BRANDON FALTER
Author
PURPOSE
April 27, 2023
Breaking the Mold: Questioning the Status Quo to Find Your Unique Path to Success
Learn how to get your life back by rediscovering authenticity and embracing your unique rhythms to forge a personalized path to success.
Today, I found myself reflecting on a time when I didn't adhere to the societal norms of waking up at dawn, immersing myself in an array of self-help literature, or meticulously counting my work hours. I was inherently confident, and my association with one of my partners greatly contributed to my ability to remain focused on the process rather than the outcome. I didn't grapple with confusion; rather, I was certain of my goals and pursued them unabashedly.
However, somewhere along the way, I fell into a debilitating cycle of believing I needed to rise with the sun, clock in longer work hours, and conform my thinking to fit societal expectations. A conversation with my wife made me realize how my perspective shifted when I brought new employees onto my team for the first time. Feeling the weight of leadership and the need to extract the best from my employees, I started to deviate from my innate habits. I started burning the candle at both ends, a drastic shift that led to an unbalanced lifestyle and the gradual erosion of my prior achievements.
In a span of nearly seven years, I have come to the stark realization that I strayed from my true essence. In my pursuit of success, I adopted the methods touted by society, books, and mentors, neglecting the fact that these approaches might not align with my individual nature. I had inadvertently been working against my own success by ignoring my instinctual methods of achieving it.
In light of these reflections, it is clear that moving forward requires a recalibration of my approach toward work and success. First and foremost, I must rekindle my inherent confidence and trust my instincts. Success is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and my path may look different than what society, books, or mentors prescribe.
Secondly, it's crucial to restore the balance in my life. Instead of counting hours, I need to focus on productivity and the quality of work. Long hours don't necessarily equate to progress, and it's important to prioritize well-being and avoid burnout.
In addition, I must revisit the leadership style that led me astray. Recognizing that my role as a leader doesn't require self-sacrifice but rather fostering an environment where everyone, including myself, can thrive in their unique way is essential.
Reconnecting with my natural rhythms and ways of functioning, such as waking and working at times that suit me best, will also be pivotal in realigning with my true nature.
Lastly, I should regularly consult with people who appreciate my individuality and can offer grounded advice when I need to refocus.
This journey of self-realization has been an invaluable lesson. As I go forward, it will be with the understanding that my unique path to success lies in honoring my innate nature and the practices that resonate with it. It's time to break away from prescriptive norms and embrace my own version of success.
If my personal journey resonates with you, you too might be unwittingly sabotaging your own path to success by trying to fit into prescribed norms that might not align with your individual nature. Remember, there's no universal blueprint for success, and your journey doesn't have to mirror anyone else's.
If my personal journey resonates with you, you too might be unwittingly sabotaging your own path to success by trying to fit into prescribed norms that might not align with your individual nature. Remember, there's no universal blueprint for success, and your journey doesn't have to mirror anyone else's.
If you find yourself constantly drained, unfulfilled, or stressed despite your best efforts, it might be time to question the status quo. Are you embracing habits or lifestyles simply because they are commonly accepted as the 'right' way to succeed? It's worth taking time to introspect and evaluate whether these practices genuinely serve you or if they are causing more harm than good.
Understand that true success comes from living authentically, from honoring your unique strengths and rhythms. It's about working smart, not just hard, and about understanding that your well-being is integral to your achievement.
Take a step back and look at your life objectively. Try to identify areas where you may be forcing yourself to conform to external expectations at the expense of your inner peace and productivity. Recognize that it's okay to break free from societal molds if they don't fit you.
Remember, you are the architect of your life and success. Be bold in questioning, exploring, and creating your own norms that align with your true nature. Your path to success lies in your authenticity, so don't be afraid to honor it.
Key Points
- Embrace Your Individuality: Recognize that your path to success doesn't have to mirror anyone else's. Success isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. Your strengths, rhythms, and instincts are your biggest assets.
- Question the Status Quo: Don't accept societal norms and expectations at face value. Consider whether these 'accepted' paths to success genuinely serve you, or if they cause more harm than good. It's okay, and often necessary, to challenge these norms.
- Prioritize Balance and Wellbeing: Avoid equating long work hours with productivity. Instead, focus on the quality of work and overall wellbeing. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustainable success.
- Adopt Authentic Leadership: As a leader, it's vital to create an environment where everyone, including yourself, can thrive. Leadership isn't about self-sacrifice, but about fostering growth and respect for individuality.
- Seek Grounded Advice: Regularly consult with people who appreciate your individuality and offer balanced advice. Surrounding yourself with supportive, understanding individuals can help keep you focused and aligned with your unique path to success.
About the Author
BRANDON FALTER
Founder of Letsgoal
Brandon Falter is a successful and passionate entrepreneur that creates innovative and intuitive software solutions that empower individuals and organizations to achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world. He enjoys being a father, son, husband, and friend and lives his life to the fullest. "As a serial entrepreneur, creative innovator, artist, and family man, Brandon is committed to building innovative businesses and products that make a positive impact on the world. With a passion for creativity and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business, he has sold over $35 million in real estate and runs multiple successful companies." "Brandon has been interviewed and featured on entrepreneurial podcasts and is driven to push the boundaries of what's possible and bring new ideas to life." Whether building a new venture or creating art, Brandon is guided by his core values of innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to family and his community."
