The Question

How can the path to success be success? This thought struck me recently, and the answer unfolded in a way I hadn’t expected. Here’s my realization:

When you’re working on something, there’s a natural tendency to feel happy when things go right. But think about it—that joy stems from the fact that, deep down, you already had the knowledge to succeed at that task. The moment something “works,” it’s not the act of doing that brings you success; it’s the process of knowing that led you there.

So, don’t just celebrate the outcome. Celebrate the fact that you are succeeding in the larger sense—expanding your mind and capabilities.

Success is Learning Something You Don’t Know

True success isn’t about flawlessly executing what you already know. Success is about venturing into uncharted territory, embracing failure, and slowly piecing together new knowledge to solve a problem.

This process is messy. When you step into the unknown, your previous knowledge may fail you. You might try solutions that don’t work or only partially succeed. It’s frustrating, but it’s also where growth happens. Through this process of trial and error—of failure—your mind expands, and you gain the knowledge to overcome that challenge. That’s where the real “Hurrah!” moment lies.

Now, when you face the same situation again, you execute flawlessly because you know. But that moment—while it’s satisfying—is not where success truly lies. Success was the moment you stepped into the unknown and kept going despite the discomfort.

Recognizing the Path to Growth

The only way to grow is to move toward the things you don’t know. And here’s a hint: your mind already tells you what to pursue. Pay attention to all the things it tries to avoid. For example, you might think, I feel lazy today; I had a great gym session yesterday, so it’s okay to skip today. That hesitation is the signpost. Catch those cues.

When you notice resistance or avoidance, sprint toward it. Ignore the nagging doubts of your mind and just go. Once you begin with focus, your mind will switch to solving whatever you’re doing. You’ll transform that resistance into progress.

A Daily Practice for Embracing Discomfort

To make this philosophy actionable, try this:

The “Uncharted Territory” Tracker

  1. At the start of each day: Write down one thing your mind is resisting. It could be a big challenge or a small task—as long as it makes you hesitate.

  2. Commit to facing it head-on: Don’t overthink it. Just start.

  3. At the end of the day: Reflect on what you did, how you overcame that initial resistance, and what you learned from the process.

By building this habit, you’ll not only grow through new experiences but also reframe discomfort as an opportunity for success.

Closing Thoughts

The path to success isn’t smooth. It’s riddled with challenges, failures, and moments of doubt. But it’s in these moments—when you push past resistance, embrace the unknown, and expand your mind—that success truly happens. Remember, success is not about executing flawlessly; it’s about daring to grow. So the next time you feel that twinge of avoidance, take it as a sign and sprint toward it. You’re already on the path to success.