The REAL Formula for Success

Written by Guest Contributor, Helen Tremethick

All opinions expressed in this article are the sole perception/experience of the writer, and may not necessarily be shared by Michelle Lewis – The Blessings Butterfly. All Rights Reserved.

Many years ago, I wrote a blog post called, “SUCCESS begins with SELF-CARE”. I was crafty enough to turn the word SUCCESS into an anagram that included: Self-care, Understanding, Community, Creativity, Excellence, Service, and Savasana. What’s most interesting to me about this post is not how nerdy I am when it comes to wordplay but how relevant it is even now. 

As entrepreneurs and values-minded people, we love to talk about The Hustle as an Evil Other. We share stories of how we’ve successfully overcome the external pressure to perform. But the truth is, when it comes to our daily routines, we’re often guilty of pushing ourselves too hard, creating unrealistic expectations for ourselves, and then diminishing or worse, ignoring our successes. 

The Hustle is pervasive AF. Its insipid claws sneak into our planners, our To Do Lists, our social media feed, and our perfectionist standards. Its voice whispers “not enough” despite your life filled with big responsibilities and unexpected challenges. 

In my last decade as a Business Co-Conspirator, I’ve seen this time and time again. The Hustle can be glorified as a “5-Step Marketing Plan to 7-Figures” but it’s still lipstick on a pig. 

Anything that makes you feel as if your best is not enough is The Hustle in disguise…no matter how many glitter rainbows and fluffy pillows you find on the website. 

Humans like things to make sense. We like to know that if we “do this plus this then we get these results”. That’s the reason why these templates and gurus do so well. They’re catering to our innate need for clarity, quick wins, and easy confidence. 

I’d like to offer an alternative. This is what the real success formula looks like:

Discernment + Small Doable Actions + Noticing = Personal Success

Discern which tasks will move you toward your goals (there’s a whole post about that here).

Take small doable actions and pay attention to your accomplishments.

Notice when you start consuming content or thinking thoughts that put you on the “not enough” train. 

Then repeat. That’s it. 

It’s the same as the old adage: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. 

We could call this Growth Mindset. We could call this Self-Compassion. We could call it simply Being Nice To Yourself. As business owners, we can also call it Success.

Whatever you call it, I’m here for it. 

Real growth, real success, is an individual path that is highly customizable. 

And if it hasn’t been said before, allow me to say it now: 

You Are Enough. 

Your best is enough. Your work is enough. Your magic is enough. Your definition of success is enough. You are enough. 

Don’t let The Hustle tell you otherwise. 

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This is an original post written exclusively for The Blessings Butterfly.

Helen Tremethick is a thought partner & co-conspirator for badass entrepreneurs (and those who want to be). Helen uses a unique methodology called Love & Badassery that helps business owners find the courage, confidence, and clarity they need to show up wholly in their businesses. 

Since 2011, she has worked with hundreds of business owners to clarify their messaging, copy, business models, and transform their self-confidence while doing so. If you’re looking for the skills you need to grow in your business and your life, Helen’s Love & Badassery Motorcycle Club is the right next step for you.

To find out more about Helen, check out helentremethick.com or find her on Instagram @helentremethick.

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Want some more inspiration? Check out these articles: Inspiration: Doing Hard Things More than Enough Open Letter to a Little Girl