Success is a term that can have different meanings for different people, as it is often influenced by individual values, goals, and experiences. However, at its core, success refers to the achievement of a desired outcome or the accomplishment of a goal.
For some people, success may be defined by professional achievements, such as earning a high salary, having many investment portfolios, achieving a leadership position, or starting a successful business or being financially free. For others, success may be more closely tied to personal growth, such as developing new skills, inner awakening, or spiritual rebirth, building strong relationships, or overcoming personal challenges.
Regardless of how success is defined, it is important to remember that it is not a fixed or absolute concept, but rather a dynamic and evolving process. Success can look different at different stages of life, and it is often shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including personal effort, external circumstances, and God’s will.
Moreover, success is not just about achieving a particular outcome or goal, but also about the journey and the process of getting there, those small steps. It is about learning, growing, and developing as a person, and finding meaning and fulfillment in the things that you do.
Ultimately, success is a personal and subjective concept, and it is up to each individual to define what it means to them. By setting meaningful and realistic goals, and by focusing on the process of growth and self-improvement, individuals can find a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and success in their own unique way. Achieving success can be a fulfilling and meaningful experience, and it is often associated with feelings of accomplishment, satisfaction, and happiness.
The Role of God in Success
Never start your journey of pure success without your creator. Psalm 127:1-2 teaches that without God’s blessing and involvement, human efforts are in vain. Whether building, protecting, or working hard, success and peace come from trusting in God (not only your own power), who provides rest and fulfillment to those who rely on Him.
Success: A Puzzle and a Journey
Success can sometimes feel like a puzzle with too many pieces, but the truth is, it’s not about having it all figured out at once. The road to success is a journey of discovery, discipline, risk-taking, and growth. Whether your goal is financial independence, a thriving career, or simply a fulfilling life, there are key principles that can help guide you.
Preparation is Key to Success
Preparation is also needed for success. Preparation is often overlooked as a crucial element of success, yet it serves as a robust foundation upon which achievements are built. Whether you’re embarking on a personal project, pursuing a career goal, or simply navigating daily life, the time and effort invested in preparation can significantly increase your chances of success. But do not mistake it for procrastination—often due to a lack of motivation or fear of failure, or fear to start.
Important Lessons for Success
1. Money is a Tool, Not a Goal
Money is often treated like the ultimate prize, but it’s important to see it for what it is—a tool. It helps you do things and access opportunities and deliver God’s services here on earth, but it is not the end goal. True success comes from what you do with money, not just having it. Overflowing money independently is not success if it’s temporary and superficial. Remember, money can’t buy happiness, but it can help you build a life that brings fulfillment if used wisely.
2. True Wealth is More Than Just Money
Wealth is more than the numbers in your bank account. Real wealth is found in things like your health, the relationships you build, and the sense of purpose you carry. These things can’t be bought, but they are the foundation of a truly successful life. Focus on these areas, and you’ll find more joy than money alone can offer.
3. The Key to Financial Success is Knowledge and Hard Work
There are no shortcuts to financial success. You need to be willing to learn—about money, business, investing, and how the economy works no matter your level of education. And then, you have to apply what you learn with hard work, not just doing the bare minimum. Being a good Christian is not enough. Money won’t fall into your lap by miracle or luck, by just praying, tithing, and fasting. Equip yourself with knowledge and put in the effort; that’s the formula for achieving your financial goals. God will give us opportunities as answered prayers, so seize them.
4. Ignorance is a Thief
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, where a master entrusts three servants with varying amounts of money before going on a journey. Two servants invest and double their amounts, while the third, out of fear and ignorance, hides his money and gains nothing. Upon the master’s return, the first two are praised and rewarded, while the third is condemned for his laziness and inaction. The parable teaches the importance of using the gifts and opportunities God gives us, wisely and productively, emphasizing responsibility, faithfulness, and accountability, with rewards for diligence and consequences for neglect.
5. Have a Mentor
Having mentors significantly enhances your journey toward success by providing guidance, experience, and valuable insights from their years in the field. They open networking opportunities, hold you accountable for your goals, and help you develop essential skills through constructive feedback. Mentors can boost your confidence, offer perspective on challenges, and encourage lifelong learning. Engaging with mentors not only fosters personal and professional growth but also creates a cycle of support that benefits others, as you can eventually give back by mentoring those who follow in your footsteps.
Also, by studying books and biographies of people you would wish to be your mentors, you can gain a whole lot.
Setbacks and Embracing Uncertainty
Setbacks can provide opportunities for growth, learning, and self-improvement. By embracing challenges and learning from mistakes, individuals can develop resilience, determination, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Life is unpredictable, and that’s not always a bad thing. By accepting that you can’t control everything, you create space for unexpected opportunities. Whether it’s a chance to meet someone new or discovering an interest you never considered before, being open to uncertainty can lead to personal and professional growth. Success often comes from embracing the unknown and seeing where it takes you, knowing when to go with the flow without much resistance. There’s a time when going against the tide can be tiresome, painful, and unproductive. Here, patience is tested.
The Importance of Your Mindset
They say be successful first in the mind, and the rest will be much easier. How you think about money and success will either push you forward or hold you back. If you believe success is out of your reach, you’ll live that out. If you see money as something to be feared or avoided, it will always be a source of stress. But if you develop a mindset of growth, optimism, and persistence, you’ll find new doors opening.
The brain is built like a muscle—you have to train it, stretch it. Reading books, learning new skills, practicing mindfulness, solving puzzles, and engaging in creative or critical thinking help “stretch” the brain, increasing its cognitive capacity, adaptability, and resilience. This helps you discover the God-given power and intelligence that lie within you.
Reframing Failure
Failure is not the end of the road; it’s a stepping stone on the way to success. Each setback is an opportunity to learn something new, adjust your strategy, and move forward stronger. When you change how you see failure, it becomes a valuable part of the process, often leading to unexpected breakthroughs and discoveries.
You Need to Have a Plan
Just like you wouldn’t try to reach a destination without a map, you shouldn’t expect to achieve any success without a plan. Take time to write down your goals and create a roadmap. How much do you need to save? Where can you invest? Who do you need to consult? Who do I need to involve? What skills do you need to learn? Planning not only gives you direction but also keeps you focused when distractions come. Have dreams and set goals—with deadlines to achieve them. By focusing on the dream, you keep away from unnecessary failures and keep yourself from wasting time and resources.
Be Disciplined
The journey to success isn’t a straight line. There will be temptations to quit or take an easier route. That’s why discipline is so crucial. Discipline is what keeps you saving when you’d rather spend, live within your means when your peers extravagantly live. It’s what makes you study when you’d rather chill. It’s doing it without procrastinating. It’s when you rely totally on God when everyone has left. If you want to reach your goals, discipline is your secret weapon.
In terms of giving debts, don’t lend what you are not willing to lose or donate, especially to family and close friends. It will most of the time bring disharmony.
Cultivating Curiosity
Curiosity isn’t just for school—it’s one of the greatest tools you can use throughout life. By staying curious, asking questions, and exploring new interests, you’re more likely to stumble upon opportunities you never even knew existed. Curiosity often leads to connections, ideas, and experiences that can transform your path to success.
Building Networks and Relationships
Success isn’t just about what you know; it’s also about who you know. Building diverse networks of people from different backgrounds can open doors to opportunities you might not have found on your own. Even when you are an introvert, the idea of networking might feel overwhelming. But the good news is, networking doesn’t always mean large events or constant socializing. You can build meaningful connections in ways that suit your personality. Focus on one-on-one interactions, where you can dive deeper into conversations. Online platforms also allow you to network from a comfortable distance.
Also, don’t trap yourself in introvert beliefs; learn how to network and socialize. Desire to question or change the status quo without changing who you are so long as you know what you want or what your goal is. Remember, it’s not about the quantity of relationships, but the quality. Even as an introvert, you can build a strong, supportive network that aligns with your strengths. Remain authentic as you embrace your strengths.
Love and Giving Back
Love conquers all. One of the most rewarding parts of achieving success is the ability to give back. Whether it’s helping others financially, volunteering your time, giving services, or mentoring those who are coming up after you, giving back enriches your life in ways money can’t. God is very keen on how you treat the vulnerable and the needy who are not there yet. Plus, helping others can often open new doors for you, both personally and professionally. If giving money for a project, give out of the overflow of your abundance—that is, from the profit of your capital.
Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks
No one ever achieved greatness by playing it safe all the time. If you want to build something amazing, you’ll have to take risks—sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone. However, these risks should be calculated. Don’t jump into something blindly, but be willing to take that leap when you’ve done your homework and believe in the potential outcome. Don’t allow fear to dominate you.
Be Flexible and Adaptable
While having a plan is important, you also need to be flexible. Life changes, and sometimes your plans will need to change with it. Being adaptable allows you to shift your approach when unexpected events come your way, often leading to new opportunities that you hadn’t considered before.
Creating a Serendipity-Friendly Environment
Success doesn’t always come from a rigid plan—sometimes, it’s about creating an environment that allows creativity and collaboration to flourish. Surround yourself with people and places that inspire you to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and embrace the unexpected. This mindset can lead to unexpected yet rewarding opportunities.
Be Patient
Success takes time. You won’t see results overnight, and that’s okay. Don’t be discouraged if your journey takes longer than you expected. Keep working hard and stay patient. The small steps you take today will add up over time, leading to the big achievements you’re aiming for. Sometimes you may have to redo a step or two.
Salvation: The Ultimate Gift
It’s allowing Christ to be in your life, having faith in Christ, and accepting His sacrifice over you. This is the best gift in your entire life while in this world; leverage it and you will be an exceptional human being. Knowing Christ and believing in Him makes you spiritually secure. It is a journey though, full of revelations and awakenings. As you grow in knowing Him, you discover yourself more and do better. Salvation is eternal and goes beyond what the world measures. You don’t live only by your power and wisdom, but by His divinity in you. It doesn’t mean that you will be perfect or you will win every day, but you will experience your transformation in Him every moment. He is the ultimate power beyond any other being. He is the way and the light. As you work on earthly success work also towards eternal success.
Trust God
Finally, understand that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Trust God to guide you in your decisions and to provide what you need along the way. Pray earnestly, study Him, and His enlightenment will guide you to fulfillment. Sometimes, ask Him the “why” of your purpose and the “how.” For instance, “Why did God give me this gift of drawing?” and “How do I implement it?” These are very important questions for life success. His principles for living—like integrity, hard work, and generosity—are key ingredients in any success story. If you align your goals with His will, you’ll find that you’re not just chasing success but building a life of meaning. You may ask, “Why then bother with God if other people who reject God also have massive success?” It’s true, but God always wants His children to succeed on earth and be kept safe for eternal life.
Conclusion
Success is within your reach, but it’s not something that comes without effort, planning, and the right mindset. Along the way, remember that the ultimate goal isn’t just financial freedom, but a life filled with purpose, strong relationships, Christ awakenings, and the ability to make a positive impact on the world around you. Stay focused, work hard, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of life and the opportunities You have placed before me. As I embark on this journey toward success, I seek Your guidance and wisdom in every step I take and every decision I make. Help me to remember that true success comes from walking in Your will and purpose for my life.
Grant me the strength to work hard, the patience to wait on Your timing, and the courage to face challenges with faith. Teach me to rely on You in moments of uncertainty, knowing that You have great plans for my present and future. Keep my heart humble and my intentions pure, always striving to serve others and bring glory to Your name.
Surround me with mentors and friends who encourage me in the right direction, and help me to be a light and salt to those around me. Let my success not only be measured by worldly achievements but by the love, integrity, and generosity I share with others.
I trust You, Lord Jesus Christ, to guide my path and to help me fulfill the purpose You have set for my life. May my journey bring honor to You and lead me closer to the true joy, truth, and fulfillment that only come from You.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Hey, I’m Angeline, your RN and founder of Finally Am Found. With a heart for mentorship, I’ve been guiding teens and young adults since 2017. As a Registered Nurse, I blend medical expertise with personal experiences to create a Christ-aligned space for self-discovery. Connect with Angeline on Facebook and let the journey to self-discovery begin!
3
