What Makes You Successful?

Discovering what makes you successful may require intentional reflection. Many people don't immediately feel successful, but through journaling and self-assessment, it’s possible to uncover strengths within their work, lifestyle, or business that indicate real progress and achievement. This process involves evaluating what’s been accomplished, however small, and acknowledging the unique qualities that contribute to success. By digging deep and identifying these strengths, individuals can redefine success based on personal values rather than traditional markers alone.

In my own self-exploration, I went beyond looking at skill or talent, especially as a creative artist. I wanted to understand the characteristics that sustained my journey, and I found persistence and consistency to be at the core. Initially, I didn’t recognize these as significant traits—they seemed ordinary. But as I examined further, I realized that persistence and consistency are powerful differentiators, especially in a field where many struggle with follow-through. Recognizing these qualities helped me appreciate them as unique strengths and redefine my sense of success.

As Thomas Edison is often quoted, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work." When hard work and preparation meets opportunity, doors can open that might have remained closed otherwise. Preparation isn't simply about acquiring skills; it's about consistently applying them to a goal, so that when opportunities do arise, the groundwork is already in place to make the most of them. This blend of preparation and perseverance exemplifies how success often involves more than just initial excitement or passion—it’s a continuous investment in readiness and growth.

Importance of Study and Technique

A solid technique is developed through the ability to perform a task with precision and consistency, repeatedly. This type of mastery can be seen in the way a skilled baseball pitcher delivers fastballs or curveballs with accuracy every time, or in how a musician performs a challenging piece flawlessly, evoking the same emotion in the audience with each rendition. Such repetition is not random but the product of relentless practice and refinement, where the focus is on making each attempt as reliable as the last.

Developing this level of technique requires continuous study and exploration, not only in practice but also in learning from others. Hal David, part of the iconic songwriting duo Bacharach and David, once shared in a songwriting event I attended that he read extensively—2,000 words for each lyric he wrote. This depth of study fosters a broadened perspective and allows for greater imagination, creativity, and intuitive growth. As we dive deeper into learning, our insights evolve, allowing us to bring both precision and originality into our work, whether in the arts, sports, or any other field where mastery is the goal.

Define Your "Why" with Your Uniqueness

Having a clear and personal "why" gives direction and purpose to your work, acting as the fuel that drives you forward even when challenges arise. A meaningful purpose doesn’t just provide motivation; it brings focus and resilience. It may not make you literally "jump" out of bed every day, but it certainly provides that essential spark, inspiring you to tackle whatever comes your way with a sense of fulfillment and excitement. This inner motivation, grounded in something unique to you, often makes the difference between simply working and thriving.

The story of 21 Seeds Tequila is a great example of how defining a purpose based on uniqueness can be a powerful business driver. Created by women for women, especially moms, 21 Seeds built its brand around a unique instinct for flavor and connection with its market. When the founders trusted their intuition—crafting flavors and branding a label that resonated authentically with the market—they found success. However, when they strayed from this instinct, they lost time and resources. Their experience highlights the importance of a strong, unique purpose, rooted in understanding one’s audience, to guide decisions and maintain a clear, effective marketing strategy.

Application

Having a clear and personal "why" gives direction and purpose to your work, acting as the fuel that drives you forward even when challenges arise. A meaningful purpose doesn’t just provide motivation; it brings focus and resilience. It may not make you literally "jump" out of bed every day, but it certainly provides that essential spark, inspiring you to tackle whatever comes your way with a sense of fulfillment and excitement. This inner motivation, grounded in something unique to you, often makes the difference between simply working and thriving.

The story of 21 Seeds Tequila is a great example of how defining a purpose based on uniqueness can be a powerful business driver. Created by women for women, especially moms, 21 Seeds built its brand around a unique instinct for flavor and connection with its market. When the founders trusted their intuition—crafting flavors and branding a label that resonated authentically with the market—they found success. However, when they strayed from this instinct, they lost time and resources. Their experience highlights the importance of a strong, unique purpose, rooted in understanding one’s audience, to guide decisions and maintain a clear, effective marketing strategy.

Additional Resources 

Claim Your White Space of Opportunity: YouTube Podcast Video

A New Way of Doing Business: If secretly wondering, "How Do I Start & Sustain a Business in today's tech-savvy world without getting overwhelmed or discouraged?" this course is for you!

Novelty of Thinking for Yourself in a World of Clones: article, video and podcast

So Good They Can't Ignore You, by Cal Newport