What does success mean to you? Are you successful when you have lots of money, power, or an expensive car? What does failure mean to you? Are you a failure when you weigh too much, work at an unfulfilling job, or live alone?

The Success Secret
I believe that success is when you become your authentic self. In other words, you are intimately connected to the essence of who you really are and you are committed to living a life that is in alignment with your true self. Here are a few internal emotional blocks that can keep you from experiencing true success.

Worry and Stress
Nothing depletes energy and motivation for success quicker than worry and stress. Worry and stress literally squishes every ounce of joy and happiness out of you and leaves you feeling empty and hopeless.

Guilt
Guilt and shame can hover like a dark cloud over your head as you interact with people and make decisions. You’re never quite in the clear and free to express your thoughts and feelings.

Control
False control can dominate your thoughts. What you think you’re controlling is really the opposite. You are, in reality, trying to control things you cannot control. Your inability to separate what you can and cannot control can keep you stuck.

Lack of Energy
It takes a great amount of energy to succeed. When you look at where you are and where you need to be, it can seem too overwhelming and you will give up—which will, in turn, lower your energy.

Inability to Say ‘No’
When you have an inability to say ‘no’ to family, friends, and colleagues, you give them your valuable time and energy; which leaves you drained and depleted.

Focusing on What Others Think of You
You can get off course by worrying and stressing about what others think of you. Comparing yourself to others, wanting everyone to like you, and constantly trying to avoid any sort of conflict or confrontation can keep you from growing and succeeding in your life.

Three Success Principles
Setting goals and taking action toward your goals will create success. If, however, you find yourself stuck, unmotivated, and unable to take action, it could be attributed to something much deeper. Look inside your self for these success principles.
1. You must believe that what you do matters.
2. You must trust that after you make a decision to do something, it will happen.
3. You must stick with it until what you want to happen does happen.

Action Steps
• Decide and believe that what you do for your health matters (using the example of your goal to get fit). Go deep inside your being and embrace the idea that it is possible for your inner and outer being to reflect your best self. Decide to make fitness and your health a top priority.

• As you go out on your scheduled walks, trust the fact that you will get fit. Repeating the words, “I’ll never get fit, I’ll never get fit, I’ll never get fit”, while you are walking will keep you from succeeding. Realize what you are saying to yourself and choose to change your words. Substitute with “I am fit, healthy, and happy.”

• If at some point you give up on your health program, immediately get back on it again, and continue working on your goal of being fit and healthy. If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts and feeling guilty about giving up, stop those thoughts immediately. Refocus your thoughts and energy on succeeding at being fit and healthy.

Most importantly, remember that a successful person is successful because they have the ability to do the very thing they don’t want to do—in this case, walk.

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Author's Bio: 

Sandra Smith is an award-winning motivational speaker, author, and Life Is Fabulous blogger. She makes successful living simple. Order her book, Get What You REALLY Want Without the Guilt — it can help you find your passion. Subscribe to her fabulous newsletter at http://www.lifeisfabulous.com.