The Unread Messages and 4 Easy Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success

I’ve seen this picture floating around the internet. Have you seen it? This poor little focused rhinoceros running on a treadmill, sweat dripping from its face as it stares longingly at a picture of a unicorn. The caption reads ‘Never Give Up On Your Dreams.’

Although I am a huge fan of thinking big, thinking outside the box and having dreams that you wish to accomplish, I do believe that this depiction is giving off the wrong message. Let’s imagine that the rhinoceros in the picture represents YOU.  In order to be successful and achieve your goals there are 4 important points that need to be considered. Let us unravel them as we discover the unread messages from the rhinoceros in the picture.


1.       Set Realistic Goals

The rhinoceros in the picture is saying, ‘One day, if I work hard enough and run long enough, I will be like that unicorn.’
Caterpillars will become butterflies, tadpoles will become frogs but unfortunately little rhinoceroses cannot be unicorns. In order to become successful, you need to set goals that are realistic and achievable. Unrealistic goals will only turn into frustrations and lead you back to where you started from OR leave you discouraged and lacking motivation. Only you know your limitations, only you know how far you can push yourself to succeed. By all means challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone but make sure that the new path you decide to explore towards your goal is reachable.


2.       Be Authentically You

You were born a rhinoceros. You are powerful and strong. You are able to accomplish so much more than you think you can. Why would you want to belittle your strengths by trying to be something else? Be authentic. Be yourself. Be the best version of yourself today and aim to be a better version of yourself tomorrow. Only then will you see growth and change. You will then see progressive steps towards your goal.


3.       Be Your Only Competition

The rhinoceros is trying to become the unicorn; to compete with its attributes. The only person you should be competing with is YOU. For example, If you ran half a mile today next time aim for a little more. Do not worry about what the unicorns of the world are doing. Just focus on where you are and where you want to be.


4.       Read Between The Lines (do not yield to temptation)

The world is filled with messages that say that what you are is not good enough. That no one wants ‘rhinos’, everyone wants unicorns, but the truth is that this is the furthest thing from the truth. We were all made for a purpose. These message are often sent to make you feel less than useful. If you take the time and ‘read between the lines’, analyze the message you will realize that you don’t need what is being offered if you are satisfied with who you are. Embrace being different. Embrace what is yours. This will help you stay focused and in the end achieve your own success.


I hope this brings a little enlightenment to you. Follow the four steps mentioned above, and do not be afraid to be authentically you.

Feel free to comment below on this article if it has helped you in any way.