What I Wish I Knew Before My Success

Success.

Everyone has a different definition, right? Sometimes it feels like, "If I get this once, everything will be set." I used to think that way too. Until I achieved success, I had only one dream: "I have to keep working until I achieve it."

Now, when I see people saying, "You've become successful!" for a moment, I wonder, "Is that really true? Success is different for everyone." I'm writing all this so that if you're also on your journey, I can be a little helpful.

These are 10 things I wish I had known earlier. If I had known all this, I might have enjoyed my journey a little more.

1. Success doesn't solve everything.

Everyone might be thinking, "When success is achieved, all problems will go away."

But the truth is that when success is achieved, the problems simply change. The stress that I had before was about failing. Now, when will that stress go away? Or how will I maintain it all now?

Lesson: Success doesn't solve everything. You have to find your own peace, no matter where you are.

2. Peace > Popularity.

I remember when I was young, I would be overjoyed with every small achievement. "So many likes today, so many followers today!" I thought success was all about popularity.

But when I achieved success, I realized—true peace is what you need most. Your own thoughts, your own time.

Lesson: What's the use of popularity if there's no peace?

3. Not everyone will clap for you.

When you succeed, everyone praises you.

But, honestly, some people clap just out of curiosity, and some because they think you'll fall.

Lesson: So, when you hear applause, understand carefully—not every applause is from the heart.

4. Burnout is real.

I felt this the most. When success is desired, everyone puts in their energy. I used to mind my own business, just wanting to be great.

But, when my body gave up—then I realized that success is a marathon, not a sprint.

Lesson: Put your mental health first. Rest is essential.

5. Your circle matters more than you think.

I thought that when I achieved success, everyone would be around me. My popularity would increase, and my circle of friends would also expand.

But when all this started happening, I realized that the truth is that real friends are those who are with you during times of struggle.

Lesson: If your circle is not strong, success becomes meaningless.

6. You’ll outgrow some people.

After success, some people cannot walk with you. Their growth track is different, yours is different.

I used to wonder, how come these people couldn't walk with me? But when I understood this, I realized—change is part of life.

Lesson: Learn to live your journey for yourself. People will come and go.

7. Failure teaches faster than success.

I used to be afraid of failures. But when I achieved success, I realized that failures are the most important.

Success is just a step. But the lessons learned after every failure are the most valuable in life.

Lesson: Fail and learn from your mistakes. Everyone is happy after success, but what you find after failure is the most special.

8. Gratitude makes you happy.

After success and achieving everything, I felt something was missing. My heart felt empty.

Then someone said to me, "Be grateful for what you have." From that day on, I felt grateful.

Lesson: Unless you're grateful for what you have, there's no point in wanting more.

9. Success can be lonely.

This was the biggest shock. I thought all my friends, family, and everyone on social media would be with me.

But when I was enjoying my success, I realized that people aren't there for you.

Lesson: With success comes loneliness. So truly value your inner circle; they're there for you when you're struggling a little.

10. Success isn't a destination; it's a daily habit.

Earlier, I thought that once I achieved success, everything would be settled.

But when I achieved success, I realized—it's a journey, a habit. Every day, you have to maintain your goals, your discipline, and your relationships.

Lesson: Success comes from working every day, not from realizing it one day.

Final Thoughts

Everyone has their own way of understanding success. Believe that today you have everything you thought you would have—but if you still don't connect with yourself, it all becomes meaningless.

I now understand that true success comes when you are happy with yourself, feel at peace, and strive to improve yourself every day.

So if you too are on your journey, or if you have the success you wanted, then I just want to say this – value yourself.

Success will come, but never lose your inner peace.