Ever wonder why some people seem to thrive despite setbacks, while others are left feeling defeated? Life throws challenges our way with packed schedules, overwhelming responsibilities, and unexpected setbacks that make us question our direction. It’s natural to point to these as the reason we’re not moving forward. But what if the real barrier isn’t what’s happening around us, but what’s happening inside us? What if true success isn’t defined by outcomes but by something deeper?
The Harsh Reality of Traditional Success
The conventional definition of success is simple: Effort + Outcome = Success. You give it your all, and if you hit your goal, you’ve succeeded. But here’s the hard truth: life doesn’t always cooperate. You can pour your heart into something and still not get the result you wanted. That’s the reality that doesn’t get acknowledged enough.
Wooden and Adler’s Perspective
To break free from the pressure of traditional success, let’s explore a different approach championed by those who truly understood resilience. Legendary coach John Wooden and renowned psychologist Alfred Adler both challenged the conventional idea of success. Wooden believed that success wasn’t about the number of wins or trophies, but rather an internal sense of peace that comes from knowing you gave your best effort. Adler emphasized personal growth and striving to reach one’s potential, independent of external validation. Both perspectives offer a way to redefine success so that it remains meaningful, even when outcomes fall short of expectations.
Accomplishment Beyond the Scoreboard
John Wooden’s perspective on success wasn’t just philosophical; it was the foundation of his legendary career. As the head coach of UCLA’s men’s basketball team, Wooden led his team to an unprecedented 10 NCAA national championships in 12 years, including an 88-game winning streak—a record that still stands. But for Wooden, these achievements were not the pinnacle of his success.
Wooden measured success by the effort and dedication he and his players brought to every practice, every game, every moment. He once said, “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” This mindset allowed him to stay grounded and focused, regardless of the scoreboard.
Imagine the pressure of maintaining such a streak, the eyes of the nation on you, expecting victory after victory. Wooden’s calm demeanor and unwavering principles guided him and his team through the highest of stakes. His philosophy meant that even in the face of defeat, the team’s worth wasn’t tied to winning but to the quality of their effort. This approach not only led to unparalleled success but also instilled lifelong values in his players.
Why This Can Sound Like Bullshit
You might think, “How can I feel successful when I don’t achieve what I set out to achieve?” And you’re not wrong to feel that way. You didn’t put in the work just to pat yourself on the back and say, “Well, at least I tried.” You wanted the resuls, engagement, recognition, change, financial stability, and when that doesn’t come, calling it “success” feels hollow.
We’ve all experienced that moment when the outcome we worked for slips through our fingers. It stings, doesn’t it? This is where Wooden’s and Adler’s approaches make a practical distinction. Their version of success isn’t about dismissing the importance of results. It’s about building a foundation that keeps you going when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for. It’s not a sugar-coated pep talk; it’s a way to stay grounded and resilient so that life’s setbacks don’t define your worth. It means that setbacks are seen as part of the growth process rather than a judgment of your capabilities. The approach focuses on valuing consistent effort and integrity over results, allowing you to stay mentally and emotionally strong in the face of challenges.
Redefining Success: From Achievement to Peace of Mind
With this perspective, success isn’t confined to the scoreboard or the bottom line. It’s knowing that you’ve shown up fully, given your all, and honored your potential. This shift from achievement to peace of mind changes everything:
Fulfillment in Every Effort: Success becomes part of the process, not a distant destination.
Resilience Through Challenges: Without the weight of external expectations, you’re free to try, fail, and grow.
Personal Accountability: You set your own standard, answering to yourself, not comparisons or external praise.
True Freedom: You are no longer trapped in the cycle of striving for more; you find power in the journey itself.
Owning Your Obstacles
The key to this mindset is recognizing that obstacles are not barriers, they are mirrors. They reflect your resistance, fears, and limiting beliefs. They challenge you to shift from avoidance to ownership. You might think, “I don’t have time” or “This is pointless,” but those are signals pointing to where your growth lies. The obstacle is the way.
Bringing It Home: A New Measure of Success
What if, starting today, you measured success by your commitment to becoming the best you’re capable of? What if you focused on finding peace of mind in knowing you’re doing your best, regardless of the outcome? That’s the kind of success no one can take away from you.
This isn’t about giving up on goals or results, it’s about building resilience and peace that lets you keep striving, even when the scoreboard isn’t in your favor.
Own the obstacle, shift your mindset, and redefine what success means to you. When you do, you’ll find that what once felt like an unmovable barrier was actually the path to your growth all along.