we try to dodge all difficulties. We have to learn to face them head-on.

If you are looking for an easy life then you may well find you miss out on much of the richness it has to
offer.

Look at it this way:

They say that it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all, right?

That’s because despite the pain and grief we go through when we lose something, at least we’ve felt the
warmth of true connection.
There is an unavoidable duality of life that sometimes makes the best things inseparable from the
hardest things.

That’s the trade-off.

Playing it safe means missing out.

Sometimes we have to be brave enough to choose the best path for us, and that may not always be the
easiest one.

But not too fast, be careful you don’t go skipping down the wrong path entirely…

6) Fools gold

What does success look like to you?

How does it feel?

These are fundamental questions we must ask ourselves before embarking upon any goals and
ambitions.

There isn’t one definition of success, and you should never use someone else’s ideas of it to shape your
own.
I feel successful in life because I am in a relationship with someone I love and value, I have a comfortable
home where I feel safe, and I get to do work that feels meaningful to me.

No BS — I genuinely don’t feel like I need millions in the bank or constant praise and accolades to feel
like I am “somebody”.

That’s not to say there is anything wrong with either money or recognition. It’s just to say that I know
my values and I align my own vision of success with them.

Unless you do this you may find that whatever you achieve feels hollow.

Because we can be falsely led to believe that certain outward measures of success, whether they be
power, status, fame, wealth, etc. are the be-all and end-all.

But unless they are backed up with the substance of your own core values, chances are, they won’t
bring you the lasting satisfaction you were hoping for.

In the words of Randy Pausch in The Last Lecture:

“The key question to keep asking is, Are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all
you have.”

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Are you ready to unlock your true potential? 💥

As you reach the end of this article, don’t forget to take our revealing quiz, “What is your hidden
superpower?”! 🚀

Unleash your inner superhero by rediscovering the powerful personality trait you possess, but may have
lost touch with. This quiz will help you:

Reveal the unique gifts you bring to the world 🌎

Embrace your authentic self 💫

Break free from society’s expectations 🚧

Your hidden superpower is waiting to be unleashed! Are you ready to embark on this (quick and fun!)
journey of self-discovery? 🌟

Click on the link below to take the quiz and ignite your inner superhero today!

Take the Quiz Now

Louise Jackson

My passion in life is communication in all its many forms. I enjoy nothing more than deep chats about
life, love and the Universe. With a masters degree in Journalism, I’m a former BBC news reporter and
newsreader. But around 8 years ago I swapped the studio for a life on the open road. Lisbon, Portugal is
currently where I call home. My personal development articles have featured in Huffington Post, Elite
Daily, Thought Catalog, Thrive Global and more.
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People who are successful in life think in these 10 unique ways

by Lachlan Brown

Last Updated November 1, 2023, 8:23 am

We often talk about the actions successful people take to reach their goals. But, have you ever
wondered about the thoughts they cultivate?

Believe it or not, it’s not just about what they do but how they think that sets them apart.

Let’s delve into the 10 unique ways successful people think.

1. They embrace failure

Successful people have a unique approach to failure. Instead of seeing it as a dead end, they view it as a
learning opportunity.
They aren’t afraid to make mistakes because they know that is how they grow.

In fact, they embrace failure and see it as a stepping stone towards success.

So, when you stumble, remember that every failure is a lesson in disguise. Keep going and keep
learning!

2. They are lifelong learners

Successful people know that learning doesn’t stop after school or college. They view life as a continuous
journey of learning.

They are always curious, always questioning, and forever seeking new knowledge and skills.

This constant drive to learn keeps them adaptable and open to new ideas and opportunities.

So, why not pick up a new book or start a new course? It’s never too late to learn something new!

3. They set clear goals

This is something I’ve noticed in my own life. Successful people are goal-setters. They know exactly what
they want and they set clear, achievable steps to get there.

A few years ago, I started making a list of my goals for the year and breaking them down into monthly
and weekly tasks.

Let me tell you, it made a world of difference! It gave me direction and kept me focused on what
mattered most.
If you’re feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed, try setting clear goals. It might just be the compass you need.

4. They practice gratitude

Did you know that practicing gratitude can actually change your brain? It’s true!

Studies have found that regularly expressing gratitude can lead to increased happiness, reduced
depression and even a stronger immune system.

Successful people understand this power. They make it a habit to count their blessings, no matter how
small.

This helps them maintain a positive mindset and appreciate the journey, not just the destination.

Why not start a gratitude journal or simply take a moment each day to acknowledge the good in your
life? It might just make you feel happier and more successful!

5. They believe in themselves

This one is close to the heart. Successful people truly believe in themselves. It’s not about being
arrogant or thinking they’re better than others.

It’s about having a quiet, inner confidence that they can face challenges and overcome obstacles.

They know their worth and they don’t let self-doubt or fear stop them from pursuing their dreams.

This belief is the fuel that drives them forward, even in tough times. So, remember, believing in yourself
is the first step towards success.
You are capable, you are worthy, and you can achieve your goals. You’ve got this.

6. They surround themselves with positivity

I personally can’t stress enough how important this one is.

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Successful people consciously choose to surround themselves with positive influences – people who
inspire, challenge and support them.

I realized a few years back that the company I kept was affecting my mindset and productivity.

Once I made an effort to be around people who uplifted me and had a positive outlook on life, I noticed
significant improvements in my own attitude and accomplishments.

Take a look around. Are the people you’re spending time with pushing you forward or pulling you down?

Remember, you become like the five people you spend the most time with. Choose wisely!

7. They take care of their health

Success isn’t just about money or career accomplishments. It’s about living a balanced and healthy life.
Successful people get this. They understand that their physical health is directly connected to their
mental performance.
They can’t give 100% if they’re feeling run down, tired, or sick.

That’s why they prioritize things like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep.

It might not be glamorous or exciting, but it’s the truth.

Take it from someone who learned this the hard way: don’t neglect your health in the pursuit of success.

It’s not worth it, and you won’t be able to enjoy your achievements if you’re not feeling well.

8. They value their time

Did you know that Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos all have the same 24 hours in a day as we do?

It’s what they do with their time that sets them apart. Successful people understand that time is their
most valuable resource.

They are careful about how they spend it, often planning their days to ensure they are using their time
efficiently and effectively.

They know that wasted time is lost opportunity.

If you’re about to binge-watch another series, think about whether this is the best use of your time.

Remember, time well spent is an investment in your future!

9. They are persistent

They face obstacles, hurdles, and setbacks just like everyone else, but they keep going. They stay
committed to their goals, even when things are tough.

There were times in my life when I wanted to throw in the towel, but sticking with it, pushing through
the hard times, made all the difference.

So, remember to stay persistent. Even if progress is slow, keep going. Your breakthrough could be just
around the corner!

10. They aren’t driven by money

This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s true. Successful people aren’t primarily driven by money.

Sure, they appreciate the comforts and opportunities money can provide, but it’s not their main
motivation.

Instead, they’re driven by passion, purpose, and the desire to make a difference. I’ve seen individuals
with all the money in the world, but they’re unhappy because they lack purpose.

On the other hand, I’ve met people with far less wealth who are incredibly fulfilled and successful
because they’re doing what they love and making a difference.

So, let’s get real: chase your passions and purpose first, and the money will follow. That’s the true path
to success!

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“Do you still love me?”: 12 questions people with low confidence ask in relationships

If someone displays these 7 behaviors, they’re a really toxic person

Are you ready to unlock your true potential? 💥

As you reach the end of this article, don’t forget to take our revealing quiz, “What is your hidden
superpower?”! 🚀

Unleash your inner superhero by rediscovering the powerful personality trait you possess, but may have
lost touch with. This quiz will help you:

Reveal the unique gifts you bring to the world 🌎

Embrace your authentic self 💫

Break free from society’s expectations 🚧

Your hidden superpower is waiting to be unleashed! Are you ready to embark on this (quick and fun!)
journey of self-discovery? 🌟

Click on the link below to take the quiz and ignite your inner superhero today!

Take the Quiz Now

Did you like my article? Like me on Facebook to see more articles like this in your feed.

Lachlan Brown
I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others
live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years
reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check
out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in
touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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