Secret Mastery: The Silent Climb to Success (And What to Do When You Want to Give Up)

“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than the mastery of oneself.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Have you ever found yourself jealous of someone who seemingly achieved success overnight?

It’s like suddenly, and out of nowhere, you see someone else’s dreams fall together perfectly.

Meanwhile, you’re struggling to keep your head afloat. Everything you’ve been working for seems like it’s all for nothing, and lately, you’ve been questioning if you should settle for an easier route.

“Should I give up?”

“Failure after failure is a sign, right?”

“If I was meant to do this, wouldn’t it be easier than it is?”

Questions like the above plague your mind and cause you to doubt your vision, talk down to yourself, and cause a slew of fears to surface.

But here’s the thing: Mastery takes time. 

And before you roll your eyes, hear me out — I’m not just saying this to make you feel better about where you are versus where you want to be. I’m telling you this because it’s true.

Behind every person who has achieved master-level status in their respective career or interest, lies an intimate side of that person “we” (the world) don’t see. We don’t see the tears. The failures. The learnings. The frustration. The almost quitting but giving it one more try (then another, then another) until FINALLY, they have a small breakthrough.

Followed by another.

Then another. 

That my friends is silent mastery. It’s the real climb to success. The one you too will trek if you are to become a master of your life.

And there will be times (more often than not) when you question everything, including if it’s worthwhile to continue doing what you’re doing.

And during those dark nights of the soul, when you’re filled with doubts and your mind is working against your heart, take solace in knowing you are not alone.

Instead, you are traveling down a dark road too often abandoned just as the light begins to beckon. And if you feel like turning around before your own light can shine, here are 5 steps that will help guide you along your path:

Step One: Remind yourself everything is a season

Nothing lasts forever, including the hardships you’re experiencing. As you struggle in the moment, you feel like you’re swimming against the current, but in reality, you’re gaining the strength necessary to continue moving forward with your head above water.

Don’t get swallowed up by the waves, learn to master them by continuing to swim even when you’re tired, and it seems impossible.

Impossible simply means I’m possible. And you are. 

Step Two: Bring yourself back to the present moment

A busy mind is an unproductive mind and one that ceases to see the blessings in every moment of life.

Release the stress, tensions, and worries you feel when your mind is tangled up in the past or overthinking the future.

This moment right here, right now, is the only moment that truly exists. This moment is where all of your power can be found. Seize the moment by bringing yourself back into it!

Here’s how:

• Inhale through your nose to the count of 4
• Exhale very slowly through your mouth to the count of 8
• Repeat this exercise 3 times

Step 3: Take another step forward

It’s dark, isn’t it? But darkness isn’t an excuse for inaction.

If you want to see the light, you have to take the next step forward.

Action creates momentum, and the momentum of stepping forward (no matter how big or small that step is) is what will, over time, get you to where you want to be.

Step 4: Fail. 

Yep. You read that right. Step 4 is to fail.

Go full throttle with your dream, and let yourself stumble, fall, or outright slam to the ground.

It might sound brutal, but failure is how you learn, grow, and face your fears.

So put yourself out there and take chances!

Make progress. Fail. Fall. And then get back up and dust off your knees because you’re going to do it all over again. And again. And again.

Step 5: Have faith

Whatever it is you want to do, be, or achieve – you can! But, first, you MUST have faith in yourself, and TRUST the Universe in what’s to come.

Otherwise, you’ll live in a constant state of doubt.

Unexpected things will happen in life — you can count on that. But, rather than letting those unexpected things get you down, surrender and embrace them. Only by accepting what is can you make room for what’s to come.

Success isn’t linear. And it’s not easy. Success is never a perfectly paved road, with an easily achievable destination shining brightly, and awaiting your arrival with open arms.

Instead, success is first and foremost about mastering oneself. Only by mastering yourself first, can you truly achieve success in the long run.

Xx,

Antasha

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About Antasha Durbin: Antasha is a spiritual writer, life-long student of the universe, and psychic tarot card reader. Her website, cajspirituality.com, is dedicated to casualizing the spiritual experience and making it attainable for anyone, anywhere, anytime. Follow her for free, easy-to-digest and highly actionable advice on spirituality, mindfulness and empowered living.