
Transform Your Challenges into Success: The No. 1 Question That Changes Everything
By Dr. Scott Zarcinas, Founder, 818: Unlocking Your Life
You might have noticed how some people seem to thrive despite facing the same obstacles as everyone else.
The secret isn’t that they have fewer challenges—it’s that they approach them differently.
And it all starts with one powerful question.
The Universal Truth About Challenges
M. Scott Peck’s started his famous book, The Road Less Traveled, with the words, “Life is difficult.”
This truth, borrowed from Buddha’s teaching that “everybody suffers,” still resonates deeply today. Whether you’re:
- Juggling career demands with personal life.
- Struggling with self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
- Fighting against time constraints.
- Managing financial pressures.
- Navigating relationships and family responsibilities.
The challenge isn’t about avoiding these difficulties—it’s about transforming how we respond to them.
The Game-Changing Question
Here’s the revolutionary question successful people ask themselves when facing any challenge:
“What would a successful person in my position do?”
This question isn’t just about imagining—it’s about shifting your entire perspective from reactive to proactive.
Let’s explore how this simple yet powerful question transforms four key areas of life.
1. Mindset Mastery: Wholistic Perspective
The Question in Action: “How would a successful person ‘see’ this setback?”
✓ Practical Application:
- Start each morning by writing down three potential challenges and how a successful person would approach them.
- Create a “Success Response Protocol” for common obstacles (e.g. the glass is both half full and half empty at the same time).
- Replace “I can’t” with “How would someone successful…”
Personal Reflection: When did changing your perspective transform a challenge?
2. Time Mastery: Your Most Precious Resource
The Question in Action: “How would a successful person protect and invest their time?”
✓ Practical Application:
- Block out 2 hours each week for focused goal work—treat it like a VIP meeting.
- Implement the “successful person’s morning routine”.
- Use the “time value calculator”: Is this worth my precious time?
Quick Exercise: What’s one time-wasting habit a successful person would eliminate? Write it down now.
3. Continuous Growth: The Lifelong Learning Mindset
The Question in Action: “What would a successful person be learning right now?”
✓ Practical Application:
- Identify three skills a successful person in your field would master.
- Create a “Success Learning Plan” with monthly targets.
- Find a mentor who embodies your definition of success.
Challenge: What’s one skill you’re committed to mastering this month?
4. Character Building: The Values Foundation
The Question in Action: “What values would a successful person demonstrate here?”
✓ Practical Application:
- List the top 5 character traits of successful people in your field.
- Create daily situations to practice these traits.
- Start a “Success Values Journal”.
Essential Success Values to Cultivate:
- Courage and resilience.
- Integrity and authenticity.
- Compassion and service.
- Gratitude and growth mindset.
The Real Cost of Not Asking This Question
Consider what you might lose by not adopting this success-oriented mindset:
- Opportunities for growth and advancement.
- Valuable relationships and connections.
- Time spent in reactive rather than proactive mode.
- Confidence and self-belief.
- Financial and career opportunities.
Your Success Journey Starts Now
🔍 Reflection Exercise: Take a moment right now to identify one challenge you’re facing. Ask yourself: “What would a successful person do in this situation?” Write down your answer.
Ready to Transform Your Approach to Success?
Every journey begins with a single step. Your step today is asking this powerful question. But why navigate this journey alone?
Want personalised guidance in applying these success principles? Let’s explore how professional coaching can accelerate your journey.
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About the Author: Dr. Scott Zarcinas (aka DoctorZed) is an author, doctor, and transformational life coach with over 15 years of experience helping professionals achieve authentic success. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, he specialises in transforming potential into performance through personalised coaching programs.