Personal Success When Life Doesn’t Go According To Plan (E+R=O)
Personal success is easy as long as life goes according to plan. But what happens when life throws you a curveball? When instead of sunny days, the forecast holds stormy clouds? Sure, it's easy to live it forward as long as everything is going smoothly. But when you hit a few bumps along the way, overcoming obstacles becomes more challenging.
Yet, as my late friend Dan Miller wrote in Wisdom Meets Passion:
“Successful people are not excuse makers. They take responsibility for their actions and the results they get. Where others see obstacles, frustrations, discouragement, and despair, they see hope and opportunity. They approach every situation with the enthusiasm, confidence, and boldness that come only from having a clear plan of action and the anticipation of a positive outcome.
“If you've never had a chance, an even break, or the right opportunity, check with the person in the mirror. He or she has the keys for the success you are looking for.”
I couldn't agree more! Personal success starts with the man or woman in the mirror. This is true whether life is a bed of roses or a bushel of thistle and thorns.
Overcoming Obstacles — Your Response Matters
In 2025, I authored the book E+R=O: The Only Mindset for Success. It's a success theory I was taught earlier on in life and later heard articulated by Jack Canfield during a training event. Here's a brief explanation of the equation and why it's so powerful:
(Events + RESPONSE = Outcome)
You see, most people believe E=O. They believe the events in their lives determine the outcomes they experience. This is why most people never experience significant personal success. If events determine outcomes, there's nothing you can do to positively shape your outcomes. Personal success is completely random because it's caused by what happens to you instead of being caused by you.
Successful people, however, add an R to the equation (E+R=O). They realize they cannot control all the events that occur in their lives, but they can take 100 percent responsibility for how they respond to the events they face. Therefore, they take control of their attitude and actions, and use them to create successful outcomes no matter what events they face. This one little letter empowers them to overcome obstacles and experience significant success!
I speak about E+R=O in most of my keynote presentations. In fact, sometimes I'm referred to as the E+R=O Speaker. In the video below, I share the difference between living E=O and E+R=O.
Personal Success Formula: E+R=O
Kelsey decided to take ownership of her R. I encourage you to develop your own strategies for taking ownership of your responses so that you can overcome the obstacle you face and achieve amazing personal success as well.
Photo copyright: megaflopp / 123 RF Photos
Want More?
Visit Amazon to order your copy of E+R=O: The Only Mindset for Success.
