As the founder of Hack Spirit, Ive heard a good deal of advice on how to succeed in life. The most common phrase? Work really hard and youll succeed. Thats what everyone seems to believe. But as someone whos written a best-selling book on mindfulness and eastern philosophy, Ive come to realize that sheer hard work isnt the be-all and end-all.

Now, dont get me wrong hard work is important. But theres more to achieving success than just grinding away relentlessly. After countless conversations, research, and personal experiences, Ive found that there are other, often overlooked elements that play crucial roles in our journey to success.

I spent a month testing these less conventional methods letting go of the constant hustle, focusing on self-awareness, mindfulness and prioritizing personal wellbeing. The results were surprising, even to me.

Taking a step back from the societal norm of relentless hard work was not easy. But I was determined to explore a more mindful and holistic approach to success. So, I set out on a month-long journey, focusing on three key elements that often get sidelined in our quest for achievement.

While it was a significant shift from the constant hustle I was used to, these practices brought about a sense of balance and clarity that I hadnt experienced before.

The results of this month-long experiment were nothing short of transformative. Yes, it was initially uncomfortable to step away from the constant grind and hustle. But what unfolded was a renewed sense of purpose and joy that I hadnt felt in years.

Firstly, my self-awareness through journaling helped me identify what truly mattered to me. No longer was I chasing someone elses definition of success, but my own. I discovered strengths and passions that had been overshadowed by the noise of constant work.

Practicing mindfulness brought a profound sense of calm to my days. I learned to appreciate the present moment, which in turn reduced stress and anxiety. It was no longer about rushing to the finish line, but enjoying the journey.

Finally, prioritizing personal wellbeing made me realize that success isnt worth compromising health and happiness. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, good sleep and leisure time rejuvenated me. I became more productive, creative and content in my work.

In retrospect, I can see how my old belief that hard work is the sole key to success was skewed. Its now clear that a more balanced approach not only leads to success but also enriches the journey towards it.

Before this journey, I was certain that success equated to long hours, constant hustle, and an unwavering commitment to work. I believed that by pushing myself to the limit, Id reach the pinnacle of success.

But this month-long experiment turned my expectations on their head. Rather than leading to burnout and dissatisfaction, as I had half-expected, this holistic approach brought a renewed sense of fulfillment. The results were not just visible in my work, but also in my personal life and overall wellbeing.

I realized success isnt just about financial gain or professional accolades. Its also about personal growth, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment. Reflecting on this now, it seems so obvious. And yet, it took stepping away from the traditional narrative to truly understand it.

Now that weve debunked the popular belief and realigned our expectations with reality, lets delve into the most valuable lesson learned from this journeya lesson that could potentially redefine your perspective on success.

Deciding to step back from the relentless hustle and embrace a more balanced approach to success wasnt easy. It required realigning my views and challenging the societal narrative. But let me tell you, it was worth it.

If youve found yourself caught in the whirlwind of constant work, feeling stressed and unfulfilled, I want to extend an invitation to you. Try stepping back. Cultivate self-awareness, practice mindfulness, and prioritize your wellbeing.

It may feel counterintuitive at first. You might worry about falling behind or not achieving your goals. But remember, real success isnt just about the destinationits also about the journey.

And in this journey, its okay to slow down. Its okay to take care of yourself. Its okay to enjoy the present moment. Because ultimately, success is not just about working hardits about working smart, living well, and enjoying life along the way.

As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of certain principles that have guided me throughout my life. Principles that, in retrospect, seem so relevant to what weve just been exploring. These include:

Embracing mindfulness: This journey has taught me the value of living in the present moment and appreciating the journey rather than just focusing on the destination.

Prioritizing self-improvement: This experiment was, in essence, a personal growth challenge. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone and reassess my understanding of success.

Valuing mental well-being: A key part of this new approach was prioritizing my mental health. I discovered that well-being and success are not mutually exclusive but rather intertwined.

Letting go of unnecessary attachments: I had to let go of the societal narrative that equates success with hard work alone. This was not easy, but it was necessary for growth and transformation.

Balance idealism with realism: Its important to aim high but also remain grounded. Success is about finding that sweet spot between aspiration and practicality.

I hope sharing my journey has given you some food for thought. Perhaps it has challenged your own beliefs and expectations about success. Remember, its okay to redefine what success means to you and seek a balance that not only brings professional achievement but also personal fulfillment and happiness.

In truth, this journey of redefining success mirrors a lot of what I discuss in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. Its about embracing a fulfilling life by living with less ego and more purpose. If youre curious to learn more about how Buddhist teachings can guide you towards a fulfilling modern life, you might find it interesting. You can check it out here.

Remember, at the end of the day, success is a personal journey. Its about finding what works for you and aligning your efforts with your values and well-being. So, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. What does success mean to you? And how can you approach it in a way that brings not just achievement, but also joy and fulfillment?

In this age of information overload and pressure to meet others expectations, many struggle to connect with their core purpose and values. Its easy to lose your inner compass.

Jeanette Brown created this free values discovery PDF to help clarify your deepest motivations and beliefs. As an experienced life coach and self-improvement teacher, Jeanette guides people through major transitions by realigning them with their principles.

Her uniquely insightful values exercises will illuminate what inspires you, what you stand for, and how you aim to operate. This serves as a refreshing filter to tune out societal noise so you can make choices rooted in what matters most to you.

With your values clearly anchored, youll gain direction, motivation and the compass to navigate decisions from your best self rather than fleeting emotion or outside influences.

Stop drifting without purpose. Rediscover what makes you come alive with Jeanette Browns values clarity guide.

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Everyone said, Work really hard and you'll succeed. They were wrong. Here's what actually works. - Hack Spirit