13 Not-So-Popular but True Beliefs About Success

Thoughts about success vary, but this doesn’t diminish the fact that everyone strives for it in one way or another. After all, it's always nice to enjoy the feeling of victory and realize how strong you are.

Thoughts about success vary, but this doesn’t diminish the fact that everyone strives for it in one way or another. After all, it's always nice to enjoy the feeling of victory and realize how strong you are.

However, success isn’t always what we see in celebrity blogs and personal development coaches.

There are several unpopular but true beliefs about success that are worth knowing.

It Can Be Isolating

You might notice how people change when they reach heights of success. This affects not only them but also their social circles. Some people will always envy the success of others. Some will hide it behind a hypocritical smile, while others will express their emotions through criticism and condemnation. Because of this, you might feel like you’re on top of the world while deeply alone. You just don’t know who to trust and what feelings lie behind the words of those around you. Sometimes, this leads to a desire to isolate yourself from everyone and stop communicating altogether.

Success Often Depends on Connections

People who have many connections and are sociable often have more opportunities, even if their competitors have better skills. Why? They know how to ask for help and engage useful contacts to achieve what they want. If they have a flawless reputation and charm, their chances of success triple. Of course, this isn’t entirely fair, but it’s worth acknowledging and trying to benefit from it.

There’s No Such Thing as ‘Self-Made’

You’ve probably heard the phrase “self-made person.” It’s a common myth many people believe. We are social creatures. Our worldview, habits, skills, and preferences are greatly influenced by the environment we are in. Even if you are used to achieving everything independently, it’s important not to downplay the role of those around you in your success. Take a simple example: if an employer hadn’t decided to hire you, your career path would have been different, and not necessarily as rewarding.

Success Often Depends on Luck

When it comes to success, being in the right place at the right time is crucial. Many people have tried to achieve the same things as you but failed. And failure doesn’t always stem from their qualities, skills, or level of perseverance. So, if you’ve succeeded where others haven’t, it might not be solely due to your talent. Perhaps you were just lucky and seized that moment wisely, which is also quite valuable.

Hard Work Doesn’t Always Pay Off

If hard work were always rewarded, everyone would be happy and well-off. In reality, it can increase your chances of success, but it doesn’t guarantee it. You might work like crazy but not receive fair compensation for your efforts. There are no guarantees that hard work will lead to success. However, falling into the opposite extreme is also unwise: laziness can rob us of good opportunities.

Success Often Comes with Privileges

Who finds it easier to start a business: someone with a few million or someone taking out a loan to achieve their dreams? Often, a greater number of resources and privileges are the keys to success. Education, finances, connections—all directly impact what you can achieve.

Success Requires Unrecognized Sacrifices

People tend to focus on the result rather than the effort it took to achieve it. It’s easy to look at a gold medalist standing on the podium and envy their success. We rarely consider how many sleepless nights they endured and what they sacrificed to get there. Don’t expect others to appreciate your efforts and sacrifices along the way to your achievements. This is your personal responsibility on the path to your ultimate goal, so don’t seek understanding, praise, or sympathy from others.

Success Doesn’t Guarantee Respect

No matter what you do, there will always be someone who won’t respect you simply because they don’t like you. No argument will change their opinion, as they don’t judge you based on the success you’ve achieved. Often, we don’t appeal to others for reasons completely outside our control, so it’s best not to place too much importance on this.

Success Isn’t Always Repeatable

Thousands of people sell their success. They offer step-by-step processes and advice to help you achieve the same. But what worked for them might not be beneficial for others. Especially considering the factors of success and initial resources. Times change rapidly; what worked a year ago might be irrelevant today.

Success Creates Unrealistic Standards

The desire to remain at the top once you achieve success is entirely normal. However, it’s essential to understand that at some point, your life may change dramatically, often for the worse. It’s unrealistic to expect your successful position to be permanent, just like fame. Thus, it’s crucial to consider not only achievements but also the risks associated with them.

Success Can Be a Trap

Sometimes, success can feel like a punishment. There’s a saying “golden handcuffs” that aptly describes the situation when you have to hold onto a hated job simply because it helps maintain your lifestyle. This makes you a hostage to the situation and undermines your mental health, as it brings stress and dissatisfaction into your life.

Success Often Doesn’t Mean Fame and Glamour

It’s easy to think that success equals fame. However, it doesn’t always bring popularity, recognition, or a luxurious life. Most truly successful people don’t seek publicity or engage in endeavors that require it. But this doesn’t mean they join the ranks of failures. Achievements can be small and ordinary yet bring you joy, finances, and a sense of belonging every day.

Success Can Deteriorate Your Health

Loud success can lead to great stress, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, people who achieve a lot often face external pressure and the feeling that they need to maintain their level of competence and reputation. Colleagues, employers, and family may expect this from them, as well as growth and greater success. This affects both physical and mental health, as people are not designed to live under constant stress.