HOW TO UNLEARN THE SUCCESS
MYTHS THAT ARE HOLDING YOU
BACK.

By Sakhe Kanta
“Success is often seen as a linear path, with certain beliefs
and behaviors being deemed necessary for achieving it.
However, these so-called “success myths” can actually hold
us back and prevent us from reaching our full potential. In
this article, we will explore how to unlearn these myths and
break free from the limitations they impose.”

First, let’s define what we mean by “success myths.” These are belief systems that are
deeply ingrained in our society and often taken for granted as truth. They may include
ideas like “hard work equals success,” “you must be highly intelligent to succeed,” or
“you need to be outgoing and extroverted to succeed in business.” While there may be
some truth to these statements, they can also be limiting if we take them too literally or
allow them to define our entire concept of success.
So, how can we begin to unlearn these myths and embrace a more nuanced and
personal definition of success? Here are some tips:

Look within
Reflect on your own values and goals. Take some time to think about what truly matters
to you and what you want to achieve in your life. This will help you identify any beliefs
or behaviors that may not align with your values and goals.

Look without
Seek out diverse perspectives. One of the dangers of success myths is that they often
perpetuate a narrow and limited view of what is possible. To break free from this, it can
be helpful to seek out diverse perspectives and stories of success. For example, you
might read books or articles by authors from different cultural backgrounds or
industries, or seek out mentorship from individuals who have achieved success in
different ways

Love yourself
Practice self-compassion. It’s natural to feel like you have to live up to certain
expectations or standards of success. However, this can lead to feelings of inadequacy
or self-doubt when you don’t meet these expectations. To counter this, it’s important to
practice self-compassion and remind yourself that everyone has their own unique path
to success.

These three books can help you reflect on and unlearn success myths:

“The Leadership Pipeline” by Ram Charan, Stephen Drotter, and James Noel.
In this book, the authors present a comprehensive framework for understanding the
various levels of leadership and the unique set of skills and behaviors required to
succeed at each level. They reject the notion that there is a one-size-fits-all approach to
leadership and instead advocate for developing a personalized leadership style that
reflects individual values and objectives. Ultimately, the book offers a valuable resource
for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and advance their career.
“Give and Take” by Adam Grant.
Grant argues in this book that interpersonal interactions are just as important to success
as individual accomplishments. He demonstrates that those who are kind, collaborative,
and helpful to others are more likely to be successful than those who are aggressive or

competitive. Grant illustrates how a giving mindset can lead to success in both personal
and professional environments by drawing on significant research and real-world
experiences.
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle.
This spiritual classic encourages readers to let go of their egos and live in the present
moment. It challenges the idea that success is tied to material possessions or external
achievements and instead encourages readers to find fulfillment and meaning within
themselves.
By reflecting on your own values and goals, seeking out diverse perspectives, and
practicing self-compassion, you can begin to unlearn the success myths that may be
holding you back. Remember, success is a personal and individual journey, and it’s up
to you to define what it means for you.