James Carter
There’s a fine line separating “almost made it” from genuine success.
This line is often drawn by tiny choices that we make daily.
It’s not always the grand gestures or big decisions that determine our success.
More often, it’s the small choices, the seemingly insignificant decisions that we make each and every day.
As someone who’s been on both sides of the line, I can tell you that these small decisions matter a lot more than you think.
The good news is, once you’re aware of them, you can steer in the direction of success with ease.
Get ready to adjust your compass and set sail toward your goals, one small decision at a time.
1) Choosing mindfulness
The journey to success is often a cluttered one, filled with distractions and diversions.
And in this noisy world, it’s easy to lose focus on what truly matters.
Enter the choice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is about being in the present, aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting swept up in them.
It’s about taking a step back and observing our lives from a distance, instead of getting lost in the rush.
And this seemingly tiny choice can make a huge difference.
When we choose to be mindful, we become more aware of our actions and their consequences. We start making decisions that align with our goals, rather than being reactionary.
We become proactive in our pursuit of success, instead of waiting for it to happen.
It’s not always an easy choice to make. But by opting for mindfulness, you’re already setting yourself up for success.
Remember, success is not just about the destination. It’s also about the journey.
And choosing mindfulness makes the journey a lot more meaningful.
2) Embracing failure
Let’s talk about failure. It’s a word that most of us dread and avoid at all costs.
But here’s the thing: I’ve learned that embracing failure is one of the most transformative choices you can make on your path to success.
A few years ago, I started my own business. The idea was great, the market was ripe, and I was filled with passion and enthusiasm.
But despite all this, the business failed. It was a crushing blow, one that left me feeling lost and defeated.
But then, I made a small but mighty choice—I chose to embrace the failure instead of running from it.
Instead of seeing it as a dead-end, I saw it as a learning opportunity. I analyzed what went wrong, what could have been done differently, and how I could improve in the future.
And you know what? It turned out to be one of the best things I ever did.
That failure taught me invaluable lessons about business, about resilience, and about myself. And it fueled my determination to try again.
So don’t shy away from failure. Embrace it. Learn from it.
Let it be your stepping stone to success. It’s a tiny choice that makes a world of difference.
3) Setting small, achievable goals
Sometimes, our visions of success are so grand and far-reaching that they can seem overwhelming.
And this feeling of being overwhelmed can often lead to procrastination or even giving up.
That’s where the choice of setting small, achievable goals comes in handy.
Breaking down your larger goals into smaller, more manageable ones not only makes the task seem less daunting, but also provides you with a sense of achievement along the way.
Imagine you want to write a book. That’s a big goal and can seem quite intimidating.
But if you break it down into smaller goals like writing 500 words a day, it becomes more manageable and less overwhelming.
Plus, each day when you hit your mini-goal, you’re given a boost of motivation to keep going.
Instead of setting your sights solely on the big picture, choose to set small, achievable goals. It’s a tiny choice with a big impact on your journey to success.
4) Cultivating a growth mindset
Success is not a static state, it’s a journey. And the journey to success often involves learning, adapting, and growing.
This is where the choice of cultivating a growth mindset comes into play.
A growth mindset, a term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
It’s about understanding that challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth rather than signs of failure.
When we choose to cultivate a growth mindset, we become more open to feedback, more resilient in the face of adversity, and more committed to the process of learning and improving.
Choosing to cultivate a growth mindset is like choosing to see every hurdle as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle.
It’s a small shift in perspective that can make a big difference in your journey towards success.
5) Saying ‘no’ when necessary
In my early twenties, I was a ‘yes’ person. I agreed to every opportunity and request, thinking that was the path to success.
But, I ended up drained, overworked, and far from my definition of success.
That’s when I realized the importance of saying ‘no’.
Saying ‘no’ isn’t about being difficult or uncooperative. It’s about setting boundaries and respecting your own time and energy.
It’s about understanding that you can’t do everything, and that’s okay.
When you start saying ‘no’ to things that don’t align with your goals or values, you create space for opportunities that do.
You find more time to focus on your priorities and what truly matters to you.
Choosing to say ‘no’ when necessary is a tiny choice that can have a significant impact on your path to success.
It’s not always an easy choice to make, but trust me, it’s worth it.
6) Practicing gratitude
Among the hustle and bustle of pursuing success, it’s easy to overlook the good that’s already in our lives.
But acknowledging these positives through the practice of gratitude can have a transformative impact on our journey.
Gratitude is about appreciating what you have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make you happier.
It’s about recognizing the goodness in your life and understanding that much of this goodness comes from outside of yourself.
When we choose to practice gratitude, we allow ourselves to celebrate the present moment and all its blessings.
This positivity can help to boost our mood, improve our physical health, and even enhance our relationships.
Choosing to integrate gratitude into your daily life is a small decision with a big payoff.
Not only does it pave the way for success, but it also adds richness and joy to every step of your journey.
7) Believing in yourself
At the heart of all these choices, there’s one that stands out as particularly crucial: believing in yourself.
Success, in any form, begins with the belief that you can achieve it.
You can make all the right choices, but without this fundamental belief, the journey becomes a lot harder.
Believing in yourself is about recognizing your own worth and abilities.
It’s about understanding that you are capable, you are deserving, and you have what it takes to reach your goals.
This choice might seem small, but its impact is immeasurable. It’s the foundation upon which all other choices and actions are built.
Choose to believe in yourself. It’s the most powerful choice you can make on your road to success.
Final thought: It’s in your hands
The road to success is as unique as the individuals who walk it.
And often, it’s the smallest choices that bring about the most significant transformation.
Each decision, no matter how tiny it may seem, holds the potential to steer our lives in different directions.
The choice to be mindful, to embrace failure, to set small goals, to cultivate a growth mindset, to say ‘no’ when needed, to practice gratitude, and above all, to believe in yourself.
These are not grand gestures or colossal decisions.
They are seemingly insignificant choices that we make every day. And yet, they have the power to shape our journey to success in profound ways.
The beauty of this journey is that the power lies within you. You hold the compass. You get to decide which path you take.
As you move forward on your journey to success, remember: Your daily choices matter more than you think.
Choose wisely, choose consciously. Your success depends on it.
