Success Begins With Who You Are Becoming

When we talk about “success,” what comes to mind for you?

Maybe you think about a big house, a fancy car, or a bank account full of money. Or maybe it’s about a respected job title, a company you built, or a feeling of being famous. For some, it might be about perfect health or a peaceful family life.

These are all things we might aim for, and they aren't bad in themselves. But I've learned that if we only look at these outer things, we might miss the real heart of what success is all about. True success isn’t just about what you have or what you do. It's deeply connected to who you are becoming.

Joseph's Thought

Think about a tree. When you plant a tiny seed, you don't just hope for fruit. You hope the seed grows into a strong, healthy tree that can bear fruit year after year. The fruit is important, but the health and strength of the tree itself are even more important. A weak tree won't bear good fruit for long, no matter how much you wish it would.

Our lives are a lot like that tree. The 'fruit' – the achievements, the wealth, the impact – these are all results. But the 'tree' – that's you. Your character, your values, your inner strength, your spirit. If you want to have lasting, true success, you need to focus on becoming the kind of person who can create and handle that success well. You need to become someone who is grounded, wise, kind, and strong on the inside.

Success isn't just an outcome you chase. It's a natural overflow of the person you are growing into. If you chase only the outcome without paying attention to your inner growth, you might get what you want, but you might not be able to keep it, or it might not bring the joy you expected. It might even break you.

God's Word

The Bible talks a lot about who we are becoming. It often uses the idea of transformation – becoming more like Jesus. It's not just about what we do, but about what God is doing in us.

One of my favorite verses is from Romans 12:2, which says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2, NIV). Let's break that down. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world" means don't just follow what everyone else is doing or what the world tells you is important. Don't let society squeeze you into its mold.

Then it says, "but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." "Transformed" means to be changed from the inside out, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. And how does this happen? By "renewing your mind." This means changing the way you think, what you believe, and what you focus on. It's about letting God's truth shape your inner person.

Another passage that speaks to this is from Galatians 5:22-23. It talks about the "fruit of the Spirit": “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV). Notice it says "fruit of the Spirit," not fruit of your own efforts alone. These qualities – love, joy, peace, and so on – are not things you simply try to do. They are qualities that grow in you as God's Spirit works in your life. When these qualities are strong in you, you become a person who can build a life that truly matters, a life of real and lasting success.

The Success Principle

True success is a journey of becoming the best version of yourself, guided by God's truth, leading to an outward life of purpose and positive impact.

Why This Matters

If you only focus on outward achievements, you might get them, but you might also become a person you don't like along the way. You might become stressed, unkind, or empty. But if you focus on becoming a person of integrity, wisdom, and compassion, the good things you do and create will have deeper meaning and last longer. You’ll be building a life that truly matters, not just a list of accomplishments.

Where People Get Stuck

Many people get stuck because they believe success is purely external. They think if they just work harder, get more money, or achieve a certain status, then they will be happy and successful. They ignore their inner lives, their character, and their relationships. When the outward things don't bring the expected joy, or when they face challenges, they realize they haven't built a strong inner foundation. It's like building a beautiful house on shaky ground. It might look great, but it won't stand the test of time.

Another trap is thinking that focusing on your character means you won't achieve great things in the world. This isn't true! Growing into a person of character actually makes you more capable of great achievements and more able to handle them well. It helps you persevere through difficulties, make wise decisions, and lead with integrity.

What To Do

So, how do you focus on who you are becoming? It's a daily choice, a daily practice. It's about being intentional.

First, spend time reflecting on your values. What truly matters to you? Not what the world says should matter, but what truly matters to your heart and soul? Is it kindness, honesty, perseverance, generosity, faith?

Second, choose wisely what you put into your mind. Remember Romans 12:2, about renewing your mind? This means reading good books, listening to encouraging messages, spending time with people who lift you up, and, most importantly, spending time in God's Word. What you feed your mind will shape who you become.

Third, practice the qualities you want to grow. If you want to be more patient, look for opportunities to practice patience. If you want to be more generous, look for ways to give. It's like building a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Start small, but be consistent.

Your Action Plan

1. Reflect and List: Take some time this week to sit quietly. Write down 3-5 character traits you most admire in others and want to grow in yourself (e.g., patience, courage, kindness, integrity, humility). These are parts of who you want to become.
2. Mindful Input: Choose one positive input for your mind each day. It could be reading a chapter of the Bible, listening to an encouraging podcast, or reading a few pages of a book that helps you grow. Make it a daily habit.
3. Practice One Trait: Pick just one of the character traits from your list. This week, actively look for small ways to practice that trait. For example, if you chose patience, practice being patient in traffic or when someone is slow. If you chose kindness, intentionally say a kind word to someone each day.

This Week's Challenge

Identify one area in your life where you often feel frustrated or respond poorly. Instead of just reacting, pause and ask yourself, "Who do I want to be in this situation?" Then, try to respond from that desired character, even if it feels difficult.

Questions to Ask Yourself

What does the world tell me success looks like? How does that compare to what I truly believe? What kind of person am I becoming through my daily choices and actions? If I achieved everything I ever wanted, but sacrificed my character along the way, would I truly be successful? Am I building a life that matters from the inside out?

My Response

This isn't about ignoring your goals or giving up on your dreams. It's about making sure your internal compass is pointing in the right direction. It's about understanding that the journey of becoming a person of character is the most important journey of all. When you prioritize who you are becoming, the 'success' you find will be richer, deeper, and more lasting. You'll build a life that stands firm, regardless of the storms, a life that truly matters.