The 9 Environments of Success and a Blueprint for Transforming Your Life
- Brainz Magazine
- 2 days ago
- 16 min read
Indre Ratkele is a Success & Transformation Coach, the creator of "I am Ready," a personal development course and the author of "Master the Basics of Investing. A Practical Guide to Succcess." She helps individuals overcome harmful habits, align their mindset, and achieve personal and financial breakthroughs.
Have you ever invested in personal development, only to find yourself stuck in old patterns? It’s a common experience. While mindset is important, it’s only part of the equation. Your environment, relationships, habits, finances, health, and emotional state often have a greater influence on your success than you may realise.
The 9 Environments of Success framework provides a holistic view. It encourages you to assess not only how you think but the broader conditions you live in. Each environment either supports or holds back your progress. When they align with your goals, growth becomes far more achievable.
My own journey began about three years ago. I believed I understood self-improvement, but I quickly realised how little I knew. Changing even one environment, whether mental, physical, or emotional, required more awareness and effort than I expected. The process was challenging but life-changing.
Success isn’t just about discipline or positive thinking. It’s about intentionally shaping the world around you to support your ambitions. Once you recognise how your environments affect you, you can begin to redesign them and your life.
The power to change starts with awareness.
Let’s begin exploring these environments together. Keep reading.
What are The 9 Environments of Success?
1. You as the core
For years, I struggled with the feeling that I wasn’t "good enough." This belief, rooted in my childhood, shaped my choices and relationships. Growing up with a stepfather who never accepted me, I often felt like an outsider. I wasn’t often included at the breakfast table, reinforcing the feeling of exclusion and unworthiness.
Despite these challenges, I became independent, self-reliant, and determined to prove my worth. Beneath that strength, however, was a deep yearning for validation. I longed for someone to affirm that I was lovable and worthy. This need for validation led me to trust others too easily, only to learn that not everyone’s intentions were sincere. It also affected my personal relationships, as I often overlooked my own needs and tried to protect my child from the feelings of rejection I had experienced as a child.
It wasn't until I paused to reflect that I realized how much of my life had been shaped by inherited beliefs. My subconscious was following a script written by family, culture, and society, not by me.
If you've ever felt stuck, you’re not alone. Change is possible. Our identities are shaped by what we absorb: family patterns, societal norms, and personal experiences. As children, we accept our environment as the foundation for what’s possible in life, forming beliefs that may not even be ours.
A critical question to ask is: Are these beliefs truly mine? Many of us live by unexamined beliefs passed down through generations. True growth happens when we challenge these limiting beliefs and stay open to new perspectives.
Reflect: Who are you beyond what you’ve been told to be? Are your choices truly your own, or are they echoes of someone else’s expectations? Transformation starts when we release beliefs that no longer serve us.
Identify one belief that may not be yours. Ask yourself:
Where did it come from?
Does it support me or hold me back?
Action step: Reframe it into something empowering, like shifting “I must please everyone to be loved” to “I am worthy of love just as I am.” Repeat it daily until it becomes your truth.
2. Your body
Your body is the vessel that carries you toward success. When it’s neglected, everything else suffers energy, focus, motivation, and even emotional balance. I learned this the hard way. For years, I struggled with unhealthy habits like drinking wine and occasionally using drugs. On the surface, I appeared to be a single mother with a thriving career and a full life. But inside, I felt empty. I didn’t truly love myself, and if I had, I wouldn’t have stayed stuck in destructive patterns or toxic relationships for so long.
Change didn’t happen overnight. Even after I began exploring personal development and the subconscious mind, releasing myself from those habits took time and came with setbacks. I approached things unconventionally. I started talking openly about topics many shy away from, asking difficult but important questions: Why are you in these habits? Are you celebrating life, or are you running from it? Are you masking emotional pain day by day, unknowingly deepening your dependency? Addiction doesn’t always look like hard drugs. It can be alcohol, antidepressants, or even seemingly harmless behaviors. Are you using substances as a reward or as a crutch? There’s a big difference. I don’t label everything as simply bad. In certain contexts, with the right mindset, people, and reasons, choices can be intentional. But I speak from painful experience: substances can open the door to emotional chaos. Many will understand, even if few are ready to speak about it. If you’ve ever crossed that line, you know how dangerous it can become. What you see, feel, and hear in those moments can take over and not everyone finds a way back. I’m grateful I did. One of the key reasons I created my personal development course was to offer guidance to those who feel stuck in similar cycles. I want to help others break the silence, face their struggles, and empower them to release destructive habits for good.
My turning point came when I stopped judging myself and practiced patience. My mentor once told me that growth isn’t about being perfect; it’s about how you respond when you fall. Every relapse became an opportunity to reflect. I’d ask: What triggered this? Was it stress, certain people, or emotional pain? Over time, I began to see patterns. Once I understood the root causes, I began to break the cycle with increasing ease.
Habits, positive or negative, shape our physical and mental health. Overcoming harmful habits isn’t about raw willpower; it’s about replacing them with healthier alternatives. For me, that meant journaling, regular movement, and surrounding myself with uplifting energy. Rewiring your mind takes time, patience, and compassion. Start by asking: Why do I repeat this? What am I avoiding? Is this habit covering up stress, pain, or lack of fulfillment? When I accepted that many of my actions came from emotional emptiness, I could begin to choose differently intentionally.
The next step is building new, supportive routines: daily exercise, creative outlets, meaningful conversations. Keep it simple. Use affirmations like: “I am healthy. I choose positive habits. I live a fulfilling life.” Repeating this daily helps reprogram your subconscious and reinforces a stronger self-image.
Action step: Prioritize the basics hydration, movement, and quality sleep. These are not luxuries; they are the foundation of sustainable physical and emotional health.
3. Self
Are you truly living as your authentic self, or are you shaped by the expectations of others? Take a moment to reflect: Have you embraced your unique talents and gifts, or have you been living in alignment with what others, like your parents or society, expected of you? Consider whether your career path was a decision you made for yourself or one that was influenced by others. Did your parents choose your direction, or did you follow a strong, independent calling? Reflect on these questions and answer them honestly.
Personal growth is an ongoing journey. Your emotions, strengths, and mindset shape your daily choices. The more self-aware you become, the better you can manage your emotions, develop resilience, and build confidence. Each day presents an opportunity to learn more about yourself, refine your goals, and grow in ways that align with your true values. Embracing challenges as part of the process helps you not only overcome obstacles but also deepens your understanding of your potential. Cultivating a growth mindset means viewing setbacks as lessons, which is essential for maintaining motivation and staying focused on long-term progress. Remember, growth isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous path where every small step contributes to your overall progress.
For a long time, I was searching for my true path. I considered many roles, all while believing that accountancy was my main calling. In some ways, it is, but does it truly fulfill me? The truth is, it didn’t. Through my experiences, I’ve discovered my true purpose: to create and help others. I didn’t even know I had the courage to speak in front of three cameras while recording my 9-module personal development course in English, a language that’s not even my mother tongue. But the message I wanted to share was more important than any fears or insecurities. I believe that the courage I now possess was something I carried from a previous life, a talent that simply needed to be developed and nurtured.
Action step: Practice daily self-reflection by journaling about your emotions, goals, and challenges. Identify areas where you feel empowered and those that need improvement. Consider what mindset shifts or actions can help you overcome limitations. Celebrate small victories along the way they all contribute to your growth. Over time, this practice will enhance your emotional intelligence and help you build a strong foundation of resilience and confidence.
4. Spiritual
A strong sense of purpose drives lasting success. Whether through faith, meditation, or personal values, connecting to something greater offers direction and peace. Spirituality often serves as a bridge to discovering this purpose.
Ask yourself: What is my true purpose in life? Each of us has a deeper reason for being, though it may not always be clear. Some are meant to heal, guide, or teach, while others grow through life’s lessons and pass that wisdom on.
If you're unsure, look inward. What excites you? What persistent dreams remain, even if they seem unrealistic? Reflect on your childhood. What did you love to do? These early passions often reveal clues to your deeper purpose before the world told you who you “should” be. Whether it was singing, painting, or pretending to teach your toys, those interests reflected your authentic self. If you can’t remember, ask someone who knows you well.
Even if these gifts weren’t nurtured, they’re not lost. Reconnect with what once brought you joy; it may reemerge as part of your purpose.
For some, purpose comes through pain. If you’ve faced challenges like health struggles or addiction, your transformation might be your mission: to help others heal. Your story could be what someone else needs to hear.
This is how I found my purpose: helping others overcome mindset issues and bad habits. I once questioned why I endured so much hardship. But I chose to believe in myself, to keep trying, and now I dedicate my life to helping others using the methods that worked for me.
Your experiences weren’t random; they shaped who you are. Now, you can use them to guide others. We all have a unique purpose. The question is: Are you ready to embrace yours?
Action step: Take a moment to reflect on your life’s experiences and passions. Write down any childhood interests or dreams that you once had. Then, ask yourself: How can I integrate these into my current life? What steps can I take today to align more with my true purpose? Start small, but commit to exploring and embracing your purpose one step at a time.
5. Relationships
The people you surround yourself with shape your thoughts, habits, and energy. Uplifting relationships fuel your growth, while toxic ones can drain and limit you.
Ask yourself: Do my relationships support my evolution? When you share a new idea or success, do they celebrate with you or dismiss it? How people respond to your growth says a lot about their role in your journey.
But this isn’t just about others. Reflect inward: Are you also a supportive presence in the lives around you? Do you uplift others, or do certain interactions leave you feeling emotionally depleted?
Staying in toxic relationships often stems from a fear of loneliness or low self-worth. I’ve made the difficult choice to walk away from environments that didn’t support me. Some people made the decision not to support me and distanced themselves. Yes, it was lonely at first, but that space eventually made room for healthier, more fulfilling connections. Consider whether your fear of being alone is holding you back from your growth.
If so, it's time to revisit your values and self-worth. You deserve connections that honor who you are and where you’re going.
The right relationships challenge you to evolve. They may not always agree with you, but they’ll support your dreams, offer honest perspectives, and encourage your decisions.
Protect your energy. Set boundaries. And most importantly, surround yourself with people who believe in your potential.
Action step: Reflect on your current relationships. Are they nourishing your growth or holding you back? Identify one connection that needs a boundary or shift, and take a step to create that space.
6. Network
Your professional and social circles play a significant role in shaping your personal and career development. The right people can open doors to mentorship, collaboration, and growth, while the wrong ones can keep you stuck in stress and limitation. Your network includes not only friends and family but also colleagues, mentors, and the broader community. So ask yourself: Does your environment inspire growth? Do you feel motivated, or are you merely getting through the day, believing that work is meant to be draining?
That mindset that work must be endured is outdated. Many of us were raised to accept a job for the paycheck, but as your mindset evolves, so should your standards. You spend a large portion of your life at work, and if it suppresses your growth, it affects all areas of your life. Only you can assess whether your environment aligns with your values and vision.
I often asked myself: Does my work align with my life purpose? My job was incredibly supportive, offering countless opportunities for both professional and personal growth. It provided me with a platform to learn, evolve, and build valuable connections. Through this role, I developed important skills and grew in ways I’ll always be grateful for. But over time, my calling became clearer. I created a project aligned with my purpose, and as I invested in it, I realized my heart and mind weren’t fully engaged in my corporate role. I knew I had to step away to create space for my own evolution and for others to step into roles with fresh energy and motivation.
I decided to take on a part-time job, which allowed me to dedicate more time to my project. This decision gave me the space to grow personally while providing others with the opportunity to bring new energy into the roles I left behind.
Signs you may be in the wrong environment include feeling undervalued, unfulfilled promises of growth, or tasks that feel disconnected from purpose. If this resonates, it might be time to reassess whether your environment supports your evolution.
The key question: How much do you value your growth and happiness? If your environment isn't supporting your evolution, it's essential to reflect on whether it's time to move on.
It’s also important to distinguish between true misalignment and emotional reactions rooted in ego. The ego can make you feel unappreciated without reflecting on how you're showing up. Sometimes, growth can happen through deeper self-reflection.
However, sometimes you've outgrown your role. Letting go creates space for someone else and allows you to realign with your full potential. Ask yourself: Would I still do this work with the same energy if money weren’t involved? If the answer is no, it may be time to reassess.
Start expanding your network intentionally. Reach out to someone you admire, ask questions, and learn from them. Your future is shaped by the conversations you have, so connect with those who inspire and challenge you to grow into your highest self.
Action step: Take a moment to reflect on your current professional environment. Does it inspire you to grow, or does it feel limiting? Ask yourself: How can I create more space for personal growth in my professional life? Consider reaching out to a mentor or role model for advice and perspective. Explore new ways to connect with individuals who share your values and can push you to evolve. Finally, think about one small change you can make in your work life to better align with your long-term purpose.
7. Financial
Your mindset about money significantly influences your financial success. If you see money as scarce, it becomes harder to attract. However, adopting an abundance mindset allows financial opportunities to flow effortlessly. Money offers freedom: the freedom to invest in yourself, pursue your dreams, and build a life of security and fulfillment.
The phrase “Money goes where energy flows” holds deep truth. Your financial situation, whether prosperous or struggling, mirrors your energy and beliefs. Every thought, word, and action either attracts or repels money.
If you worry about money, focusing on lack or stressing over bills, you're reinforcing a scarcity mindset. Even before your paycheck arrives, thinking “It won’t be enough” can block money from flowing freely into your life.
To improve your finances, start by identifying your limiting beliefs. Ask yourself:
Do I believe I deserve more money?
Do I trust wealth can come easily?
Do I see money as a positive force?
Do I view wealthy people as those who think differently about money?
Beliefs about money often come from childhood experiences, such as hearing “Money is hard to earn.” Understanding your belief system allows you to reprogram your subconscious mind, replacing negative patterns with positive ones and unlocking greater opportunities.
Personally, I once believed that having more than one source of income was difficult. But as I shifted my mindset, I started seeing new possibilities. Embracing the belief that I am worthy of financial success helped me diversify my income streams, which has brought me greater freedom and security.
Gratitude is a powerful tool. Appreciate what you already have, and as you do, your energy attracts more abundance. Wealth is available to you it just requires believing in it and aligning your thoughts with an abundant mindset.
Action step: Identify one limiting belief and rewrite it into an abundant mindset. Start practicing daily gratitude, and watch your financial reality shift.
8. Physical environment
Your surroundings significantly influence your focus, energy, and creativity. A cluttered space creates mental chaos, while an organized, inspiring environment enhances productivity and well-being.
A tidy home and workspace positively impact our lives, health, and motivation. However, many of us delay organizing spaces like garages, cabinets, or old cables, often spending more energy thinking about these tasks than doing them. In reality, the time spent thinking about them drains your energy more than the task itself.
I encourage you to start by tackling the hardest tasks first. Once completed, you’ll feel more energized, positive, and focused on important matters instead of avoiding them.
Decluttering can be difficult, especially when letting go of items. We often think, “Maybe I’ll need this one day,” but ask yourself: how often have you actually needed something you kept “just in case”? More often than not, these items are forgotten until you start cleaning.
These unnecessary possessions old clothes, cables, furniture drain your energy and block new opportunities. Just as in life, you must clear space to welcome what you truly want. Holding onto the past leaves no room for the new.
Make space for the new:
Free up space for new clothes.
Create room for new furniture or accessories.
Remove items that no longer serve you.
Before keeping an item, ask:
Does it support my growth and energy?
Why did I bring it into my life?
Do I still use it?
Your physical environment, including furniture and tools, should serve a positive purpose. Organize your space to make life smoother and more enjoyable. So, which space will you declutter first?
Action step: Choose one space in your home or office that feels cluttered or disorganized. Start by removing at least five items that no longer serve you. As you clear the space, notice how you feel both physically and mentally. Take a moment to reflect: How does this decluttering process mirror your inner world? What new opportunities might open up now that you’ve created room for them?
9. Nature
Spending time in nature recharges and resets both the mind and body. The natural world offers grounding energy, clarity, and inspiration that are essential for maintaining a positive outlook and a healthy mindset. It’s widely acknowledged that immersion in nature brings a sense of peace, motivation, and revitalization. For instance, the sun provides essential vitamin D, which is crucial for energy and overall health. In areas where sunlight is scarce, people often experience a dip in mood and energy, which can negatively impact their decision-making and overall well-being. Without adequate sunlight or fresh air, we often feel depleted, directly affecting the quality of our lives.
Personally, I can’t imagine my life without my morning runs. No matter the season, even if it’s winter and freezing cold, I’m up at 6 a.m., running through my favorite woods nearby. Sometimes, I get up even earlier, at 4 or 5 a.m., to make time for both meditation and running. The energy and motivation I gain from this routine are unmatched. It provides me with a sense of strength and clarity that nothing else can offer. I also practice grounding, walking barefoot whenever possible to absorb energy directly from the earth. This simple connection with nature gives me an incredible sense of balance and rejuvenation.
However, I should mention that I didn’t always have this habit. Just a few years ago, I would have preferred spending my time at a local pub rather than going outside for a walk. The idea of getting up early for meditation seemed unlikely at the time. But as soon as I began to change my habits and routines, I found that I could never imagine my life without these healthy practices anymore. They’ve shown me the true power that comes from connecting with nature and nurturing my mind and body with positive sources.
Nature isn’t just limited to trees and forests; it's everywhere: in the seas, lakes, mountains, and even small local parks. All of these environments offer unique energy that we need to connect with in order to live a fulfilled life. If you’re unable to get outdoors often, consider bringing nature inside. Incorporating plants and flowers into your living or working spaces can help maintain that connection, even during the busiest times.
Action Step: Spend at least 10 minutes in nature daily, whether it’s walking outside, sitting in a park, or simply opening a window to let in fresh air. It’s a simple yet powerful way to boost your energy and enhance your overall well-being.
Transform your life with the 9 environments of success
Success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about aligning your environments with your goals. By intentionally shaping your surroundings, you create a life that naturally supports success, happiness, and fulfillment.
Ask yourself: Which of these 9 environments needs improvement? Start small, one shift at a time, and watch how your life transforms.
Are you ready to take the next step?
If you’re serious about transforming your life and aligning your environments for success, my course “I Am Ready” is designed to guide you step by step.
This self-paced program offers practical strategies in key areas such as:
Mindset & Confidence: Shift subconscious patterns and build self-belief
Financial Empowerment: Overcome money blocks and cultivate a success-driven mindset
Health & Energy: Develop daily habits to boost mental and physical well-being
Relationships & Boundaries: Strengthen connections and create fulfilling relationships
Success Environments: Shape your surroundings to foster growth with engaging video lessons, actionable worksheets, and exclusive bonuses like affirmation audios, guided meditations, and lifetime access. This course helps you achieve lasting transformation.
Join today and start your journey toward success and fulfillment!
Read more from Indre Ratkele
Indre Ratkele, Success & Transformation Coach
Indre Ratkele is a Success & Transformation Coach, the creator of the "I Am Ready" personal development course, and the author of "Master the Basics of Investing: A Practical Guide to Success." Drawing from her journey of overcoming harmful habits, self-doubt, and negativity, Indre helps individuals unlock the power of the subconscious mind and the 9 Environments of Success to create transformative change. Her mission is to guide others toward clarity, confidence, and a life of abundance through mindset alignment and practical strategies.
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