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Navigating Unfamiliar Territory: The Five Stages of Success


Are You Walking Into Uncharted Territory?

Stepping into a new season of growth, whether in business, leadership, or personal development, can feel overwhelming. When you find yourself in unfamiliar territory, one of the most powerful things you can do is seek wise counsel from those who have already navigated the obstacles ahead.


As Confucius wisely said, “If you want to know the road ahead, ask those coming back.”

New levels of success come with new challenges, resistance, and refinement. If you’re experiencing discomfort, uncertainty, or setbacks, you’re likely moving in the right direction.

Here are five stages of success, particularly relevant to entrepreneurs, leaders, and pioneers, to help you recognize where you are on the journey—and encourage you to keep going.


Stage One: Feeling Invisible

At this stage, you feel unnoticed, irrelevant, and overlooked. No one is paying attention. You may be questioning whether what you're doing even matters.

  • People disregard you.

  • Friends and family doubt your vision.

  • No one is competing with or copying you—because they don’t see you as a threat.

This is the most difficult stage because most people never get out of it. The silence can cause you to doubt your own abilities and potential.

If you start believing the lies that say, “I’ll always be invisible. I’ll always be average. No one will ever take me seriously.”—you’ll stop before you even start.


Being underestimated is difficult, but what’s even harder is not being estimated at all.

How to Move Forward:

  • Focus on building skills and experience.

  • Work as if you already have the audience you desire.

  • Stay faithful and consistent—even when no one is watching.

If you persist through this stage, you’ll make it to the next one.


Stage Two: People Start Making Fun of You

Once people start mocking you, you are officially making progress. You are no longer invisible.

This might sound like:

  • “Who does she think she is?”

  • “Isn’t that cute… he thinks he’s an entrepreneur.”

  • “Did you see what she posted? How embarrassing.”

It’s painful, but it’s a sign that you’re stepping into something bigger.

Here’s the truth: no one making fun of you is doing better than you.

Their criticism is usually a reflection of their own insecurities. They see you growing and evolving, and it makes them uncomfortable.


How to Move Forward:

  • Ignore the noise. Insecure people lash out at growth they don’t understand.

  • Stay focused on your mission. If you stop to respond to every critic, you’ll never reach your goal.

  • Recognize it as a compliment. Progress attracts resistance.

Before you see external success, you will be made fun of. That’s how you know you’re on the right track.


Stage Three: Critics Speak Out

This is when people aren’t just mocking you anymore—they are criticizing you.

The difference? Some criticism may be valid.

You might hear things like:

  • “You’re spending too much time on your business.”

  • “You’re obsessed with success.”

  • “You’re neglecting important relationships.”

At this stage, not all criticism is hate. Some feedback, even when delivered negatively, can be constructive.


How to Move Forward:

  • Discern the difference between haters and helpful criticism.

  • Ask yourself: is there truth in this? If something stings, it may be because there’s room for growth.

  • Surround yourself with wise counsel. Trusted mentors and advisors can help you filter feedback.

If you react emotionally to every critic, you’ll burn out. But if you filter wisely, you can use feedback to improve and refine your path.


Stage Four: People Start Using You

Once you have built momentum, people will want access to you.

This can be discouraging because:

  • Some will only connect with you to use your resources, influence, or connections.

  • Others will only engage when they need something.

  • You may feel like relationships have become transactional.

This stage is painful but also a confirmation of success. You have built something valuable.


How to Move Forward:

  • Learn to discern. Who genuinely supports your mission? Who is only in it for personal gain?

  • Set boundaries. Not everyone deserves access to you.

  • Invest in mutual relationships. Find people who want to build with you, not just take from you.

This is a refining stage where you will learn who is truly for you.


Stage Five: People Collaborate With You

This is where you start encountering divine connections.

At this stage:

  • People want to build with you, not just take from you.

  • You have a strong, supportive network of like-minded individuals.

  • You are surrounded by those who encourage, challenge, and sharpen you.

This is the most rewarding stage because you realize: you never reach success alone.


How to Move Forward:

  • Continue growing and pouring into others.

  • Stay humble and grounded in your values.

  • Be intentional about your partnerships and collaborations.

This is the stage where true impact and legacy begin.


Keep Going—Your Future Is Worth It

Success is not just about achieving goals—it’s about becoming the person capable of fulfilling them.

Each stage is progress, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

  • The silence of stage one builds your character.

  • The rejection of stage two strengthens your resilience.

  • The criticism of stage three sharpens your discernment.

  • The challenges of stage four test your wisdom.

  • The collaborations of stage five expand your influence and impact.

If you’re struggling in a difficult stage, keep going. The dreams, relationships, and opportunities waiting for you on the other side will make it all worth it.


Join a Community That Champions You

Success is not meant to be a solo journey.

At Courage Co., we offer:

  • Prophetic prayer calls

  • Leadership and personal development programs

  • A VIP mastermind for high-level growth

  • Ongoing encouragement and mentorship

This is your training ground—a place where you can build the courage, faith, and resilience to walk in your God-given purpose.


Join us today and become part of a community that will empower you to be an example of what’s possible.


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