Everyone said, “Work really hard and you’ll be successful.” They were wrong. Here’s what actually works.

From the Personal Branding Blog

We’ve all heard the mantra: “Work really hard and you’ll be successful.” But guess what? They were wrong.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying hard work isn’t important. As the founder of Hack Spirit and a dedicated mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve put in my fair share of blood, sweat and tears.

But there’s more to success than just grinding away. In fact, there’s a whole other side to it that most people overlook.

In this article, I’m going to delve into what really works when it comes to achieving success. And I promise you, it’s not just about working harder.

Let’s get started.

1. Mindful work, not just hard work

Work till you drop. That’s what we’ve always been told, right?

However, the truth is that success isn’t just about putting in long hours and grinding away. It’s about working mindfully.

As a mindfulness enthusiast, I’ve discovered that being fully present and engaged in what you’re doing can make a world of difference.

It’s not just about being physically present in your workplace or at your desk. It’s about being mentally and emotionally invested in your tasks. It’s about understanding the purpose of your work, setting realistic goals and taking calculated risks.

Working mindfully allows you to be more productive, efficient and creative. It helps you to avoid burnout, manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Instead of simply working harder, try working more mindfully. You’ll be surprised at the results.

2. Embrace failure

Contrary to popular belief, failure isn’t something to fear. In fact, I’d argue that it’s a crucial part of the path to success.

Let me share a little story from my own journey as the founder of Hack Spirit. When I first started the website, I had a vision to create a platform that combines practical advice with spiritual wisdom. But it wasn’t an instant hit.

Months went by without any significant traffic or subscriber growth. There were times when it felt like I was shouting into the void. I was working hard, but it seemed like I was failing.

But instead of giving up, I embraced the failure. I took it as an opportunity to learn and refine my approach. I sought feedback, made adjustments, and kept pushing forward.

And guess what? Eventually, Hack Spirit began to grow. Today, it’s one of the leading resources for mindfulness and practical self-improvement.

The moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to fail. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone towards your success. As Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

3. Live with maximum impact and minimum ego

We often equate success with personal glory. We chase after fame, wealth, and recognition. But the reality is, true success isn’t about inflating your ego. It’s about making a positive impact in the world.

Take it from someone who’s been on both sides of the equation. In my early career, I was chasing after traditional markers of success. But no matter how much I achieved, it never felt enough.

This led me to explore Buddhism and its teachings on ego and impact. And what I discovered was life-changing.

In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into this concept in detail. It’s a guide for those who want to lead a meaningful and impactful life while keeping their ego in check.

By shifting your focus from self-aggrandizement to making a difference, you not only contribute positively to the world but also find a deeper sense of fulfillment and contentment.

As the Dalai Lama once said, “The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.” Strive for personal growth, not outward validation. That’s what truly defines success.

4. Emphasizing on psychological well-being

Here’s a truth that might surprise you: success isn’t just about the external achievements, it’s deeply intertwined with your psychological well-being.

When you’re mentally healthy, you’re more likely to be productive, creative, and resilient – all key ingredients for success.

Practically, this means it’s important to prioritize activities that boost your psychological well-being. This includes maintaining a positive mindset, practicing mindfulness, managing stress effectively, and seeking help when needed.

One practical technique that can help is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps you understand how your thoughts and feelings influence your behaviors. By becoming aware of negative thought patterns, you can start to change them and therefore improve your overall psychological health.

As renowned psychologist Albert Ellis said, “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”

5. Taking time off is not a crime

Now, this might sound counter-intuitive in a discussion about success, but hear me out: taking time off is not just okay, it’s essential.

In our hustle culture, we’re conditioned to believe that taking a break equals laziness or lack of ambition. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Science tells us that our brains and bodies need downtime to recover and rejuvenate. This is when the consolidation of learning and memory happens. Overworking, on the other hand, can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health problems.

So, don’t feel guilty about taking that vacation, enjoying a leisurely weekend, or just taking a few moments each day to relax and breathe. It’s not wasted time; it’s an investment in your overall well-being and long-term success.

As productivity expert and author Alex Soojung-Kim Pang aptly puts it, “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” So go ahead, take that break. You’ve earned it.

6. Cultivate a growth mindset

One of the most powerful predictors of success is your mindset. And when it comes to achieving your goals, adopting a growth mindset can make all the difference.

A growth mindset, as coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This view creates a love for learning and resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.

Instead of seeing challenges as insurmountable obstacles, people with a growth mindset view them as opportunities to learn and improve. They’re not afraid to take risks or make mistakes, because they know that this is how they grow.

So, how can you cultivate a growth mindset? Start by embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, seeing effort as the path to mastery, learning from criticism, and finding lessons and inspiration in the success of others.

As Carol Dweck herself said, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.” It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working smart and believing in your capacity to grow.

7. Redefine your definition of success

There was a time when my definition of success was purely based on external validation and achievements. It was about the number of subscribers on Hack Spirit, the sales of my books, and the recognition from peers.

Over time, this perspective began to shift. Success became less about the outward signs of achievement and more about personal satisfaction and making a positive impact.

Now, success means living in alignment with my values, making a difference through my work, and enjoying the journey rather than just focusing on the destination. It’s about inner peace and happiness, not just awards or accolades.

So, ask yourself: What does success mean to you? Is it about money, fame, power? Or is it about personal growth, happiness, relationships, and making a difference?

In the words of Maya Angelou, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” It’s time to redefine success on your own terms.

8. Build strong relationships

Success isn’t a solo endeavor. It’s deeply connected to the relationships we build and maintain.

Whether it’s in your personal life or professional sphere, cultivating strong, positive relationships is key to achieving success. These relationships provide support, open up opportunities, and enrich our lives in countless ways.

In the professional world, this might mean networking with industry peers, building a great team, or maintaining good relationships with clients or customers. In your personal life, it’s about nurturing relationships with family and friends, and making time for the people who matter most.

Success is not just about what you achieve, but also about who you share your journey with.

Final thoughts: Redefining Success

The journey to success is a unique and personal one, deeply intertwined with our individual values, aspirations, and definitions of what success truly means.

Throughout this exploration, we’ve discovered that it’s not just about working harder. It’s about working smarter, embracing failure, taking care of our mental health, and redefining our personal understanding of success.

It’s about living with maximum impact and minimum ego. This is a concept that I delve into in my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. If you found the ideas in this article resonating with you, I guarantee you’ll find the book insightful.

At the end of the day, success is not a destination but a journey. It’s not about reaching a certain milestone or achieving a specific goal. Instead, it’s about the growth we experience, the relationships we build, and the impact we make along the way.

Remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” So let’s redefine success on our own terms and create a life that truly matters.

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