What Brings Success
The Small Things That Lead to Big Success
Recently, someone asked me what my favourite quote is. Over the years, I’ve collected many, but one in particular has stayed with me and continues to guide my work as a coach:
“Unsuccessful people are not prepared to do the things that successful people are prepared to do.”
At first, this might sound a little harsh, almost as though it labels many people as unsuccessful. But I don’t see it that way. For me, the quote highlights a truth about what separates those who achieve sustainable business success from those who struggle.
When I talk about “real success,” I don’t mean simply making sales or working long hours. Real success is running a business with a brilliant team that delivers an outstanding customer experience. It’s having a strong grasp of your finances so you’re not lying awake at night wondering how to pay the bills. It’s building something that not only survives but thrives without constant stress.
And here’s the important part: success usually isn’t about grand gestures or extraordinary effort. It’s about the small, consistent actions that many overlook. Successful business owners don’t necessarily work longer or harder; they work smarter by committing to the fundamentals.
They create a plan and actually stick to it. They set aside time each week to review progress and adjust course. They invest in their people, not just through paychecks but through genuine performance reviews that focus on development, not criticism. They create a culture where employees feel valued and supported, which naturally translates into a better customer experience.
From the outside, these practices may seem simple, even mundane. But over time, they compound into a business that feels completely different for both staff and customers.
This is the message I carry into my coaching. Sometimes I need to call clients out when they drift from these small but powerful habits. And when I do, I always return to that quote. It reminds me, and them, that success is less about pushing harder and more about being willing to consistently do the things that make the biggest long-term difference.
It’s not glamorous, but it works. And that’s why this quote continues to guide me, my clients, and the way I think about building truly successful businesses.
Ready to uncover what brings success in your business?
Start focusing on the small, consistent actions that make the biggest difference. If you’d like guidance in putting these habits into practice, get in touch to see how coaching can help you build lasting success.
