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Longevity &amp; Performance

Longevity &amp; Performance Archives

Longevity &amp; Performance | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

The happiness curve is a principle that shows happiness <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/know-your-mind/201507/how-do-our-levels-happiness-change-we-age" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on a U-shaped curve by age</a>. The idea is that you’re happiest when you're in your teens to 20s. As you reach midlife, your happiness declines. It rises again once you reach an older age—<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness/happiness-over-the-lifespan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some research puts that number</a> at 50. Jonathan Rauch's book, <a href="https://amzn.to/49QrySY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50</a>, popularized the concept.



Here’s why the curve exists: When you're young, you're typically still under the care of your parents and or grandparents and have fewer responsibilities. As you finish schooling and enter "adult life," the stresses and responsibilities build, especially as you're responsible for yourself and maybe others. As you enter the older years, you've most likely figured a few things out and are in a more stable place.



The happiness curve remained predictable for years, until the addition of the latest generation of young people. Researchers in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-025-00423-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Flourishing Study</a>, in partnership with <a href="https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/global-flourishing-study" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard and Baylor universities</a>, found that Gen Z is flattening the happiness curve.







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-happiness-curve-data-explained">The happiness curve data explained</h2>



The Global Flourishing Study analyzed data collected by Gallup from more than 200,000 people in 22 countries. The researchers found that people between the ages of 18 and 29 (usually called Gen Z), had their happiness dip earlier than has been typical.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02213-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study showed Gen Z</a> is experiencing <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/30/well/mind/happiness-flourishing-young-adult-study.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor mental and physical health</a>, negative perceptions of self, struggles to find meaning in life, challenges creating financial security and questioning their relationships.



Dominique Pritchett, Psy.D, is the founder of <a href="https://www.speaktothesoul.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Speak to the Soul</a>, a mental health and wellness consultancy. She’s also a licensed clinical social worker who says the data regarding Gen Z, happiness and mental health struggles is accurate and something she's seen in her practice. She says Gen Z has experienced life events that are shaping their perspective on happiness and personal development.



"When we think about Gen Z [who] grew up in the middle of school shootings, climate emergencies, political division….,” says Pritchett. “I find that they struggle with just having a carefree sense of who they are.”



They [Gen Z] are rejecting traditional markers of success, of happiness, of enjoyment, and they're not experiencing [them]," she adds.



But young people aren’t doomed to be unhappy. Here are five practical ways Gen Z can find satisfaction in their lives and work.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-incorporate-therapy-as-a-regular-part-of-your-development">1. Incorporate therapy as a regular part of your development</h2>



One way to achieve more satisfaction and better mental health is to get help. Incorporating therapy as a part of personal development allows you to vent, learn <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/10-apps-to-help-put-you-in-the-right-headspace/">healthy coping mechanisms</a> and not let negative thoughts spiral.&nbsp;



By <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10136621/#:~:text=Spearman%27s%20rank%20correlation%20coefficient%20showed,social%20dysfunction%20which%20showed%20positive" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prioritizing your mental health</a> and engaging in regular personal development, you can remain happy at any age. Therapy is practical and important.



Pritchett says therapy is a great way to help Gen Z redefine what hope looks like and can empower them to be true to who they are. She advises acknowledging what you're experiencing is real and redefining what you want success and happiness markers to be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-put-in-the-work-to-get-clear-on-your-purpose">2. Put in the work to get clear on your purpose</h2>



You can't accomplish your life and career goals without clarity on your overall purpose for wanting to achieve those goals. Purpose, or a sense of meaning, is more important than pleasure when it comes to happiness, according to a study by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0148296321003428?via=ihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the ESCP Business School</a>.&nbsp;



The research investigated how meaning impacted life satisfaction levels in 2,615 people across six continents and with different cultural contexts.&nbsp;



Finding, understanding and accepting your purpose is not easy, but personal development work can bring clarity and, by extension, more happiness.&nbsp;



Annie Cole, Ed.D. has worked with Gen Z in multiple capacities and says they're burned out and trying to find purpose and work-life balance, which is what's contributing overall to the happiness decline.



"They just don't know what they're working toward or what they're working for. And even if they do put in all of their best efforts, it may not lead to success, like being able to buy a home or retire, that the previous generations had. So they're really in a hard spot," says Cole.&nbsp;



Take the time to figure out what your purpose is. That can happen in therapy, through a supportive community of friends and colleagues, reading, consuming personal development content on YouTube and through deep thought about what you want for your life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-find-opportunities-to-earn-more-money">3. Find opportunities to earn more money</h2>



The things we want and need in life cost money. If you don’t have enough money, it creates stress and uncertainty. A <a href="https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey by the American Psychological Association</a> showed money is a significant stressor for 82% of 18–34 year olds.&nbsp;



"There's this… statement, or I would say, a myth that money doesn't buy happiness, and I feel like while money doesn't buy happiness, it does allow you to invest in or to purchase things that make you happy," says Shameca Tankerson, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.shamecatankerson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shameca International</a>, a business growth consultancy.



Tankerson helps people break through revenue ceilings faster and redefine what's possible around money. She recently took a trip to Spain and rented an apartment for two months without worrying about money.&nbsp;



"[I was] able to jump on a train one day and go to Rome… and [another day] to Venice….” she says. “I couldn't do that without money. To be able to fly there first class and not have to think about it was an amazing feeling… And I just think we need to redefine what makes us happy and find something that you love to do."&nbsp;



Stress about finances leads to less satisfaction in life and is a factor in decreasing happiness. Today’s digital age means you can <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-start-side-hustle/">have side hustles</a> and income streams online that complement a traditional career role without having to leave your home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-cultivate-relationships">4. Cultivate relationships</h2>



According to <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/new-apa-poll-one-in-three-americans-feels-lonely-e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the American Psychiatric Association</a>, “30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day.” Loneliness is an epidemic, especially among Gen Z. Fifty-three percent reported feeling lonely <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/generation-genz-loneliness-problem-mental-health-1877013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in one survey</a>.



Great relationships, community and involvement with people who care about you will help you feel good and contribute to life satisfaction. Elevate who's allowed in your circle of relationships and connections and choose those who make you feel welcome and loved.&nbsp;



Ron Douglas, a business owner, real estate investor and someone who's created his own financial freedom, says comparison is the thief of joy and community is important. 



"Run your own race; stop looking at others. Look at compar[ing] yourself to yourself, like, are you better than you were yesterday?... Use that as a barometer to... making progress,” he says.



Douglas suggests surrounding yourself with positive people if you're trying to succeed. Be around people who are doing the same things that you're trying to do. He suggests joining groups (such as on social media or <a href="https://www.meetup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meetup groups</a>) and attending <a href="https://events.success.com/">educational events</a>. He contends that the “joy is in the journey,” and the destination is a bonus.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-live-an-intentional-life-full-of-experiences">5. Live an intentional life full of experiences</h2>



It's easy to get caught up in the hustle of life, focusing on what needs to be done and bills that need to be paid. Before you know it, you've accumulated things rather than experiences, which affects happiness.&nbsp;



You'll feel alive when you're living. As your finances permit, travel more—even if it's locally at first. Walk more and get to know your neighbors. Pick up hobbies and spend less time on a screen. Living intentionally and adding more experiences to your life will have a positive effect on happiness.&nbsp;



The data may show that Gen Z is flattening the happiness curve, but that doesn't have to be your experience or life. You can work on your personal and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/career-strategies-gen-z-job-market/">professional development</a> and be the outlier in the data as you live a satisfied and happy life.



Photo courtesy of DavideAngelini/Shutterstock

Explore five ways Gen Z can find happiness at work and in their lives and learn how the new generation is flattening the happiness curve.

Explore five ways Gen Z can find happiness at work and in their lives.

5 Ways Gen Z Can Find Happiness in Work and Life | SUCCESS

5 Ways Gen Z Can Find Happiness in Work and Life

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Kimanzi Constable is the author of four books and a writer whose articles have been published in CNET, Fortune, AskMen, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, SUCCESS® magazine, CBS, Parents, Travel &amp; Leisure, CNBC Make It, the HuffPost, Black Enterprise, Condé Nast Traveler and 80 other publications and magazines.  He’s a business owner, SaaS founder and global traveler who has traveled to 88 countries. You can find him enjoying coffee in airport lounges worldwide. Follow him on LinkedIn and his website.

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Kimanzi Constable

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Trends &amp; Insights

Trends &amp; Insights Archives

Trends &amp; Insights | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

Work as we know it is evolving. Whether it's a business, side hustle or traditional career, how we earn, build wealth and eventually retire is changing with the passage of time, new technology emerging and different mindsets about work within each generation.



<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-gen-z-can-teach-us-about-work-life-balance/">Gen Z, in particular</a>, has adopted a different view of work and has <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/gen-z-avoids-management/">pushed back against traditional beliefs</a> about career advancement. Gen Zers have different priorities, and a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-03-16/gen-z-rebranded-sabbatical-into-micro-retirement-don-t-laugh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new trend seems to be emerging called "micro-retirement."</a>



This <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/feb/24/micro-retirement-has-gen-z-found-brilliant-fix-burnout" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nontraditional approach to work</a> means more sabbaticals, less work and more flexibility in building future financial independence. Taking breaks from work is important to avoid burnout and can lead to better work-life balance and mental health. However, the question arises about whether micro-retirement is a good idea for long-term financial security.



Here's what you need to know about micro-retirement, Gen Z's newest financial independence strategy, and whether this work and retirement strategy could thrive long-term.







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-micro-retirement-explained">Micro-retirement explained</h2>



The premise of micro-retirement is a practice in which one <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-micro-retirement-burn-out-work-sabbatical-2024-12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">takes sabbaticals from work</a> for a few weeks or longer. These are intentional breaks to power down from work, pursue personal passions and travel. The goal is to mimic the freedom you'd experience in a traditional retirement.



This mini-retirement can be done if you're a business owner, have <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-art-of-the-side-hustle/">side hustles</a> or have a flexible arrangement with your employer. Your ability to micro-retire will depend on your working arrangement, if you have leave or vacation time at workand your financial position.



<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-njila-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benjamin Fields</a>, a member of Gen Z, public school teacher, entrepreneur and Ph.D. student at the University of California, Berkeley, practices micro-retirement and says he'll never stop.



"I strategically picked academia, or education, as an industry because it gives me such large amounts of time off, especially during the summer,” he says. “What really means a lot to me during the summer is going to Europe.... It's something that I just don't think I could really live without.... I don't view that I'm the type of person that can just live in one place and never go anywhere or do anything except for, like, a two-week break that I had to save up all my PT time for.... I've etched this micro-retirement aspect into the fabric of my life... I'll never stop doing it."



His advice for Gen Zers thinking about micro-retirement is to learn as much as possible and be meticulous about planning. He says being informed is the key to micro-retirement without negative consequences.



"When it comes to micro-retirement, [I know] every single thing about all my commitments. I know in and out[s], I know all the rules, I know all the timelines, the dates, the stipulations around what I'm allowed to do, and then I can plan accordingly,” Fields says. “[Be] intentional about knowing everything in the sphere of what you want your micro-retirement to be and planning it meticulously.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-benefits-of-micro-retirement">The benefits of micro-retirement</h2>



The idea is to take breaks from work to reduce burnout, enjoy a better work-life balance and preserve one's mental health. For some, it allows them to pursue personal goals outside of working and making money. Taking time off can be refreshing, and taking off every 12 to 18 months might be a way to reset your mindset and desire to work.



Taking time off from work can help relieve stress, as 77% of Americans reported being stressed out by work, according to an American Psychological Association (APA) report.&nbsp;



"Running a business as well as leaning into micro-retirement is something that [might] not be the most straightforward to balance initially, but I find that by striving to reach certain KPIs, whether that be every quarter or twice a year, I like to reward myself with a travel experience abroad, and so I incentivize myself and reward myself for reaching the benchmarks that I set for my company," says Gen Z business owner <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacharles123/">Joshua Charles</a>, CEO of Frontier Dominion.



Charles takes a sabbatical from work every 12 months. He thinks about his future retirement alongside his micro-retirements, so he maximizes his Roth IRA and invests in index funds. He says the breaks help. "The micro-retirement breaks really contribute to my mental stability…. When I travel for, let's say… two weeks in Europe every summer, that is a way for me to de-stress, unplug from the grinds and then recalibrate, intentionally thinking about what [I would] like to achieve," Charles says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-taking-breaks-affect-future-finances">How does taking breaks affect future finances?</h2>



The concern with taking micro-retirements is how they affect earning potential. There's also a concern with the<a href="https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/research/gen-z-and-credit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> rising amount of debt Gen Z is accumulating</a>, the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase in costs of living</a> and the uncertainty of what the future holds with a job or business.



"I like the idea of the mental health break. The problem is the realities of stopping your work history, stopping the ability of consistently contributing to retirement, building up an emergency fund. Every time that they are stopping for the mental health break, they are in a situation where they could be resetting their ability to retire truly in comfort," says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorntonfinancial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jayson M. Thornton, CFP® EA</a> and founder of Thornton Financial.&nbsp;



Thornton says the biggest asset of any investor is their time in the market. "How long have they been invested and how often can they consistently contribute to retirement when they're taking breaks? That means that they're taking breaks from the contributions," says Thornton.



He says most people, if they are not financially strong, will dig into their savings or even have to withdraw from their retirement to take a micro-retirement.



"Ultimately, they can end up in a situation where they do not have the right amount of retirement assets when they really get to retirement age, which will actually put them in a more stressful mental space," says Thornton.



<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulanangle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paula Nangle</a>, CFP, senior wealth advisor at Marshall Financial, says the key is to find a balance that allows for personal growth and well-being without compromising long-term financial security.



"I think they would need to understand the pros and cons of taking off from earning an income intermittently," says Nangle. "When you're in your twenties… it's very difficult to think that far in your future about permanent retirement. If they're practicing micro-retirements… do it in a way where they're not taking on debt and they’re not completely depleting their future retirement savings."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gen-z-is-embracing-a-different-approach-to-life-and-work">Gen Z is embracing a different approach to life and work</h2>



Fields says he's not concerned about not having enough money later in life. "It's not a concern at all," says Fields.



"I really like the system that we have here in the United States. It's great that we have these tax-advantaged accounts…. I really think that [retirement is] not something that is a big worry.… I'm starting young.… As long as I have a house paid off by that time, then I should be OK."

Gen Z is micro-retiring every 12 to 18 months. Learn more about the pros and cons of this new approach to working and building wealth.

Gen Z is micro-retiring every 12 to 18 months. Learn more about the pros and cons of this new approach to working and building wealth. | SUCCESS

What You Should Know About Micro-Retirement, Gen Z's Newest Financial Independence Strategy

What You Should Know About Micro-Retirement, Gen Z&#8217;s Newest Financial Independence Strategy

What You Should Know About Micro-Retirement | SUCCESS

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Amazon CEO Andy Jassy and a phone running the Amazon app

Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

Startups usually get attention when they raise significant capital—but the soft skills side of startup culture deserves more attention. After all, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/everything-you-need-to-know-to-become-a-great-leader/">leadership</a>, self-discipline and determination are also essential for growth. 



Amazon CEO Andy Jassy understands the value of preserving a startup culture, even within a <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/AMZN/key-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multi-trillion-dollar organization</a>, and expressed its importance in his latest <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-ceo-andy-jassy-2024-letter-to-shareholders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon shareholder letter</a>: “We strive to operate like the world’s largest startup.”&nbsp;







In his letter, he lays out seven points describing what this statement means and shares his vision for Amazon to recapture its speed of growth, eliminate bureaucracy, hire more owners and be scrappy—elements that startups possess.&nbsp;



Jassy’s desire to resurrect startup culture is an example that other businesses can follow to create success. Here’s what startup culture is, how to maintain it and why recapturing that type of energy can generate exponential growth.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-startup-culture-explained">Startup culture explained</h2>



A startup culture captures the environment, focus and strategies of the early days of growing a business.



Startups tend to implement strategies faster, and because they have fewer employees, there’s less red tape and more individual attention for team members. The startup phase is when you can afford to take more risks, experience failure and learn from your mistakes.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-p-nicholson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dan Nicholson</a>, CEO of Nth Degree CPAs, says that it’s important to define what it means to have a startup culture. “I… grew up in Seattle, so I’ve been surrounded by Amazonians and seen it build up from Bezos’ garage to where it is today,” he says. “I think when you talk about startup culture, it’s about embracing failure, it’s about ongoing learning, and it’s about innovation.



“When you lose that, when you... move out of the startup culture,” he adds, “it can become about isolationist sort of protectionism.… People get into their individual corners, and they’re just trying to protect what’s already been built and protect their budgets, protect their jobs. And what goes away is that culture of learning and embracing failure.… If you stop embracing failure, then learning stops—and if you stop learning, then innovation stops.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-startup-culture-trains-future-leaders-nbsp">Startup culture trains future leaders&nbsp;</h2>



Andy Jassy started working at Amazon in 1997, three years after <a href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/first-amazon-office-jeff-bezos-garage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Bezos founded Amazon</a> and shortly after the company went public. As a result, Jassy witnessed the startup culture in those first years and has since been with the company for 28 more, rising through the ranks all the while. He also learned Amazon’s brand of leadership (Amazon has a <a href="https://www.amazon.jobs/content/en/our-workplace/leadership-principles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">16-point leadership philosophy</a>). So when he speaks about the effectiveness of a startup culture, Jassy is speaking from experience.&nbsp;



“At the end of the day, tech companies are only as good as their innovation,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwri321/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sam Wright</a>, head of partnerships and operations at Huntr. “Startups… are able to move quickly, fail quickly, and thus innovate quickly—and I think that’s what Amazon is wanting… [what] they were so good at early on.… What they’re trying to capture again is that startup mentality.”&nbsp;



A startup’s initial employees often see the vision and understand that the startup could become an incredible company. Startup culture can also provide the opportunity to teach leadership skills in the trenches from day one. That’s the essence of what Andy Jassy is hoping to revive at Amazon, and what businesses of all sizes can add to their culture as they grow.



“It's about empowering your workers… to make decisions that are impactful to the company,” Wright continues. “It requires a great hiring process to make sure you’re bringing on the right individuals.… But then… it’s really about letting those great people run and make decisions and have room to fail and iterate—because at the end of the day, that’s what startups do best.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-startup-culture-eliminates-bureaucracy-and-focuses-on-growth">A startup culture eliminates bureaucracy and focuses on growth</h2>



When Jassy talks about creating a culture of owners and inventors, he mentions that speed is an important leadership decision. “The leadership team has to believe it’s a priority, reinforce it constantly, organize and remove structural barriers, and build in modular ways that enable pace,” he says.



He adds that his goal is to eliminate bureaucracy, be scrappy, have a team willing to take risks and “care most about delivering compelling results for customers.”



Eliminating bureaucracy and focusing on what’s important for growth is a lesson that <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manuj Aggarwal</a>, the founder and chief innovation officer of TetraNoodle Technologies, says is the foundation of startup culture. It’s about moving fast, breaking things and fixing them as they break.&nbsp;



“[As] companies grow larger, they cannot take that much risk for innovating so fast that things keep breaking all the time,” he says. “What they may want to do is keep a stable system but allocate a portion of their revenue toward startup culture so that, as they grow, they can maintain some continuity, but they can continue to innovate.



“So especially for a company like Amazon,“ he adds, “it’s important to bring back that culture of innovation.”



No matter how large your company becomes, maintaining a startup culture can help you accelerate growth. To do this, you can train growth-focused leaders who are self-disciplined and teams that are invested in the company as if it were their own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-keep-startup-culture-alive-no-matter-how-much-you-grow">How to keep startup culture alive—no matter how much you grow</h2>



“One of the things that Amazon does really well is they have the capabilities of empowering at the lowest level possible for individuals based on the leadership principles that they establish,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvaniaharrod/overlay/about-this-profile/">Sylvania Harrod</a>, a business advisor who previously worked with startups through Amazon Web Services. “So [a] prime example in Amazon, we always talked about day one culture. Before we made any decisions, we had to ask ourselves, ‘Is this day one, or is this closer to day two?’&nbsp;



“[Day] one meant… something that’s going to enable us to get to market faster or help serve our clients,” he continues. “Day two is a place where we start bringing in too much bureaucracy and we’re worrying more about the internal feelings of employees.”



According to Harrod, businesses should:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Ensure that organizations have core leadership principles or values that the company operates on and that are shared consistently. This provides people within the organization with a north star to help them make decisions.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Create a pulse for your organization so you can implement decision-making processes sooner.</li>



<li>Increase the speed of implementation—time to market gives startups a tactical advantage over large companies.</li>



<li>Keep iterating to get to market faster without dealing with too many managers and too much decision-making.</li>



<li>Resist perfectionism—it's about producing the minimum acceptable product that clients are willing to purchase, not being perfect.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



The success of any business comes down to the vision and leadership of the person who started it. Ultimately, your example is what will encapsulate your company’s culture and dictate how well it’s maintained—so to keep the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-run-a-successful-startup-business/">startup</a> culture alive, lead with purpose.



Photo by EI Editorial/Shutterstock.com

Discover Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s vision for the company, what it means to build a startup culture and his strategies for growth.

Discover Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s vision for the company, what it means to build a startup culture and his strategies for growth. | SUCCESS

Resurrecting a Startup Culture With Amazon CEO Andy Jassy

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy on Resurrecting a Startup Culture | SUCCESS

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A Gen X couple doing retirement financial planning

Money

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The way we retire has changed over the generations. Previously, you’d work for 40 years and retire with a pension, which guaranteed you an income for the rest of your life. Your employer took on the responsibility of your retirement funds as one of the perks of decades of loyalty.



While pensions still exist in the public and private sectors, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/24/business/pension-retirement.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">they’re now rare</a>. Members of Gen X, born between 1965 and 1980, are starting to enter retirement and have thus been dubbed the “<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-x-is-the-401k-experiment-generation-heres-how-thats-playing-out-100010909.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">401(k) retirement generation</a>.” They are the first generation whose retirement is primarily funded by 401(k), Roth IRAs, IRAs and individual savings accounts.&nbsp;



However, these individuals’ fear is not having the certainty of a pension as they enter retirement. According to a <a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/what-we-do/ayco/insights/survey-the-generational-divide-in-retirement-savings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 Goldman Sachs retirement survey</a>, 45% of Gen X feels that their retirement savings are behind schedule.



Here’s what Gen X’s fears about retirement can teach future generations, as well as advice from licensed financial professionals on what Millennials and Gen Z can do to get a jump start on saving for <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/types-of-retirement-plans/">retirement</a>—even if it’s small steps.







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fears-about-retirement-exist-in-all-generations">Fears about retirement exist in all generations</h2>



The uncertainty of being unemployed and living only on the money you’ve saved can be nerve-wracking. Healthcare considerations and the increasing cost of living will inevitably affect how much you need to withdraw from savings like your stock portfolio. But if the stock market experiences a down year, you’ll be watching that portfolio shrink.



Dan Erickson, a soon-to-be Gen X retiree with half a million saved, says he’s uncomfortable with retiring. “Half a million might seem like a lot of money, but if you're gonna live… 20 more years, what's half a million in 20 years?“ he says. “[That’s] $20,000 a year.… That’s not a lot.”



However, Erickson not only fears how much he has saved but also how much he’ll have to pay for healthcare. “The other reason [I’m not retiring yet] would be medical,” he adds. “I'm almost 62... [and] I still have medical insurance by continuing to work. If I stop, I'm gonna have to pay that medical out of pocket until I'm 65 and can get Medicare.”



Erickson isn’t alone in his fears. Chris Englert, a member of Gen X who retired early at age 49 with almost two million in assets, says she tries not to look at her portfolio daily.



“I would go nuts, especially in the current economy,” she says. “I just keep the long view and keep to my plan… and just hope that nothing really drastic happens and really have faith… [that] I will continue to be able to live the lifestyle I have.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-do-when-your-retirement-funds-are-low">What to do when your retirement funds are low</h2>



It’s important to know what to do if your funds decrease or disappear. Staying calm and looking at your options objectively can help you avoid spiraling when there’s uncertainty about money, especially in retirement.&nbsp;



Martin Matthews, a licensed financial advisor and co-founder of <a href="https://mwealthgroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M Wealth Group</a>, suggests examining what expenses you can cut when funds are low.&nbsp;“Gen Xers turned 60 years old this year, and a lot of them are supporting their millennial children,” he says. “When your funds get low in retirement, you have to start looking at where [your money is] going. Can you cut down on some of these expenses?”



Anita Niefeldt, a certified financial planner and founder of <a href="https://www.viridian-wealth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viridian Wealth Management</a>, says that while nerves may be high during times of uncertainty, it’s best to sit down with a financial planner to work things through.



“Even though there’s a lot of volatility in the market… that doesn't necessarily mean that your plan is in trouble or that you may not be able to retire when you wanted to,” she says. “So it's important to have the financial plan done. Take a look at [it]: Are there any shortfalls?”



Fear around retirement and the desire to make sure you’ll have enough money is natural. However, there are some practical things you can do to help yourself:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Talk to a licensed financial professional to evaluate or adjust your <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-plan-for-retirement/">retirement plan</a>.</li>



<li>See if there are any places you can cut expenses, whether that’s in your daily spending or in how and where you retire.</li>



<li>Add extra income through a part-time job or side hustle. The idea of going back to work or working longer may not be appealing—but you can make it something you enjoy doing. For example, Englert feels like she has enough saved for retirement but continues to make money selling books through <a href="http://eatwalklearn.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">her website</a>.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gen-x-s-advice-for-millennials-and-gen-z">Gen X’s advice for Millennials and Gen Z</h2>



If you’re a millennial or a member of Gen Z, you can learn from the first 401(k) generation.&nbsp;



“No matter what generation you’re from… start early, start young and live under your means,” Englert says. “[If] you’re offered 401(k)… and matching plans... or whatever retirement vehicles that come your way when you start working at age 21 or 22, start investing at the maximum amounts and put time on your side—because it works.”



Similarly, Erickson advises getting a job now that offers benefits, such as a 401(k) or some kind of retirement. “I started a job when I was 38… and I stayed with the same job... [because it] had retirement benefits.... After you worked there so many years, the matching went up, and I just faithfully kept working and kept putting that money away—and before [I knew it], it add[ed] it up.”&nbsp;



One of the most important lessons to learn is personal responsibility. Being disciplined with <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-much-money-to-retire-guide/">saving and investing for retirement</a>, starting early, and staying consistent will put you in a much stronger position later on.&nbsp;



“We always tell people [that it's] not how much money you’re putting away but just the habit of doing it. So the small step would be just deciding on an amount whenever you get paid,” Matthews says. “If you're saying, ‘I can only save 1% of my income and put it away for the future,’ that’s a start. But then you get that discipline in.”



Photo by Yuri A/Shutterstock.com

Discover what millennials and Gen Z can learn from Gen X about retirement so they can properly plan for the future.

Here's what millennials and Gen Z can learn from Gen X about retirement.

Gen X Retirement Tips for Millennials and Gen Z | SUCCESS

Millennials and Gen Z Have a Lot to Learn From Gen X About Retirement

Gen X's Retirement Tips for Millennials and Gen Z | SUCCESS

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lebron james on the basketball court with a lakers jersey and basketball

A few months ago, Bronny James, son of basketball superstar and billionaire businessman LeBron James, <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nba-draft-with-bronny-james-joining-lebron-the-question-must-be-asked-where-does-winning-fit-in-all-this-232431447.html">was drafted into the NBA</a>, selected by his dad’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers. This makes them the first father-son duo to play on the same team in NBA history.&nbsp;



Some questioned the dynamics of this. In a recent episode of The Shop: Uninterrupted on HBO, LeBron was asked whether Bronny would call him “Dad” on the court. “No,” <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Would+Bronny+call+him+%22Dad%22+on+the+court%3F&amp;oq=Would+Bronny+call+him+%22Dad%22+on+the+court%3F&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgcIARAhGKABMgcIAhAhGKABMgcIAxAhGKABMgcIBBAhGKsC0gEHNDY0ajBqN6gCCLACAQ&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:c72f56d5,vid:Kk6vZODu7WE,st:0">LeBron answered</a>, emphasizing they’d already had that conversation. "[He] cannot call me dad in the workplace.” He joked that Bronny was free to call him Bron or GOAT (greatest of all time).&nbsp;



LeBron James is modeling healthy <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-set-workplace-communication-boundaries/">workplace boundaries</a> for parents who either own a business and employ their children or work alongside them in a job. As a father who employs my 22-year-old daughter, I can tell you firsthand how important it is to set boundaries in the workplace.&nbsp;







When my daughter started working with me, our arrangement was too casual. I let her work whatever hours she wanted, attend video calls with clients dressed however she wanted to be, and let her respond to them in a casual time frame.&nbsp;



A client pulled me aside and commented that our <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/13-key-traits-of-strong-professional-relationships/">working relationship</a> gave off unprofessional vibes. That was a wake-up call and made me realize not only how we were coming across to clients, but more importantly, the bad example I was modeling for my daughter. We had a business meeting where I set new guidelines, and we talked through them as colleagues, not as father and daughter. During working hours, she calls me Kimanzi, and we hold the boundaries I set.&nbsp;



The workplace dynamics you create have a positive or negative effect that can bleed into your personal relationship with your child.&nbsp;Here are three things to know about employing or working with your child(ren).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-exchange-the-parent-hat-for-the-colleague-hat">1. Exchange the ‘parent’ hat for the ‘colleague’ hat</h2>



In the earlier interview, LeBron talked about how odd it would be to hear Bronny say, “Dad, pass the ball!” while playing together. That’s a father who understands that you need to take off the “parent” hat and switch to a “colleague” hat to create workplace boundaries.&nbsp;



“I own two businesses, and when expanding my practice, I offered my adult son the opportunity to work with me,” says Angela Kenzslowe, Psy.D., MBA, clinical psychologist and founder of Purple Heart Behavioral Health LLC and Kenzslowe Consulting LLC. “As a psychologist, I understand the complexities of working with an adult child and have set clear boundaries.



“I start professional calls [with him] by saying, ‘This is a business call,’ which helps us shift into a professional mindset. When referring to me with others, he always uses ‘Dr. Kenzslowe.’ Navigating the parent-colleague dynamic isn’t without its challenges, but setting clear boundaries and respecting each other’s roles has allowed us to maintain both our personal bond and professional success,” says Kenzslowe.



By establishing a distinction between your work relationship and what happens at home, you create clarity for yourself, your child(ren), and other coworkers or employees.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-maintain-boundaries-even-when-it-s-hard">2. Maintain boundaries, even when it’s hard</h2>



Boundaries are only effective if maintained, which is especially important in a workplace setting. Workplace culture is essential to growing any company, and it can become more complicated if you’re employing or working with your child.



<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/rohn-8-ways-to-master-the-art-of-communication/">Clear communication</a> avoids confusion and sets a standard for your child to follow. If you have employees, they’ll watch that dynamic closely. These professional values should be upheld, even if they feel hard. Business owners who are doing this are experiencing success.



“We love our family business model, even when we have a tough day. At work, my children use my first name and ‘Mom’ at home,” says Bridgette Chambers, Ph.D., and founder of 2B Associates. “I coach them and build them up. You may struggle with conflict and missed opportunities if you do not create clear responsibilities and communicate openly.”&nbsp;



To create an environment where success can thrive in the workplace, you’ll have to maintain boundaries with your children. Clarity in communication, alongside the keeping of boundaries, is the key to success in any workplace. It also creates respect, especially for your children and other employees.&nbsp;



“People have to respect your kids, and if it looks like you’ve given them a position they don’t have the chops for, [they] won’t get the respect necessary from the ecosystem around them,” says Chambers. “It will make it harder for them to be successful and be happy in their position. Doing something as simple as using your parent’s first name helps a lot to have other people understand that this is a business.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-the-best-professional-development-comes-by-modeling-nbsp">3. The best professional development comes by modeling&nbsp;</h2>



Much of the conversation regarding LeBron and Bronny James playing together has centered on nepotism and whether Bronny should’ve been drafted. These limiting mindsets miss the more important focus—having the opportunity to teach your child personal and professional growth through real-life experience.



LeBron James reportedly <a href="https://www.theringer.com/2016/6/8/16040612/nba-lebron-james-bill-simmons-malcolm-gladwell-5369d6959c67#.w81xhzi1n" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spends $1.5 million a year</a> on his professional development in the form of training, diet and recovery. He knows that it’s important to do everything he can to maintain himself in top form and has passed on this leadership lesson to his son.



<a href="https://www.givemesport.com/lebron-james-bronny-james-has-so-much-to-learn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In another interview</a> he said about Bronny, “The most important thing for him is that he continues to get better and better every day. Games, practices, film sessions, during his individual workouts. I mean he’s 19 years old, so he has so much room to grow, he has so much more to learn."



“I’ve built a thriving business alongside my children,” says Jenni Graham, founder and owner of the JCHIC Lifestyle Brand. “At the same time, I give them the space to grow while setting boundaries and encouraging them to bring their own ideas and strengths to the table. It’s strengthened not just our business, but also our family bond. I’m their MentorMom.”&nbsp;



Experience tends to be life’s greatest teacher, so give your child the best leadership and success example by setting healthy workplace boundaries, communicating clearly and teaching them personal responsibility.



Photo by ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy Stock Photo

LeBron James shows how setting workplace boundaries with his son Bronny teaches key leadership lessons for parents working with their kids.

LeBron James shows how setting workplace boundaries with his son Bronny teaches key leadership lessons for parents working with their kids. | SUCCESS

LeBron James Sets Boundaries With Bronny: 3 Key Lessons for Working With Your Kids

LeBron James: Key Lessons for Parents Working with Kids | SUCCESS

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thingssuccessfulpeopleknowabouthealthyrelationships

Relationships

Relationships Archives

Relationships | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

I’ve achieved some success in my life, and overall, I’m happy where I am. But at the beginning of last year, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/videos/youtube/6-ways-to-bounce-back-faster">I hit a wall</a>. And it took some time to realize it was because of my relationships.

I was in an unhealthy long-term romantic relationship that had slowly deteriorated. It affected every other area of my life. I gained weight, let my business run on autopilot and shut out the world. I gave up on my personal goals and spent most days binge-watching Netflix.

A good friend came to visit me, and through our talks—and then through counseling—I realized what the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/5-toxic-personalities-successful-people-avoid">unhealthy relationships</a> in my life had done. Since recovering from this funk, I’ve spent time talking to many successful people about how they maintain healthy relationships. Here’s what I learned.
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-how-to-deal-with-the-negative-influences-in-your-life">How to Deal With the Negative Influences in Your Life</a>

<h2>1. Healthy relationships complement your life goals; they don’t derail your focus.</h2>
Too many times in our lives, we try to justify a relationship. We are attracted to someone beautiful. They might have certain things going for them or we think there will be some opportunity with them in the future. We form relationships with people that don’t complement where we are in life, and it ultimately derails our focus.

You know <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/3-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-relationships">the relationships in your life</a> are important. They have the power to kill your motivation and take away what inspired you to starting pursuing a more significant life. Those relationships should be in alignment with what you believe and want to accomplish. Don’t compromise or <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/15-motivational-quotes-to-stop-making-excuses">make excuses</a>. Life is too short to let anyone or anything keep you from taking action and making moves in your life.
<h2>2. Healthy relationships never make you feel used.</h2>
I’m not going to tell you that all of the relationships in your life should be mutually beneficial. That’s just unrealistic. But you should never come away with the feeling that the only reason this person is in your life is because they want something from you.

It takes <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/6-steps-to-discover-your-true-self">a strong understanding of yourself</a> and your emotions to see the truth. If the relationship involves you constantly giving time and energy without acknowledgment or appreciation, then you might be in a situation where you’re being used. Cut those types of relationships out of your life.
<h2>3. Healthy relationships start with you having a healthy relationship with yourself.</h2>
Healthy relationships start with what you think and feel about yourself. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/3-questions-to-know-if-youre-truly-confident">Loving yourself</a> is real and very important. If you don’t have a healthy view of yourself, you will attract and let relationships into your life that aren’t healthy. You must know and love who you are; your self-esteem must be strong.

If you are attracting nothing but unhealthy relationships into your life, take some time to examine your feelings and relationship with you. Get honest about the areas of your life that you want to change and start taking the first steps. Spend time doing the inner work to develop you as a whole individual that loves who you are and won’t tolerate unhealthy relationships.

The journey to create success in your life isn’t easy. Either the relationships in your life will help you get to the next level or they will hold you back from <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-changes-you-can-make-to-reach-your-full-potential">your untapped potential</a>. You have a choice. No one can tell you how to live your life or who you should allow into it. Make smart choices and choose relationships that will help you live the kind of life that gives you happiness.
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-how-to-build-good-relationships">How to Build Good Relationships</a>

A healthy relationship should complement you, not derail you.

A healthy relationship should complement you, not derail you. | SUCCESS

3 Things Successful People Know About Healthy Relationships

3 Things Successful People Know About Healthy Relationships | SUCCESS

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Personal Development

Personal Development Archives

Personal Development | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

Success often comes from the knowledge and experience you receive when you make mistakes. We are human and are bound to make mistakes—and in that moment, when nothing seems to be working out, you can decide to give in to what you feel or you can learn and move forward.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/john-c-maxwell-how-to-make-the-most-of-your-mistakes">How to Make the Most of Your Mistakes</a>

Successful people don’t let mistakes hold them back from taking the necessary action required to hit their big life goals. They view mistakes as invaluable life lessons and experiences that shape who they are. They also learn what not to do again.

Here are seven mistakes successful people have experienced, learned from and won’t repeat.

<h2>1. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/12-ways-successful-people-handle-toxic-people">Successful people don’t allow toxic relationships into their life.</a> </h2>

The relationships in your life are an indicator of your success. As Jim Rohn said, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-how-to-deal-with-the-negative-influences-in-your-life">The negative relationships</a> will drag you down to their level. The positive ones will push you further than you felt like you could go. If you want to make this one of the most successful phases in your life, evaluate the relationships that are in your life. Get honest about who needs to go. Don’t make the mistake of allowing toxic relationships to stunt any progress toward your success goals.

<h2>2. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/5-steps-to-turn-your-passion-into-your-profession">Successful people don’t spend years doing work that doesn't fulfill them.</a></h2>

Most of us will spend at least 40 hours per week in some form of work. It can be a traditional job or a business, but if what you’re doing during those 40 hours doesn’t fulfill you, it will affect every other area of your life. Before you know it, you’ve given years of your life to something that is slowly eating away at your resolve and determination to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/videos/youtube/the-pursuit-4-secrets-to-choose-the-good-life-the-james-altucher-way">live a better life</a>. It’s not easy—especially in our current economy—to find work that fulfills you and pays well, but nothing that’s worth it comes easy. Spend time finding or creating work that supports the kind of life you want to live and one that gives you freedom.

<h2>3. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/21-quotes-about-failing-fearlessly">Successful people don’t let doubt and fear dictate their choices.</a></h2>

Doubt and fear are a normal part of anyone’s life. But your reactions to these emotions will affect your success journey. Successful people make decisions from a place of value and strength. They know what values are most important to them and make decisions that align with those values. Doubt and fear are not a factor when they are making decisions.

<h2>4. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/3-ways-to-discover-your-true-passion">Successful people don’t chase other people’s dreams.</a></h2>

It’s natural to want what seems and feels like success. You see someone else do something and you want that for your life. But dreams, goals and freedom have to be personal. You have to figure out what your dreams are and why they are important to you. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/3-tips-for-avoiding-shiny-distractions">Successful people don’t waste time and energy on shiny objects.</a> Don’t let the allure of someone else’s dream derail you from discovering yours.

<h2>5. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-healthy-habits-you-already-know-but-arent-doing">Successful people don’t underestimate the power of physical fitness. </a></h2>

What you eat and how active you are has an effect on the energy you have and that will affect how to tackle your goals. Your physical fitness is closely tied to your success journey. Successful people make their fitness and health a priority because they realize it’s one of the keys to living a long and happy life. It goes beyond just maintaining your fitness; harness the power that comes when you are in tune with your body.

<h2>6. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/learn-to-say-no-to-take-control-of-your-life">Successful people don’t do things they know they don’t want to do.</a></h2>

There are a lot of things you could be doing, and even things that seem important but aren’t if you were honest with yourself. Successful people cut those things out of their life and make it a point to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/22-inspiring-quotes-about-freedom">create a life of freedom</a>. They spend each moment on the things that lead to and support the kind of life they want to live. Time is precious and life is short. Don’t waste either on the things you don’t want or need to do.

<h2>7. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/are-you-an-original">Successful people don’t copy someone else who is successful. </a></h2>

It’s natural to want to mimic or even copy success. Those who are successful see the value in modeling success, but they understand copying won’t produce the same results. Just because something worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work the same way for you. Your goals, dreams and aspirations have to be personal.

<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/ziglar-3-things-to-do-when-you-make-a-mistake">Learn from your mistakes.</a> We all make them and will continue making them for the rest of our lives—so view them as life lessons. The key is to not repeat where you stumbled before. Fall and get back up determined to work on your goals harder and smarter.

This is your life and you only get one of them. Make it count.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/12-simple-habits-that-set-ultra-successful-people-apart">12 Simple Habits That Set Ultra-Successful People Apart </a>

This is your life and you only get one of them. Make it count.

This is your life and you only get one of them. Make it count. | SUCCESS

7 Mistakes Successful People Don’t Make Again

7 Mistakes Successful People Don’t Make Again | SUCCESS

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For 12 years, I was a bread delivery driver, and I dreamed of more for my life. But I also listened to my doubt and fear, and I let them keep me from more—from success.

Then I finally got fed up enough to stop just “existing” and to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/stop-fantasizing-and-start-saying-yes-and-to-your-dreams" title="Stop Fantasizing and Start Saying ‘Yes, and’ to Your Dreams | SUCCESS.com">do something about my dream</a>. I wanted to be a writer, so I decided to stop listening to all those self-limiting beliefs, those negative voices, and I self-published a book.

It was a complete flop. I only sold five copies in the first six months. I was defeated—but I was also determined.

It took four years of figuring things out, but my books (now plural!) have now sold more than 100,000 copies. And I’m a writer and a speaker and a coach. I’m living what success means to me. (Ps. I’m writing this blog post from a café in Madrid, Spain, where I just spoke at a conference—so yes, I found the freedom I was after.)

The way many of us who have experienced success in our life got to this place is by having the right mindset. What you think affects the actions you take. If you don’t believe success is possible for you, you’ll make excuses and stay stuck.

There are five common mindset traps that will ruin your chances of reaching <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/4-questions-i-asked-myself-to-define-success" title="4 Questions I Asked Myself to Define Success | SUCCESS.com">whatever success means to you</a>. Don’t let them.

<h2>1. Comparison</h2>

Thanks to social media, we all share, like and comment on what’s going on in our lives. Whether it’s a personal or business win, every day you see interesting and inspiring things that he’s doing, she’s doing, they’re doing. This can be good and bad.

In a sense, it can inspire you to keep taking action in your life. In another sense, it can frustrate you at the lack of perceived progress in your own life. It’s easy to compare where you are to where someone else is—and that can make you want to quit. Your journey is personal, and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-steps-to-stop-comparing-your-success-to-others" title="4 Steps to Stop Comparing Your Success to Others’ | SUCCESS.com">your success should not be measured against what someone else is doing</a> or has done. It should be measured by the goals you've set and what you do to hit those goals.

<h2>2. Self-Doubt</h2>

Doubt and fear are in each of us. We fear failure or looking bad when we stumble. These and many other self-limiting beliefs can easily derail your progress—listening to the negative voices inside your head will convince you that you can’t make big changes or hit your goals. But they’re wrong, and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/fake-it-and-5-other-ways-to-conquer-self-doubt" title="Fake It and 5 Other Ways to Conquer Self-Doubt | SUCCESS.com">you can prove them wrong by ignoring the noise</a> and taking action.

<h2>3. Negative People</h2>

You’ve probably heard that whom you associate with will affect what you believe and what you do—it’s true. Negative people can’t see past their situation, and their only goal is to bring others down to their level. If you listen to them day in and day out, it will affect your mindset and attitude. As much as it hurts, you have to cut negative people out of your life to make progress in your journey to success.

<h2>4. A Lack of Inspiration</h2>

The road to success is long, and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/do-these-7-things-to-get-and-stay-motivated" title="Do These 7 Things to Get (and Stay) Motivated | SUCCESS.com">you need constant motivation</a> to keep you focused. We live in the Information Age, which means there’s an endless supply of it—you can get daily inspiration through blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, etc., etc. Setting aside some time each day to get inspired, to stay motivated, will help you conquer those self-limiting beliefs and negative influences.

<h2>5. Waiting</h2>

The one thing each of us is guaranteed in life is death. The one thing we’re not guaranteed is knowing when our time on this earth will end. All we have is today and right now. Today is the day to start, to push forward. Telling yourself that you’ll take action later, in the future, will keep you from making the choices that lead to success.

Have you committed to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/how-to-change-yourself-in-positive-ways" title="How To: Change Yourself in Positive Ways | SUCCESS.com">making changes in your life</a>? Make this the year they stick. Beat these mindset traps by realizing you have what it takes.

How have you overcome mindset traps or self-limiting beliefs of your own?

What you think affects the actions you take.

What you think affects the actions you take. | SUCCESS

5 Mindset Traps That Will Derail Your Success

5 Mindset Traps That Will Derail Your Success | SUCCESS

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