Everywhere you look, someone is promising the “ultimate hack” to success. Cold plunges. Waking up at 4 AM. Daily journaling. Psychedelics. Fasting. Meditation. And if you were really committed, you’d do all the above before the sun even rises. Some billionaire swears by their routine, so it’s easy to assume it must be the key to an amazing life, right?

It’s understandable. Success leaves clues, and we naturally look to those who have achieved what we want for guidance. But copying their habits and routines like it’s some sort of checklist isn’t the answer. What worked for them might not work for you.

Why? Because time, environment, personality, and circumstances all play a role. What made sense for someone at a specific point in their life may not apply to your reality. The worst part? When people try these habits, don’t see the same results, and then blame themselves for failing.

The actual key to success isn’t copying what someone successful did; it’s treating your life as a series of science experiments.

Run Your Own Experiments

Think of your personal growth as a series of controlled tests:

Try something new but do it with intention.
Give it a fair shot. You can’t expect results overnight.
Measure results honestly. Does it improve your life or just add stress?
Adapt accordingly. Keep what works, discard what doesn’t.

This is how you craft a life that actually fits you, rather than forcing yourself into someone else’s mold.

No One Right Answer

Some people thrive on early mornings. Others do their best work at night. Some people love the discipline of a strict routine; others perform best with flexibility. There’s no universal success equation, as there’s not a universal definition of success. What I want for my life is going to differ from what you want, and we’ve got very different life experiences, strengths, and skills. The only path forward is to figure out what works for you. And that takes experimentation.

Every successful person you admire went through their own process of trial and error. The difference is, they stuck with the things that clicked and discarded what didn’t. That’s the real “secret” to success: intentional experimentation and relentless adaptation.

So, what small experiment will you start today?

Quotation that I’ve been pondering

“Clarity isn’t about knowing what you want to do with your life, it’s about knowing what you want to do this week. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to know your next step.” — James Clear

Journal prompt

“What’s something people always seem to ask you for help with? It might be advice, a skill, or a way you naturally show up in the world. You don’t think much of it because it feels effortless, but to others, it’s valuable. How could you leverage this hidden strength to your advantage?”

How I Can Help:

When you’re ready to take control of your work life and make work something that works for you, I’ve got you covered! Here’s how I can help:

Join the free 5-Day Foundation-Building Challenge. Start building the essential pillars of your career foundation with this free, step-by-step challenge. It’s a great way to gain clarity, align your values, and take actionable steps toward meaningful change.
Book a Free Discovery Call. Let’s explore where you are, where you want to go, and how I can help you get there. This no-obligation call is the perfect first step to see if my coaching is the right fit for you.
Schedule a Career Strategy Call. Need focused guidance on a specific career challenge? Book a one-on-one coaching session, and let’s work through it together to create actionable solutions. I can help you get un-stuck!