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Success Advice

Why You Shouldn’t Perceive Suffering as Being Synonymous to Success

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Ask anyone on the streets about their role model’s life and success, the only dimension they know will always be suffering. Is this the case with you? This is a very unpleasant situation not only as a person but also as a civilization. The problem with people these days is that they consider experiencing adversities as an essential part of achieving their goals. This doesn’t have to be true.

Popular Perception Of Success As Per The Media

They say the cinema is the reflection of civilization and I totally agree with it. All the media is filled with stories of immense struggle and achievement. While there is nothing wrong with that, they all fancy with hardships and distress as major drivers of a positive outcome. Some of the popular examples come from celebrities’ personal lives. Every music enthusiast knows that Jim Morrison had a rough personal life. Of course, he had his fair share of problems, but who hasn’t? 

A whole narrative on various media platforms considers enduring pain as a prerequisite to success. Perhaps, that is the worst way to cherish our goals. Uploading a selfie with a quote about hardships late at night is not going to make us become great. Hence, we need a thing that actually works. 

What People Should Discuss: Adrian Carton

The British Army had a soldier who went by the name Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart. Now, this guy is a timeless example of how an ideal war hero should be. Read the major highlights of his military career.

Part A:

  • Service span: Over six decades
  • Participation in major wars: 3. (Including World War 1 & 2)
  • Highest honour received: Victoria Cross

Part B:

  • Started his martial career: Underaged, without acknowledging his father.
  • Major injuries: Lost one arm, an eye, two fingers (he bit them off upon denial by a surgeon), shot at just near the spinal cord.
  • Minor injuries: Well, he was wounded countless times while leading the battle from the front.
  • Captivity: His plane to Yugoslavia was shot down, crashed in the Mediterranean. Swam to the shore at the age of sixty, captured by Italians. Remained a Prisoner of War (POW) for two years.

If you think that this is a lot of pain, this is what he had to say about it: “Frankly, I enjoyed the war.”

Bad events or circumstances are not necessary stepping stones for getting anywhere. What you might have considered as great suffering, he literally enjoyed every bit of his career as a warlord. He didn’t win gallantry awards for getting injured. Those injuries were the results of his desire to participate in wars. So, for him, everything was expected and these are the kind of heroes we need.

Why To Neglect Suffering

It is very clear that suffering is not existential in nature. You saw that both of these people had tragic aspects of their lives. While by no means do I disrespect Jim’s genius, but at what level does all of his misery meet that of Carton de Wiart? Only at the psychological level! All of his mishappenings could never equate the war hero’s lifestyle and yet he died out of them. The latter died at the age of 83, after displaying all the courage and chivalry under the sun.

The negative experiences are often one’s own created problems. Remember the square wheel example? Only if you have a round wheel can you drive smoothly. All the problems that pain you personally are nothing but psychological dramas. They are simply a part of our limited reality which don’t contribute to anything but our emotional turmoil. Mostly, it is a hypothetical pursuit which everyone needs to avoid if they want to get anywhere close to their goals.

Take A Pragmatic Approach To Success And Life At Large

Mostly, I find that people say ‘Bon Voyage’ and not ‘faire avoir pas bon voyage.’ It is necessary to have a good and safe journey in our lives too. Anything unwanted is a natural outcome and accept that it is the other side of the same coin. These fallbacks can help you recalibrate your efforts or seek new tools and methods to get your dreams to come true. Victories are always gratifying and they need us to do everything required with the right method.

Sadguru said these words for Steve Jobs and his management philosophy: “If you did not design it, Koreans would have.” It makes complete sense because he brought unnecessary hostility and abrupt dramatization of otherwise simple office work. Practicality not only enhances your perception of life but also improves your odds to make it to the triumphs you always sought.

Summing Up

We aren’t as vital to the world as we might think. If any of us disappeared for three weeks without leaving any information, we would be replaced within two weeks. The earth was doing great, well before we existed and will continue to do so long after we are done. 

You should live life to the fullest and be in a trance-like state while experiencing your journey on the planet. Whatever may it be, you are here to celebrate your efforts, and leave the results to God or destiny, whichever you prefer.

I hope that you agree upon the fact that success is nowhere synonymous with suffering and the right attitude is the key to smoothen the path to our ultimate visions.

What are your thoughts on how the media and society portray success? Do you think it’s correct, or do you have a different version? Share your thoughts below!

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Success Advice

11 Mark Manson Lessons That’ll Redefine Success in the Digital Age

Success in the digital age isn’t about hacks, it’s about the raw, real lessons Mark Manson actually lives by.

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Mark Manson life lessons on success
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In 2016, Mark Manson released The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, a brutally honest, thought-provoking book that redefined self-help for a new generation. (more…)

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Change Your Mindset

The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers

Uncover the daily rituals and hidden habits that powered history’s most brilliant minds to success.

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Why Daily Rituals Matter

Every great achiever has one thing in common: discipline. Behind the novels, inventions, discoveries, and masterpieces are small, consistent habits repeated daily. (more…)

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Did You Know

How to Turn a Simple Link-in-Bio Into a Powerful Brand Hub

Transform your forgotten bio link into a high-impact gateway that fuels engagement, clicks, and conversions across every social platform.

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Social media is one of the greatest marketing tools in 2025. According to a recent study, some 86% of marketers globally use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for advertisements, while 94% use it for content distribution.  (more…)

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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