The Map to Success
How I stopped chasing “someday” and started celebrating small wins
Looking back, none of my biggest successes were sudden. Each one came from showing up for the small steps that didn’t look or feel like success at all.
The nights writing when I was tired. The runs in the rain. The decisions that felt risky but necessary.
The Lemurians remind us that success grows from alignment, not chance. Step by step, we create the map leading us to our goals.
🌊 Lumer Council Message
Humans sometimes have a warped sense of success. It’s all or nothing.
All or nothing? Really, you can’t get to the all without going step by step. And we have been teaching you this:
Step by step is the way to go.
Each step done correctly, each step that pushes you forward, each step that gets you closer to the goal, is success.
Look at each success each day. Know that you are progressing each day. If you are not, that is your choice. But if you stop and think, each day, of your successes, you’ll see you are moving.
Moving forward towards the goal. You will also see which goals are your priorities. Which goals follow your values. You will be able to see your values more clearly.
Are the goals you’re striving for….
No. Let’s not look at striving for, because Humans oftentimes strive for goals that others have placed on them. But they are not their own personal goals.
Look at each success each day. Where is each success leading you to? Is that a goal you truly want?
Ask yourself, are you happy with each step you make? Are you a little more excited for that goal?
If yes, then keep taking those steps.
If no, revise your goal.
Looking at each step, each success, each day, whether or not they’re leading to a goal you care about, will help you narrow down your value set and really get you focused on the goals you are passionate about.
Keep stepping, keep progressing, and change course as necessary.
That is your map to success.
🌀 Taking it In
I used to think success came all at once. The big break. The life-changing yes. The overnight phenomenon.
But most of my successes came from small steps that didn’t seem significant in the moment.
My own map to success was built through small, steady steps:
• Publishing: I published research articles in international education journals, but I began by writing short pieces for local newsletters that only reached a few readers. Each article taught me something new about voice, structure, and perseverance.
• Education: I earned a Doctorate in Education, even though I graduated with a class of just 68 students in a small rural high school. That degree was built one paper, one late night, one revision at a time.
• Storytelling: I published short stories in anthologies with a 10% acceptance rate. Every rejection pushed me to refine my craft and keep submitting.
• Running: I completed six marathons. Each one started with a single mile that felt impossible but became the foundation for the next.
• Home: I now own a townhouse, but I started out in a tiny studio apartment with big dreams taped to the wall. Each move forward was a mix of faith, budgeting, and persistence.
Each of those moments looked ordinary while it was happening. But when I step back, I can see the map clearly: small actions, aligned with my values and passions, added up to an abundant life.
🌱 Simple Shift
Identify your personal goals and values.
Ask yourself, What truly matters to me right now? Write it down.Celebrate each small success.
Acknowledge one thing you did today that moved you forward. Tiny steps build momentum.Revise your goals when needed.
If a goal stops feeling worthwhile and joyful (not to be confused with fun), then adjust. Realignment is part of growth.
Explore the companion Turn consistent action into meaningful progress to turn this message into action through journaling, daily awareness, and a creative mapping practice.
💬 Join the Conversation
What’s one small success you’ve made this week that deserves to be celebrated?
Let’s celebrate together.
In Love and Light,
Merdhin
Want to take this further?
Paid subscribers can access the companion Step by Step Reflection Guide. This is a practical tool to help you turn insight into action
It includes three activities: Journaling Practice: Clarify Your True North to focus your true goals, Gentle Practice: The Step of the Day to build momentum, and a Creative Practice: Design Your Path to visualize your personal map to success.
Paid subscribers can access all exclusive resources 👇
