*Get your journal and a pen ready for reflection prompts!*

When it comes to pursuing success, many of us face common obstacles that can feel insurmountable. However, redefining what success means to you can be the key to overcoming these blocks. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, success is “the achieving of desired results, or someone or something that achieves positive results.” Yet, societal norms often equate success with high-paying jobs, long hours, constant busyness, and status. This makes it difficult for many to feel successful with what they have overcome or the positive results they have achieved, especially if these don’t align with external expectations or if they are moving at a slower, more mindful pace.

But what if success could mean something different for you? What if you could redefine success as being the person you want to be and living in a way that feels best for you and those you love every single day?

Journal Prompt: How do you define success for yourself, and what changes can you make to align your life with this personal definition?

Start shifting these 6 Common mental blocks for success in embracing your true self:

1. The Illusion of Not Enough Time

Many people feel they don’t have enough time to pursue their dreams, especially when working a 9 to 5 job. However, we all have the same 24 hours in a day; it’s about how we prioritize and use that time. I remember asking myself, “Is this really what I want to do for another year? Is this how I want my life to look and feel 5 or 10 years from now?” The thought of continuing on the same path filled me with dread. Even without a concrete plan, I knew deep down that I wanted to transition to a work-from-anywhere lifestyle, doing something I actually loved, and allowing me to take vacation days whenever it suited me. I dedicated extra hours each week to learning and focusing on my goals, and eventually, the path became clear. By the time I became a single mom, I had achieved that goal. It was challenging, but the desire for flexibility and time with my child drove me to continue on this path.

Journal Prompts: How can you reallocate your time to prioritize your goals without burning out? What day-to-day changes would make you never look back? What aspects of your current routine are not benefiting your long-term vision or ideal lifestyle?

2. Money – An Assumed Barrier

Money is often seen as a major block, but like time, it’s about how we manage and prioritize it. Think about a time when you really wanted something – an outfit for a special occasion, a tech gadget, drinks out, or a much-needed trip? Even when you said you were broke, you found a way to make it happen, whether by using the last amount in your account, saving, borrowing, or using a payment plan. The same principle applies to investing in your dreams.

When considering purchases, I ask myself, “Is this an investment in my long-term happiness and health, or a loss of my energy, soul, and hard-earned dollars? Do I really need and/or want it?” I’ve learned that even if you hit a low with $0 in the bank, it’s possible to bounce back and go study, even starting with free resources and research, launching an online venture, and making it back when we view investments as beneficial for our long-term well-being. As Warren Buffett, a self-made billionaire investor and philanthropist, said, “Investing in yourself is the best thing you can do. Anything that improves your own talents; nobody can tax it or take it away from you. They can run up huge deficits and the dollar can become worth far less. You can have all kinds of things happen. But if you’ve got talent yourself, and you’ve maximized your talent, you’ve got a tremendous asset that can return ten-fold.”

Journal Prompt: What can you shift from seeing as a financial sacrifice to an investment in your current and future well-being?

3. Resources – An Abundance Surrounds You

In today’s digital age, resources are more accessible than ever. The internet offers countless free tools and information, making it more possible than ever to succeed in ways that matter to you. When I wanted a different path, I knew I had to upskill. I read free blogs, signed up for tools, practiced using them, and reached out to anyone I met, even though I didn’t have years of experience yet, including on LinkedIn. I took online courses and bought resources, and when I decided on another career shift, I completed three certifications while starting single motherhood. The key is to leverage what’s available and seek help from your network. If you have a friend who can help, exchange their assistance for a meal out, or offer your skills in return.

Journal Prompt: What resources can you tap into today to move closer to your goals?

4. I Don’t Know Enough

This block often stems from feelings of inadequacy. However, as an adult, you have accumulated valuable knowledge and experience. Shifting your focus from what you lack to what you possess can provide the proof that you have what it takes. You have work experience, understand how you learn best, and know how to use or expand your skills. If you’ve pursued higher education or vocational training, you have both theoretical and practical skills. Remember, many self-made millionaires and billionaires started with a vision, a dream, and a passion to improve something. You are enough simply because you exist, and your experiences are valuable tools that can help you evolve in your desired way.

Journal Prompts: What skills and experiences do you already possess that can help you move forward? How can you build on them to achieve your goals?

5. What if It Doesn’t Work Out – Fear of Failure

Fear of failure can be paralyzing, but shifting your mindset to consider the best-case scenario can be empowering. Ask yourself, “What if it does work out? How would my life change for the better?” As Mark Twain wisely noted, “I’ve lived through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” This highlights how our fears often exaggerate reality. Fear can be a great teacher, providing feedback to refine or improve a situation. Failing means you tried and gained valuable insights, even if the outcome wasn’t as desired. You can use any ‘failed’ experiences to make informed decisions based on real results, not a fear of the unknown. Remember, mastery often requires 10,000 hours of practice, so each attempt is a step toward expertise.

Journal Prompts: How can you reframe your fear of failure into a learning opportunity? What positive outcomes could arise from taking a risk?

6. I Don’t Know What to Do

Lack of clarity often arises from not having a compelling ‘why’ or clear goals. When we pursue things solely for financial gain or say yes to things that don’t align with our values, down the track we tend to become dissatisfied, lost or confused. Many people feel they need to answer the ‘what’ and ‘how’ first, but true clarity comes from identifying what truly matters to you now and in the long term. Setting goals that resonate with your core values is essential for genuine fulfillment.

Journal Prompts: What are your core values, and how can they guide you in setting meaningful goals? What steps can you take to gain clarity on your path?

The Real Block is Within

Ultimately, the biggest block isn’t time, money, or resources – it’s your commitment and passion. It comes down to mindset and psychology – the willingness to take action and do something you’ve never done before. It’s about addressing the perceived blocks that keep us from our desired ‘better’ or ‘ideal’ situation. Ask yourself: How badly do you want to achieve your goals? A compelling ‘why’ will drive you to overcome any obstacle, whether it’s tuning out naysayers, starting from zero followers, waking up an hour earlier, creating after your day job, saying no to after-work drinks, or going unpaid until you see that first dollar. Investing in your passions, goals, and desires can reawaken the person you thought you had lost, or help you know happiness again. Remember, success is personal, and it’s up to you to define and pursue it on your terms. Embrace the adventure, trust in your abilities, and let your inner drive lead the way.

➡️If you’re ready to dive deeper and start a new year right now, start here .