Having had multiple businesses and ventures in the personal development and wellness industry for over a decade now, I have noticed that over time there is one mindset assumption that weighs more heavily on me than anything else.

Maybe it’s also something do with hitting my 40’s that has allowed me to shift perspective and soften my approach with a healthier dose of self-compassion.

Over the years I have repeatedly been bombarded with articles, books, posts, memes, internet gurus and more …all insisting the same fundamental thing: what I MUST do in order to be successful!

For so many years I subconsciously believed these words I consumed all around me, yet always felt a failure and ‘not good enough’ when all the good intentions and motivated ‘kickstarts’ fell by the wayside, again and again.

What I had hadn’t acknowledged or understood was that I could read between the lines of the powerful click-bait laden marketing language and find my own truth that lay softly beneath. 

It doesn’t need to be such a literal undertaking, no matter how bold and convincing the “10 Things The Most Successful People Do Every Day” article in Forbes claims itself to be.

If like me, you find yourself succumbing, with a heavy heart, to these brazen headlines and extremes, judging yourself against more and more unsustainable markers for success in your already overwhelmed life, then this is for you too.

Be gentle with yourself. It’s NOT a method for true success.

You’ve got this.

10 Things you DON’T need to do every day for success.

1) You don’t need to get up at 5am to get started on your day.

But you could try to carve out space in the day to focus on what’s most important

2) You don’t need to drink green juice.

But you could try to find your own way to nourish your health.

3) You don’t need to meditate every day.

But you could try to become aware of how your thoughts affect your life.

4) You don’t need to write a gratitude diary or daily journal.

But you could try to notice the small moments to be grateful for and create space to process challenges.

5) You don’t need to exercise everyday.

But you could try to regularly move your body in a way that is meaningful and beneficial to your body.

6) You don’t need to give up coffee or alcohol.

But you could try to consume both mindfully.

7) You don’t need to have a five year plan or specific goals set for the future. 

But you could try to create a sense of purpose and direction to drive you forward

8) You don’t need to go for a walk in nature every day.

But you could try to get some fresh air for at least a few minutes

9) You don’t need to read X amount of books per year.

But you could try to keep learning and educating yourself

10) You don’t need to focus on just one thing.

But you could try not allowing procrastination or self doubt to get in the way of completing projects.

What else would you add to the list?