Have you ever been so focused on what isn't happening in your life or business that you totally miss out on what's just around the corner? Like you’re this close to just throwing in the towel because all your effort seems to be going nowhere? Trust me, I've been there, and I want to share a story that reminds us just how close we might be to a breakthrough—even when it feels like nothing's going right.
How a Night Out Changed Everything
Twelve years ago, I was studying abroad in Switzerland. My friends and I decided to hit up a bar, looking for a fun night—and maybe some free drinks, because, well... broke college student life. This particular bar was known for attracting "penguins" (basically dudes in black suits), and we thought, “Sure, let’s see if we can score a round.”
After a while of nobody making a move, my extroverted friend finally walks over to a group of guys, and the next thing I know, their whole crew joins us. The guy who sits down next to me? Hands-down the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. I was intimidated, so naturally, I made a joke about his outfit to cover it up. Long story short, we hit it off. And here I am, 12 years later, married to that guy 😍
Obviously, I wasn't expecting to meet my future husband that night; I was just out for a good time. Turns out, I was literally hours away from meeting someone who would change my life.
Spoiler Alert: It Wasn’t All Sunshine and Rainbows
What makes this story even funnier is that just days before that night, I was pouting in my hotel room, alone—on my birthday, of all days. I had missed some email about my study abroad housing, and I couldn’t check into my assigned room until Monday. So, there I was, alone in a four-star hotel (which should’ve been great, but I was 20-something and very dramatic), feeling sorry for myself. I had no clue that in just a few days, everything was going to change for the better.
And that's what I want you to remember: you can be so close to something amazing, and have no idea it's just ahead.
The Power of Acting As If (And No, I’m Not Talking About “Manifesting”)
Here’s the thing: sometimes you have to act as if things are going to work out, even when there’s zero evidence to support that. I’m not talking about some fluffy “manifest your dreams” crap. I’m talking about the real psychological impact of believing in your success before you see it.
There’s actual research behind this, too. When you’re hopeful, you take more action; you keep going, you try again, you take that extra step—even when nothing seems to be working. When you believe things will work out, your brain starts filtering out the noise and focusing on opportunities you might’ve missed otherwise. It’s called the Reticular Activating System (RAS), and it’s why when you buy a new car, you suddenly see that car everywhere. Your brain zones in on what you’ve told it is important. And your success? That's important!
How This Applies to Business (Because, Duh, It Does)
In my first year of business, I didn’t make a single dollar. Seriously. Not one sale. And not only that, I spent a ton of money investing in courses, automations, and tools that seemed to go nowhere. It was so tempting to quit at the one-year mark, especially since I hadn’t seen any tangible success.
But I didn’t quit. I fully believed I would be successful (eventually) if I just didn't give up, even though I had zero proof. And guess what? One week later, I made my first sale—a big one. Then, within the next month, I signed four more clients. I was finally seeing the snowball effect I had been dreaming of.
If I had given up just a week earlier, I would’ve missed all of it.
Thrive in 5: Five Ways to Start Acting As If
If you’re ready to start acting like success is around the corner (because spoiler alert—it is), here are five ways to get into that mindset:
Visualize Your Success Every Damn Day
Spend a few minutes every day picturing that big goal—whether it’s landing clients, hitting a revenue number, or launching that killer offer. This helps prime your brain to look for opportunities that’ll get you there
Take Bold Action Every Day
Do one thing every day that scares you a little—whether it’s pitching a client, posting that video, or sending that email you’ve been avoiding. Even if it doesn’t immediately pay off, it’s building momentum.
Celebrate Small Wins
Did you gain a new follower? Celebrate. Get a comment on your post? Celebrate. Recognizing your small progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated to keep going—and let’s face it, celebrating yourself feels good!
Surround Yourself with Inspiration
Listen to podcasts, read books, or hang out with people who inspire you. Your environment plays a huge role in helping you stay focused on your goals.
Ask Yourself: What Would I Do If My Success Was Inevitable?
Whenever you’re faced with a decision, ask yourself this question. Then, go do that thing. Operating from a place of possibility instead of fear shifts your actions and opens new doors.
You’re Closer Than You Think
Whether it’s love, business, or any other dream, you’re probably just one decision, one action, or one day away from everything changing. So why not start acting like it? Your success is inevitable—as long as you don’t give up.
What bold action are you going to take today? I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram at @CoachMarciRossi and share your bold move. Let’s keep thriving together!