# The DIY Success Approach: Achieving Your Goals and Enhancing Happiness
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Chapter 1: Understanding Success
What if I proposed the idea of a therapy session? You might think I’m out of line, intruding on your personal space, or even suggest that I should leave. However, consider this: nearly everyone—whether a content creator, entrepreneur, CEO, employee, parent, or student—could benefit from this unique form of coaching to achieve a happier existence. Not because there’s something wrong with them, but to prevent feelings of laziness or inadequacy.
When I first encountered the concept of success therapy, I was unsure of what it entailed. It’s not conventional therapy that you would normally sign up for. I’m not attempting to market a course. Instead, it’s about unlearning societal expectations and redefining what success truly means to us, enabling us to genuinely feel it. This process not only improved my efficiency but also enriched my life overall.
The exciting part? You can engage in success therapy independently, at home, or within a group setting, and it’s entirely free. Here’s how to get started.
Section 1.1: The Impact of Societal Mindsets
Many of us overlook just how profoundly our surroundings shape our feelings daily. Consider the conversations with colleagues, who might complain about their jobs or salaries, or boast about their achievements. We often compare our circumstances to theirs, which can lead to feelings of either satisfaction or disappointment.
This comparison extends to our families, living situations, and even the brands we choose to wear. Social media amplifies these feelings by showcasing seemingly perfect lives filled with travel and adventure.
When someone inquired about my sense of success a few months back, I might have said “yes” to preserve my pride, but deep down, it felt untrue. When asked to define success, my responses—like many others—reflected conventional beliefs. We often assess success through external viewpoints, echoing what society holds as significant.
As content creators, we may fixate on reaching a revenue milestone of 100,000, viewing those who achieve it as successful. Others might aspire to own a Porsche, despite having no real passion for cars, only to realize that the joy fades quickly after the purchase.
If we achieve financial success but lack self-fulfillment, that’s not success; it’s a failure. If we gain admiration for our job titles yet detest the sacrifices we made to get there, that’s also a form of failure. True success should be defined by what we, as individuals, genuinely value—it’s about shifting to an inside-out perspective.
Subsection 1.1.1: Creating Your Personal Definition of Success
Have you taken the time to write down your own definition of success? I encourage you to do so right now. Here’s the formula I utilized to create my personal success definition:
Success = financial stability + creative freedom + lifestyle design.
What do these components entail?
- Financial Stability: This means having control over your time, workload, and income—striking a balance between earning enough while not compromising your life.
- Creative Freedom: This encompasses complete individuality—working when, where, and with whom you choose.
- Lifestyle Design: This involves crafting your ideal living environment—arranging your work around your life rather than the other way around, allowing you to prioritize family, health, and hobbies while still producing outstanding work.
Success is found where these three areas intersect.
Section 1.2: Visualizing Your Ideal Life
To achieve your version of success, it’s crucial to visualize your perfect scenario and strategize how to attain it. If you only need $3,000 a month, there’s no need to chase $10,000. Instead, focus on attracting better-paying clients to free up time for your passions or travel.
For instance, if you want to avoid working Fridays, seek job opportunities that accommodate this preference. Decline assignments that require you to be in the office on Fridays if you’ve already met your monthly goals.
I calculated my essential earnings to maintain my beautiful apartment while enjoying hobbies and spending time with friends. My aim was to limit my workweek to 30 hours, enabling more time for reading, relaxation, and gym visits.
Being successful isn’t solely about accumulating more; it can also mean scaling back.
Chapter 2: Taking Action
This week, dedicate an hour or two to outline your dream life. Identify what you genuinely need and what brings you joy in each of the three areas of success. Be specific. Determine the income required to cover your expenses, leisure activities, and savings.
Most importantly, avoid comparing yourself to others. This is solely about you and serves as the foundation for crafting the life you desire, rather than adhering to societal pressures.
However, awareness of your personal success definition is just the beginning. The next step is celebration.
Section 2.1: Celebrating Achievements
What’s the purpose of achieving goals if we don’t acknowledge them? Every accomplishment, no matter how small, deserves recognition.
Did you land a new contract? Celebrate! Have you enrolled in a sports class? Here’s to you! Did you manage to spend 30 hours with friends and family this week? You’re fantastic!
Each time you move closer to your ideal vision, it’s vital to reinforce that progress with celebration. This keeps motivation high.
Celebrations can take various forms. Perhaps you enjoy a glass of wine with a partner, treat yourself to a massage, or simply exclaim, “I’m amazing!” Create a personal celebration routine that resonates with you.
For instance, I like to jump up and dance while shouting “Yes, yes, yes!” or call my sister to share our achievements. Initially, this might feel awkward, but with time, it can become empowering and uplifting—exactly why you began this journey.
Summarizing the Success Therapy Process
If you aim to transform feelings of inadequacy into satisfaction and success, follow these steps:
- Recognize and confront the societal constructs of success that have been imposed on you.
- Define what genuinely brings you joy and fulfillment in life.
- Articulate these points for each element of your success formula.
- Start with one section and gradually work towards your ideal vision.
- Celebrate every win, regardless of size, with a personal success ritual.
Above all, cease comparisons with others; they will only diminish your sense of self-worth.
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