Success or Just Busy? 10 Habits That Actually Make a Difference

Welcome back to the Pivotal Decisions Podcast! I’m your host, Stan Parris.

When you hear the word success, what comes to mind? Is it wealth, recognition, status, or achievement? In this episode, we explore our often-unquestioned assumptions about success—and challenge them with a fresh, deeper perspective.

Whether it’s the pressure parents feel for their children to “make it,” or the cultural obsession with being “most likely to succeed,” the pursuit of success is everywhere. But is it truly fulfilling? Does it align with your values, or is it just a chasing after the wind?

Drawing from an article by Elizabeth Perry of BetterUp, we walk through 10 time-tested habits of highly successful people—from getting organized to practicing gratitude. We’ll also hear the moving words of Dr. Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who, when facing terminal cancer, discovered that success is often found not in achievement but in meaning.

In this episode:

• Why the traditional American view of success might be misleading
• 10 practical habits that lead to real, sustainable success
• How organizing your life, prioritizing wisely, and taking care of your health impact your purpose
• The power of community, accepting help, and cultivating gratitude
• A deeper, faith-informed lens on what matters most in the end

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I really succeeding at what matters?”—this episode is for you.

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