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Are the "rules" you've been following for success actually working for you? Or could they be the very thing holding you back?
In this episode of Recounting Life Lessons, we take a hard look at some of the unwritten success rules that have been passed down through society, family, and personal experiences. Many of these rules were meant to guide us toward achievement, but in reality, they might be creating unnecessary stress, limiting our potential, and making success feel like an uphill battle.
If you've ever felt like you were doing all the "right" things but still not seeing the progress you want—or worse, feeling unfulfilled despite your achievements—this episode is for you.
Listen if you're ready to break free from outdates success rules and start achieving with more clarity, confidence, and ease!
the 5 hidden success killers you need to let go of today
Success isn't just about working harder or following a set of rigid rules. It's about understanding which beliefs serve you and which ones you need to retire. Here are five hidden "success killers" that might be holding you back—and what to do instead:
- The Belief That Hard Work Alone Determines Success: Yes effort matters, but if hard work was the only key to success, everyone grinding away at a job would be wealthy and fulfilled. Success also requires strategy, adaptability, and knowing where to focus your energy. What to do instead: Work smarter, not just harder. Focus on high-impact activities, invest in skills that amplify your effectiveness, and seek out opportunities that align with your strengths and values.
- The Need to Prove Your Worth Through Achievement: Many people tie their self-worth to how much they accomplish. This mindset creates a cycle where success never feels like enough because there's always more to do. What to do instead: Redefine success on your own terms. Recognize that your worth isn't tied to your productivity. Celebrate small wins and practice self-appreciation.
- The Fear of Letting Others Down: If you've ever hesitated to set boundaries or say "no" because you're afraid of disappointing others, this rule might be controlling you. Success should not come at the expense of your well-being. What to do instead: Learn to set unhealthy boundaries. Understand that saying "no" to things that drain you is actually a "yes" to your highest priorities.
- The Belief That Struggle Equals Success: Society glorifies the hustle and grind, making it seem like if you're not struggling, you're not working hard enough. But struggle for the sake of struggle doesn't lead to success—it leads to burnout. What to do instead: Seek alignment, not struggle. The most successful people find ways to make their work enjoyable and sustainable.
- The Assumption That Asking for Help is a Sign of Weakness: Many people think they have to figure everything out alone. In reality, the most successful individuals know when to ask for guidance, mentorship, or collaboration. What to do instead: Surround yourself with a strong support system. Seek mentors, join communities, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
More ways to listen:
Main Takeaways from this episode
- Self-Worth Shapes Success: Your value isn't based on your accomplishments. True success comes from recognizing your worth first.
- Questions Inherited Beliefs: Not every "success rule" you've learned is actually serving you. It's okay to unlearn and redefine.
- Identify Limiting Rules: Pay attention to which beliefs are causing stress rather than progress.
- Embrace Reciprocal Value: Understand the importance of exchanging value in relationships and personal growth.
- Acknowledge Your Impact: Recognize the positive impact you're making rather than constantly focusing on what's next.
Some of the rules we've adopted are not actually relevant to our success.
For an in-depth exploration of these takeaways and more, be sure to listen to the full episode below.
Tips for applying these takeaways:
Want to apply these insights to your life? Here are some actionable steps you can take today:
- Reflect on your success beliefs: Journal about the "rules" you've been following and ask yourself, "Are they truly helping me?"
- Create your own definition of success: Write down what success looks like for YOU, not just what you've been told.
- Practice self-appreciation daily: List three things you did well each day to reinforce your self-worth.
- Set one new boundary this week: Say "no" to something that drains your energy and "yes" to something that aligns with your goals.
- Find a mentor or accountability partner: Surround yourself with people who support your growth.
Listen now if you're ready to stop working harder for diminishing returns and start embracing a smarter, more fulfilling path to success.
final thoughts
Success isn't about following outdated rules—it's about creating a life that aligns with who you truly are. By letting of of limiting beliefs and redefining what success means to you, you can achieve more with less stress and greater fulfillment.
Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we and people from all walks of life share their experiences and we identify the lessons, blessings, and success principles that life is providing—lessons that we can all take advantage of and learn from if we pay attention.
If you're ready to step into your full potential, make sure to listen to the episode and share it with someone who could benefit from this powerful message. And don't forget to subscribe to Recounting Life Lessons and jump onto our Insider email list for more insights, actionable tips, and empowering stories.
We are Sione & Alana
Co-Hosts and Owners of
Recounting Life Lessons
We're a married couple from Hawaii who are now living in Vancouver, Washington.
Two things that we are passionate about are:
1) Uncovering the success principles and life lessons that help us all grow into our best selves.
Our favorite ways to uncover success principles and life lessons are by sharing stories from our own adventures and interviewing inspiring guests from all walks of life on our podcast.
2) Making personal growth and consistently leveling up in your life simple and sustainable, no matter what your circumstances are.
We take special care to craft the programs and resources we create, in a way, that keeps things simple and easy to follow-through on.
Through our blog, podcast, courses, and programs, we aim to empower you to grow into your best self, live with purpose, and make a meaningful impact on the world around you.
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