The Three Got-Tos of Success in Life

The Three Got-Tos of Success in Life

Success doesn’t just happen—it’s built, one decision at a time. Whether you’re pursuing a dream, starting a business, or improving your personal life, the path to success requires intention and commitment. Over the years, I’ve identified three principles that I call the Three Got-Tos. These simple yet powerful steps can guide you toward success in every aspect of life.

But before we dive into these principles, let’s define what success truly is:

Success is living with peace of mind and fulfillment by finding and pursuing the purpose for which God created you, using your gifts to glorify Him and positively impact others.

True success isn’t about wealth, accolades, or accomplishments—it’s about living with intention, fulfilling your God-given purpose, and leaving a legacy that reflects His love and grace.

This doesn’t mean that pursuing financial success is wrong. But financial success should flow as a result of pursuing your purpose, not the primary goal. You may also have an admirable goal to pursue God with no focus on finances, but we all need the means to live a life worthy of God’s calling. Finding something that provides for you and your family as you pursue God is essential to living with both peace of mind and fulfillment.

And of course, seeing Jesus face to face when our time here on Earth is done is ultimate success—the reason for life itself.

1. You Got to Want To

It all starts with desire. No matter how big or small your goal is, if you don’t truly want it, you’ll never achieve it. Success requires an inner drive that goes beyond fleeting interest. It’s the kind of desire that wakes you up in the morning, keeps you going when the going gets tough, and pushes you to go above and beyond.

One of my favorite sayings is: “Success requires a plan.” Without a plan, even the strongest desire can lose its focus. When you truly want something, you’ll take the time to plan your approach. Everything goes best with a plan.

Ask yourself: Do I really want this? Is this goal aligned with the purpose God has placed on my life? And if you do want it, what’s your plan to achieve it while glorifying Him?

2. You Got to Get After It

Desire and planning alone won’t get the job done. Once you’ve defined what you want and mapped out your plan, the next step is to roll up your sleeves and take action. This is where daily habits come into play.

Your daily habits are predictors of your future success. Small, consistent actions compound over time to create significant results. It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working smart, staying consistent, and remaining faithful to the calling God has placed on your life.

Getting after it means showing up each day, even when it’s hard. It means using your God-given gifts to make a difference and bring glory to Him, whether that’s in your work, your relationships, or your community.

So, get after it. Build habits that align with your purpose and take the steps—no matter how small—toward the future God has prepared for you.

3. You Got to Never Quit

This is the glue that holds it all together. You can want it, and you can work for it, but life will throw curveballs. Obstacles will test your resolve. That’s when you have to remind yourself of the third and most important got-to: You got to never quit.

Persistence separates the dreamers from the achievers. Success is rarely a straight line—it’s full of setbacks, failures, and moments when you might feel like giving up. But the truth is, failure isn’t final unless you let it be.

When you’re pursuing God’s purpose for your life, perseverance becomes not just a practical tool but an act of faith. Trust that He will guide you through the challenges and use even your struggles to glorify Him and impact others.

This doesn’t mean you won’t adjust your strategies. It means staying faithful to the calling God has placed on your heart, keeping your eyes on Him, and pressing forward—even when the path isn’t clear.

Success with Peace of Mind and Fulfillment

The Three Got-Tos—Want To, Get After It, and Never Quit—are simple, powerful, and universal. When applied through the lens of living out your God-given purpose, they lead to true success: peace of mind and fulfillment by glorifying God and positively impacting others.

And at the end of it all, the greatest reward—the ultimate success—is seeing Jesus face to face when our time here on Earth is done. It is the reason for life itself.

So, what’s your next step? Decide what you want, get after it, and don’t stop until you’ve reached your goal. Trust that when your actions align with God’s purpose, your life will not only be successful but also leave a lasting legacy for His glory.

You’ve got this—and more importantly, God’s got you!