Why Success Won’t Set You Free
Many of us believe that success will finally set us free. It’s easy to think that achieving financial freedom or recognition will bring the love, self-worth, and self-respect we crave. But what if the freedom we’re seeking doesn’t lie in success at all?
For a long time, I thought success—especially financial success—would give me the power to respect myself. With money, I felt I could say “no” without guilt or fear, without feeling disempowered. Money to me was freedom. But this belief made me wonder: Why wait? How can I have self-respect now, instead of waiting it until I achieve some external measure of success?
Embracing Self-Respect in the Present
Self-respect doesn’t come from wealth or achievements. It’s a state of being that starts within. Instead of waiting for external validation, I started writing a mantra to embody self-respect in the here and now:
“Wonderful life, I respect you. Wonderful life within me, you are enough just as you are. I love, appreciate, and cherish you. To my friends who have challenged me, hurt me, and ultimately made me whole—thank you.”
This mantra allows me to feel self-respect deeply, in my body and soul, without needing external circumstances to justify it.
The Power of Learning and Letting Go
Respect begins when we embrace learning. Challenges, whether emotional or relational, serve as opportunities to understand ourselves better. When we learn the lessons life offers, the pain often drifts away, leaving us stronger and more whole.
Self-respect is not something you will magically feel once you achieve wealth or success. If you don’t experience it now, it’s unlikely to appear when you reach your goals. The key lies in repetition—building a mental habit of affirming your worth and respect.
“I am the source of my ongoing respect.”
Respect and Relationships
Relationships often test our self-respect. When decisions involve another person, conflicts can arise due to differing values, beliefs, or priorities. These moments are challenging but not hopeless. Instead, they are opportunities for growth.
Our souls often use relationships as mirrors, revealing the areas where we need greater awareness or healing. The challenge isn’t the end—it’s an invitation to rise higher.
How The ASCEND Method™ Helps Build Self-Respect
The ASCEND Method provides a clear, transformative framework to navigate challenges and cultivate self-respect:
A – Awareness: Recognise the patterns—repeated thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and imaginations. These repetitions often reveal the core issues beneath our struggles.
S – Soul-Deep Discovery: Explore the deeper meaning and feelings attached to your experiences. What are they trying to teach you?
C – Conscious Elevation: Choose new, empowering beliefs that align with your highest self. Decide how you want your soul to evolve.
E – Emotional Mastery: Emotions are how we connect to the divine and the deepest parts of ourselves. Learn to navigate them with grace.
N – New Mindset Activation: Activate a mindset that integrates respect, empowerment, and clarity into your daily life.
D – Desired Outcome Creation: Use your newfound self-respect and awareness to manifest the outcomes you desire, living with intention and purpose.
Final Thoughts
Success might offer fleeting satisfaction, but it won’t set you free unless you know self-respect first. True freedom lies in recognising your worth now, in this moment. With tools like The ASCEND Method, you can transform challenges into opportunities and live a life anchored in self-respect and empowerment.
Are you ready to begin your journey? Find the Journey of Self Course here with the ASCEND Method: https://victoryannlord.thinkific.com/courses/journey-of-self
