The Power of Avoidance in Achieving Success, Health, Wealth, & Happiness
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We always hear people say, “Success is a journey, not a destination.” But what if success isn’t just about all the things you do—but also about the things you don’t do?
That’s exactly what James Clear is getting at in this quote:
“Success is largely the failures you avoid. Health is the injuries you don’t sustain. Wealth is the purchases you don’t make. Happiness is the objects you don’t desire. Peace of mind is the arguments you don’t engage. Avoid the bad to protect the good. ”
Most self-help advice is all about doing more—working harder, hustling nonstop, stacking new habits. But Clear’s take is refreshing: sometimes, the smartest way to level up isn’t by adding more to your plate, but by cutting out what’s holding you back. Avoiding mistakes, distractions (aka children in man form hellooo), and energy-draining nonsense (fakey snakey friends) can be just as powerful as chasing your goals.
So in this post, we’re flipping the script. Instead of just talking about what you should do, we’re diving into what you should avoid—because sometimes, the best way to protect your success, happiness, and peace is by simply stepping out of your own way.
Let’s get into it.
Success is Largely the Failures You Avoid
When you think about success, what comes to mind? Big wins? Promotions? Crossing major milestones off your list? Yeah, those things are great—but what if the real key to success is more about what you don’t do?
Think about it: Every time you dodge a bad decision, skip a toxic situation, or say nah, I’m good to something that doesn’t serve you, you’re protecting your progress. You’re keeping the path clear for success to happen naturally.
Here’s how that plays out in real life:
Dodging procrastination – We all know the struggle of pushing things off until the last minute. But every time you choose to start now instead of later, you’re saving yourself from unnecessary stress, rushed work, and missed opportunities.
Avoiding bad business moves – Whether it’s a sketchy investment, a rushed career decision, or taking on a project that drains you, one wrong move can throw you off course. Learning to pause, do your research, and trust your gut can save you so much regret.
Preventing burnout – Success isn’t about working yourself into the ground. Overworking leads to exhaustion, and exhaustion leads to bad decisions. The smartest people rest when they need to, so they don’t have to recover from burnout later.
How to protect your success:
Think ahead – Ask yourself, What’s the worst that could happen if I do (or don’t do) this? If the risk isn’t worth the reward, it’s probably a no.
Set boundaries like your life depends on it babe – Overcommitting is the fastest way to spread yourself thin. Get comfortable saying no to things that don’t align with your goals. Sometimes that includes saying no to your boss and your parents… ooh scary I know!
Learn from other people’s L’s – You don’t have to make every mistake yourself. (although I personally seem to only learn the hard way, maybe it’s the Taurus in me) Pay attention to what didn’t work for others and adjust accordingly.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about chasing more—it’s about steering clear of what could slow you down. Stay focused, stay intentional, and remember: sometimes the best move is not making a bad one.
Health is the Injuries You Don’t Sustain
When it comes to health, we tend to focus on active pursuits: eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep. While these habits are essential, Clear’s perspective reminds us that health is just as much about the injuries we don’t sustain—the harm we avoid by making thoughtful decisions in our daily lives.
It’s easy to think of health as the result of what we do to our bodies: going for a run, eating nutrient-dense meals, or hitting the gym. But it’s also about the damage we sidestep, whether physical, emotional, or mental. SPIRITUAL INJURIES are well overlooked and I could write a whole dispose on that another day. But anywho, preventing injuries—both big and small—ensures that we don’t put unnecessary strain on ourselves, and it allows us to continue thriving in the long run.
“Make it make sense Sydney, Jesus”:
Avoiding unhealthy habits: Smoking, excessive drinking, or poor eating habits can take a major toll on your health over time. By avoiding these habits altogether, you're reducing your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It’s the prevention that keeps you healthy in the first place.
Taking time to rest: Overworking yourself physically and mentally can lead to burnout or injury. By avoiding excessive strain and giving your body the proper rest it needs, you ensure that you're able to stay active and healthy in the long term. Regular rest and recovery periods are key to avoiding chronic fatigue or physical injuries.
Listening to your body: Sometimes the best way to protect your health is by learning to listen to your body. Ignoring signs of stress or minor aches and pains can lead to bigger problems. By avoiding the tendency to "push through" discomfort, you can prevent injuries and more serious health issues from developing.
Tips from moi:
Adopt a preventive mindset: Prioritize preventative care, such as regular check-ups, routine exercise, and healthy eating. It’s far easier to maintain good health than to repair damage later.
Rest and recover: Don’t ignore the importance of sleep, relaxation, and recovery in your routine. Rest is just as important as any workout or healthy meal. This means honoring a sabbath with yourself. Solitude plays a larger role than one would imagine in becoming your best self.
Recognize warning signs: Stay in tune with your body. If something or SOMEONE doesn’t feel right, take a step back. Early intervention can help prevent major health issues from escalating and save you therapy money if the signs are showing early.
In health, sometimes it’s not about adding more, but avoiding the harmful factors that can cause long-term damage. By making smarter choices and listening to your body, you protect your well-being in ways that can significantly extend your quality of life.
Wealth is the Purchases You Don’t Make
Wealth is not solely about how much money you earn, but also about how much you save and wisely invest. Clear’s insight into wealth suggests that it’s not the purchases you make, but the ones you don’t make that build long-term financial security.
In a world of constant advertising, social media influencers, and the pressure to keep up with others, it’s easy to fall into the trap of unnecessary spending. However, wealth grows when we make intentional decisions about what we choose not to purchase. The ability to resist impulse buys, make mindful choices, and avoid lifestyle inflation are key factors in building lasting wealth.
Examples to elaborate:
Resisting impulse buys: Whether it's a shiny gadget, a new piece of clothing, or a fancy meal out, these short-term purchases can easily add up over time. By avoiding impulsive spending and sticking to a budget, you protect your wealth and ensure that your money goes towards things that really matter to you.
Avoiding lifestyle inflation: As your income grows, the temptation to increase your spending can be strong. However, resisting the urge to upgrade your lifestyle with each salary increase is one of the best ways to build lasting wealth. By keeping your expenses stable and saving or investing the extra money, you build a secure financial future.
Prioritizing needs over wants: Often, we confuse desires with true needs. Wealth grows when we differentiate between the two. Avoiding unnecessary purchases that don't align with our long-term goals keeps your finances in check and allows you to focus on building assets that will pay off in the future.
Practical tips:
Create a budget: By planning your spending in advance, you can ensure that you avoid unnecessary purchases and allocate funds towards things that truly contribute to your wealth.
Practice delayed gratification: When you want something, give yourself time to think about it. This delay can help you decide if it’s truly worth the investment or if it's an impulse you can live without.
Focus on long-term goals: Keep your eye on the bigger picture—whether it’s buying a home, retiring early, or building a portfolio. Remind yourself that each purchase you don’t make is a step closer to your financial freedom.
In the realm of wealth, often the best decisions are the ones you don’t make. By being mindful of your purchases and focusing on long-term financial goals, you can protect your wealth from the constant pressure of unnecessary spending.
We always hear about what we should do to be happier, healthier, and more successful. Wake up early, work out, meditate, read more, hustle harder—the list goes on. But what if I told you that the secret to a better life isn’t just about what you do, but also about what you avoid?
Let’s get into it.
Happiness is the Objects You Don’t Desire
We live in a world that constantly tells us we need more—more clothes, more gadgets, more luxury vacations to show off on Instagram. But real happiness? It comes from needing less.
Think about it: The less you chase, the less you feel like you’re missing out. Letting go of the urge to keep up with trends or compare your life to others is one of the most freeing things you can do. Instead of craving the next designer bag or the latest iPhone, focus on what actually brings you joy—like meaningful experiences, solid relationships, and a sense of purpose.
How to shift your mindset:
Start practicing gratitude daily (even if it’s just listing three things you’re thankful for in your Notes app).
Unfollow influencers or accounts that make you feel like you need things to be happy.
Before buying something, ask yourself: Do I actually need this, or am I just being sold a dream?
Peace of Mind is the Arguments You Don’t Engage
Not every battle is yours to fight. Trust me, I love a good debate, but sometimes, the best move is to just let it go.
Engaging in every argument—whether it’s a petty disagreement with a friend, a family drama, or a heated Twitter thread—only drains your energy. Protecting your peace means knowing when to walk away. Some people just want to argue for the sake of arguing, and honestly? You don’t owe them your emotional bandwidth.
Ways to keep your peace:
If someone’s being negative or combative, ask yourself: Is this worth my energy?
Set boundaries with people who thrive on drama.
Learn the art of the neutral response (“That’s interesting” or “I see your point”) and move on.
Your mental space is too valuable to be cluttered with unnecessary fights.
If It’s not a Hell Yeah, It’s a No!
Avoid the Bad to Protect the Good
Here’s the truth: The best way to protect your health, happiness, and success isn’t just by adding good habits—it’s by removing the bad ones.
Small, everyday choices add up. Choosing not to stay up until 3 AM scrolling TikTok protects your energy for the next day. Saying no to plans that drain you preserves your social battery. Ignoring drama keeps your peace intact. It’s all about playing defense for your well-being.
How to make this work for you:
Identify your biggest energy drains and set boundaries around them.
Ask yourself: What small thing can I stop doing today that will make my life easier tomorrow?
Remember that saying no to one thing often means saying yes to yourself.
Final Thoughts: What Can You Not Do Today?
At the end of the day, success, happiness, and peace aren’t just about what you do—they’re about what you choose to avoid. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start being intentional about what (and who) gets your time, energy, and attention.
So here’s my challenge for you: What’s one thing you can avoid today to make your life better? Maybe it’s skipping a mindless shopping spree. Maybe it’s walking away from a pointless argument. Maybe it’s saying no to plans that don’t serve you. Whatever it is, take note of how it feels—you might be surprised how powerful not doing can be.
If this post resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going! Follow me on Instagram @syd.grayce for more thoughts on personal growth, wellness, and making life feel good. Let’s grow together! 💛
With love,
