It’s often hard to tell just how close you are to success.
PLEASE NOTE: This post has been updated with new information and moved to here:
16 Reasons You’re Succeeding in Life (Even If You Feel Like You’re Losing)
Photo by: Martina K.
Practical Tips for Productive Living
Written by Marc Chernoff // 54 Comments
It’s often hard to tell just how close you are to success.
PLEASE NOTE: This post has been updated with new information and moved to here:
Photo by: Martina K.
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Marc Chernoff says
PS: I have exciting news. Our son, Mac, was born a few days ago, happy and healthy. Now that’s what I call a success! 😉
Or as Angel put it, “It wasn’t easy… It was amazing. It was magical. It was worth it.” You can check out a photo of the three of us here.
And of course, we’ll be checking in and reading your comments over the next few days.
Ben Pruett says
Congrats Marc and Angel! So happy to hear your new baby is happy and healthy. I actually gave your book to a friend who had her baby at just 29 weeks a few months ago. She was really upset at the time, but she told me your words really helped her. And I’m also happy to report that her baby is doing just fine now.
And as always, excellent article! I have helped raise a healthy, happy, tight-knit family. It’s something I often overlook when I think about my “success,” but it’s so darn important to me. I think it’s time I celebrate my family more often. Thanks for reminding me.
Kelly says
Congrats M&A! And along these same lines, as it relates to this post… A happy, healthy child is a success in itself. After losing one you appreciate every moment. So many people can’t have kids, have lost children…so the next time your child has a tantrum, be grateful he is there to be able to do it.
muyiwa says
Good one Marc. Your second point is a big one for me. I am working on my fears and I’m making a lot of progress. And I am only 19 … and I am no longer obsessed about being “successful” in everyone else’s eyes like I used to be. For the mean time I am just trying to figure out what I want to do with my life… Thank you for the dose of daily inspiration and congratulations.
Larry Hickman says
Nicely written reminders of the little successes we are blessed with, which are not always those grand things of our dreams but the smaller steps, mindsets, and choices in life that nourish, sustain and encourage our growth. And congrats on the healthy baby boy. My wife and I had our first child last year. It’s been an amazingly rewarding experience… certainly a success!
Lady Camille says
Yes, I am successful because I focus on what matters most to me. I Love reviewing my mission statement for life and checking off things like strong healthy relationships, creative self expression, personal growth. I keep adding check marks because these things keep expanding in my life.
Congrats on the new babe. My oldest graduated, turned 19 and moved out last month. Posting his pictures for his open house made me realize he had a happy childhood. Was it easy, no. But the pictures tell a story of happiness. He has grown into a Loving young man and reassured me that he would return the Love by taking care of me when I’m old. 🙂 Now that’s success in my book. Check: Strong Loving Relationships.
zaby says
I sometimes feel that I am not making any progress, and sometimes it is frustrating. I love the part where you said we should appreciate what we have done well and the things that are working out for us. That is great stuff!
Ss says
YaY!! Congratulation!! Marc & Angel!!! 🙂
Evelyn C - The Sanity Saver says
I don’t quite know how you got into my head – yet again. This is exactly what I needed to hear today – Success in life isn’t about pleasing everyone – especially after a not so great review I received yesterday. Of course this was just one downer in a sea of positive reviews, but of course I’m obsessing over it. So thanks to you I’m pushing on with a small on my face. 🙂 Happy Thursday!
Sulekha says
Hearty Congrats, M&A 🙂
Nyasha says
I love this! Sweet sixteen for life!
Amanda LaRose says
Congratulations to you both with the safe arrival of your beautiful baby!
Jane Bailey Bain says
Congratulations!!!
And thanks for another wonderful article. It inspired me to press ‘Send’ on an important e-mail (wish me luck!).
As the quote goes, “There are seven days in the week. Someday isn’t one of them.”
Denyta says
One of the greatest moments which I can appreciate is when my mind is still, empty if you like, not actively thinging. I could be walking down the street, or sitting having a coffee. It is then, that I feel most free.
Kristin says
2, 3, 4 and 5… Love them! Congratulations Marc and Angel.
janice stringer says
This is a great reminder. I wrote about reflecting on your goals. It’s important to take some time and really assess the changes and achievements that happen in a life time. Sometimes when I think things aren’t changing I take a look and see the difference in the short time I am thinking about. Having a good level of awareness, really helps this I find!
Vinodhini says
Congrats Marc and Angel… This post was amazing just like all others!
Julia says
Congratulations!!
Perri says
Thank you and congrats on the arrival of your new baby Mac. This is the best gift of all.
Kimberly says
Congratulations on a happy and healthy child! I am so happy that I stumbled upon your blog through StumbleUpon–your articles provide me with inspiration as well as remind me for my need for introspection. So thank you!
kathyh says
Big 🙂 and Congratulations to the new family! Mac is as beautiful as you both together! May he have the same gifts that you both have with your lives! Now you will be up during the night writing blogs and changing diapers! Best of Everything! Also, love this post! I have burned many bridges only to find true friendships and better light in my life.
Jeanette Weinschel says
I just signed up for your emails recently and have felt a connection to many of them already. I like what you wrote that after a while a person’s physical attributes do not play a role in the relationship. For me that is important. Thank you. This is a great post too.
Phil says
I’ve read your mails countless times and this is the first time I have left a comment. You guys are just an amazing bunch. I stumbled on your website when i was going through a really difficult period in my life and your encouraging and truthful words really helped me get through it. Big congrats on the birth of your son! So happy for you both. May he truly be a source of blessing to you guys as you have been to countless around the world! Cheers!
Kim says
Congrats on the new addition! What a lucky boy! And thank you, because in a way you and Angel are helping to parent many of us. #15 is significant for me, I stopped allowing my mother and siblings to walk all over me, and since then, even if a stranger tries to bully me, I will (have) call them out on it! I can’t tell you how great that feels, to no longer let anyone guilt me or brow beat me anymore!
April says
Congratulations! Having a child is the most centering blessing that will make you realize your true priorities.
Thank you for this wonderful piece. It’s so easy to focus on the challenges of life rather than what we’re doing right. I really appreciate your articles and emails, they’ve become something I look forward to.
Julia says
Congratulations, what an adorable photo! I’m wishing good luck and happiness to you all.
David Rapp says
Woo-hoo!! Congratulations! That is great news!!
David Rapp says
Success often looks like a ongoing, slow motion disaster you can escape from. And only at the end, when the noise stop and the dust settles, can you appreciate what you learned.
TLC says
Congratulations, Marc and Angel! Our greatest purpose in life and on this planet is found in our little ones. So happy to hear everyone is happy and healthy. Warmest wishes, hugs and kisses.
henry njue says
You are really a strong source of inspiration to me.
My two cents: success isn’t the skill or goal earned but the constant persistence that gets you there.
Ahmad says
Congratulations and thank you again for this inspiring article 🙂
Keri C. says
Well it looks like I’m doing really great so far.
Thank you so much! I really needed to read this.
Chris says
Wonderful news! I’m so happy for you both – congratulations on the new baby 🙂
gwen hicks says
Congrats to you both. A boy couldn’t ask for better parents. He is adorable. Thank you for your uplifting posts. They always hit the spot.
Vishal says
Wow. Amazing article!
Nearly all of the points resonated with me. I am having issues with self-acceptance and this article really helped. Bookmarked this page for future reference.
Stella Maende says
Beautiful piece as always.You have no idea what your amazing blog does for some of us. I have been experiencing a lot of challenges in my life lately..but God directed me to your blog. I thank God i found you guys!!!
Well done on your beautiful site and for making our lives a little less harder…may God bless you always and grant you the strength to run this great blog with life changing pieces.
And finally a big congratulations on your new addition….children are amazing and your son is one lucky boy to have such amazing parents!
Anna says
I wish more students and youngsters read this. Helps bounce back from those worrisome moments of uncertainty and despair… Great read, as usual.
Mathias says
Wow, really useful points to keep in mind. I only wish I lived up to more of them..
Kyle says
Things that stood out in the order of toughest to least toughest…
#1
#13
#15
#16
eL says
Awesome news! CONGRATULATIONS and the photo is lovely. I’m very happy for you both.
Amazing article. They are always on point and inspirational. THANK YOU so much. I truly appreciate your website.
Kristen says
How wonderful! Welcome Mac, and congratulations to both of you.
Daniel says
Congrats to you guys!
Melissa says
Great article!!
blessing says
Biggest congratulations M&A. Thanks for being there. You guys are always on point
Brenda says
A wonderful article. Each day I remind myself of the good things I have in my life.
This is a habit that I have developed and there are times when it can be difficult to find those things…..but they are always there.
Tessa Gazi says
This is definitely one of the most inspiring blogs I’ve ever come across to, and posts like this one are especially encouraging. Thanks for writing and sharing such helpful things
Apple says
These are great reminders. Thank you for this another inspiring blog post. And congrats to the both of you! 🙂
lynne says
Hi, another great article. I love reading your blog; it always gives me another good reason to stay positive in life. I will always keep your words in mind: “Success is not a skill; it’s a persistent attitude. It’s not a place you arrive at; it’s a process you live through. It’s what you do every day. It’s what you are doing now…” Thanks for sharing.
Marc Chernoff says
We’re all smiles over here (Marc, Angel AND Mac). Thanks so much for all the kind words and “congrats.” As you can imagine, it’s been a busy week. 🙂
It doesn’t appear that anyone requires a direct response, but please know that we truly appreciate each and every one of you – for sharing pieces of your story with us, for motivating us to do what we do each day, and for supporting our work with your kindness.
wolfgirl57 says
Just stumbled upon your website while searching for another and I love it!! I live in an environment that is destructively negative and am always searching for positive sayings, quotes, anything I can post to my walls as reminders to keep the flow of positive thoughts in my head. A friend of mine that I recently met up with again a few years ago got me started on this path, initially because of my disability that hit me out of the blue a few years back, and has taken root to my already depressed mind. But! I am a work in progress!! I can only thank you for your blogs and thank Google for directing me to you.