Everyone Can Make It —But Not in Their Current Form

The truth is, anyone can become successful in life, but not necessarily as they are today. The journey to success looks different for everyone. It’s shaped by a combination of mindset, perseverance, skills, opportunities, and adaptability. While some people may start with more resources or advantages, success isn’t reserved for the privileged—it’s accessible to anyone willing to put in the work and learn from setbacks.

But here’s the thing: the idea of success is subjective. Some measure it by wealth, others by personal growth, relationships, or their impact on society. Success can be defined in countless ways, but there’s a common thread: the right attitude, paired with purposeful effort, is the driving force behind any version of success. If you’re willing to change and grow, the path is open.

So, if success is within reach for anyone, why don’t more people achieve it?

What Sets Successful People Apart?

There are patterns and traits that successful people consistently share, no matter their field. Success may look different in outcome, but the behaviors and mindsets are often the same.

Here’s what separates those who succeed from those who fall short:

1. Clear Goals and Vision
   If you don’t know where you are going, how would you know when you get there? Successful people know exactly what they want. They set clear, measurable goals and build plans to achieve them. This clarity keeps them focused, guiding their decisions and actions in alignment with their ultimate vision.

2. Resilience and Persistence
   Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” Everyone faces setbacks, failures, and obstacles. The difference is that successful people don’t quit when things get tough. Instead, they look for the lesson that comes with failure, make adaptations, and keep pushing forward. It’s not about avoiding failure. By trying to avoid it, you are robbing yourself of valuable lessons.

3. Self-Discipline
   Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. It is the primary building block of success. It’s the ability to delay gratification work when others go out and have fun—staying focused on long-term goals and making sacrifices when necessary. Whether it’s managing time effectively or resisting distractions, successful people don’t rely on motivation.
4. Adaptability
   One of my favorite quotes comes from Viktor Frankl, who wisely stated, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
   The ability to adapt and continue learning is what I consider true intelligence. Successful people are willing to learn, always open to new ideas, and willing to evolve. They embrace change rather than resist it. In other words, they learn how to band but not break.

5. Strong Work Ethic
   “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary” Vince Lombardi
   Hard work is non-negotiable. Successful individuals put in consistent effort and go above and beyond what’s expected. They understand that success requires more than talent—it demands grit, dedication, and hustle.

6. Positive Attitude
   Success isn’t just about what you do; it’s about how you think. Maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity, is key. Successful people stay mentally tough, manage stress, and keep themselves motivated, knowing that setbacks are part of the process.

7. Building Relationships
   “No Man Is an Island“ John Donne
   The most successful people understand the value of relationships. They build strong networks, surround themselves with others who share their ambitions, and learn from mentors and peers. As the saying goes, you can never have too many friends.

8. Focus on Creating Value
   Success isn’t just about what you gain; it’s about what you give. Create value for others, and the rewards will follow. Those who achieve long-term success focus on how they can create value for others. Whether it’s through products, services, or ideas, they prioritize contributing over extracting. The focus on value builds sustainable success and helps others help your mission.
9. Self-Reflection
   “You cannot change what you are not aware of, and once you are aware, you cannot help but change.” Sheryl Sandberg

Self-reflection is the cornerstone of personal growth and development. It’s the process of looking inward to assess your thoughts, actions, and decisions, allowing you to gain deeper self-awareness. By regularly engaging in self-reflection, you can learn from both your successes and failures, adjust your mindset, and align your actions with your values. Ultimately, it’s through this introspective practice that you evolve, improve, and make more intentional choices in life.

The Things You Have to Let Go So You Can Grow

You must let go of certain habits and mindsets that hold you back if you want to grow. Some of your habits and thoughts are, in fact, holding you back.

1. Let Go of Blaming Others
   Growth starts when you take full responsibility for your actions. Blaming others for what doesn’t work is not reflecting on YOUR actions. It keeps you stuck. Own your circumstances, and focus on finding solutions instead of excuses.If you can’t change it, accept it and adapt to work with it; if you can change it, then change it. 

2. Let Go of the Fear of Failure
   You will fail—everyone does. However, the real failure is not trying or not learning from those failures. Every challenge is a chance to win or learn, not win or lose. Failure is simply part of the journey. If you don’t try, you have already failed to achieve your goal.
3. Let Go of Short-Term Comfort
   Self-discipline requires sacrifice. Growth happens when you focus on the bigger picture and prioritize consistent effort over momentary comfort. If you want to build comfort that lasts, you must let go of the immediate gratification you get from avoiding challenges, seeking quick rewards, and settling for temporary ease.

4. Let Go of a Fixed Mindset
   Believing that your abilities are fixed limits your potential. Growth is possible only when you believe in your capacity to learn and improve. A growth-oriented mindset opens up endless opportunities to evolve.

Change is Growth. 

So, let me be clear and use simpler words: Everyone can succeed, but not in their current form. You can’t just “be you” and assume that’s enough. If you think doing the same thing over and over will get you there, you’re not ready to grow. (Albert Einstein actually defined that as insanity.) If you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and face failure, you’ll start learning what needs to change.

Today, I am strong enough to admit that if my 15-year-younger self walked into my office today and asked for a job, I’d have to say, “No, thank you.” Back then, I wasn’t ready to do something amazing. I wanted it, but I wasn’t equipped for it. I had a lot of growing to do. I had to experience a lot of failures first.

At that time, I thought I knew everything the world had to offer. Today, I’m wiser, and I know I don’t. Growth isn’t about knowing it all—it’s about realizing how much you *don’t* know and committing to the process of learning and evolving every single day.

Success is a choice. It’s not about where you start but where you’re willing to go, how hard you’re willing to work, and how much you’re willing to grow along the way.

Do something amazing

Tsahi Shemesh
Founder & CEO
Krav Maga Experts