Understanding the Seven Keys to Success
Connecting to the Source of Success
By Lizzy Olugbo
Copyright © 2025 Lizzy Olugbo
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without written permission from the author.
Published by Lizzy Olugbo
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter One – Identifying the Source of Success
Chapter Two – Establishing a Healthy Relationship with the Source
Chapter Three – Applying the Principles of Success Based on the Source Manual
Chapter Four – Identify a Problem
Chapter Five – Become a Problem Solver
Chapter Six – Start Small, Think Big
Chapter Seven – Right Association
Conclusion – Seek First the Kingdom of God
About the Author
INTRODUCTION
In every generation, the concept of success has captured the hearts and minds of people. Success is not a mystery but a system. Many strive for it, but only a few understand the keys that unlocks its' doors. What does it truly mean to succeed, and how can we attain it in a way that brings lasting fulfillment? This book is a guide into discovering and mastering the keys to Success.
Before we begin unlocking these seven life-changing keys, let’s take a moment to understand three foundational words: Key, Success, and Understanding.
Key
The word 'key' is rich with symbolism and practical meaning. In its most literal sense, a key is an object used to unlock something—a door, a chest, or a vault. But in the context of life and success, a key represents much more. It is a metaphor for access, authority, and solutions.
In this book, each key represents a God-given principle that unlocks an aspect of true success.
Success
True success is not merely measured by material wealth, fame, or accomplishments. In the biblical sense, success is living a purposeful life in alignment with God’s will, fulfilling the assignment He has placed on your life. Joshua 1:8 emphasizes that meditating on and obeying God's Word leads to "good success." Anyone who is living in the will and purpose of God is successful, achieving a desired outcome or goal.
Understanding
Understanding is deeper than knowledge. It is the ability to discern meaning, apply truth, and make sound decisions based on wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
According to my mother in the Lord, Pst. Mrs. Faith Oyedepo in her book- The Effective Minister's Wife, She said and I quote " Understanding is actually made up of two separate words: 'Under' and 'Standing'. From these two words, we can deduce that: How well you stand in life is determined largely by what is underneath you. The foundation you stand on is what keeps you standing. I would say from these words that the much knowledge you possess determines how successful you will be.
As you read this book, you will discover that the journey to lasting success begins by connecting with the Source—God. This journey is guided by principles found in His Word and demonstrated in the lives of faithful men and women throughout Scripture.
CHAPTER ONE
IDENTIFYING THE SOURCE
Just like the connection between a building and its' foundation, how solid the foundation of a building is will determine how firm the building will stand. Every success story has a beginning, and at the center of every lasting success is the Source—God Himself.
God: The True Source
Genesis 12:2 recounts God’s promise to Abraham: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."
This tells us that God has the power and ability to bless. In Him lies Success in every sphere of our lives.The encounter Abraham had with God marked the beginning of Abraham’s journey toward greatness. Abraham did not find success by striving in his own strength, but by responding to God’s call.
In the same way, recognizing that God is the origin of our purpose, provision, and progress sets the foundation for true success.
The Word of God as the Manual for Life
Joshua 1:8 reveals a vital truth: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night... then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
The Bible is more than a religious book; it is a manual for victorious living. Just as every appliance comes with an instruction guide from its manufacturer, so does your life—written by your Creator.
Many people look to money, fame, or self-help strategies to find success. Success is a gift from God. God provides the strength, wisdom, and favor needed to achieve goals and overcome challenges. Lasting success begins with acknowledging God as your Source. Seek Him, and you will find both direction and provision.
CHAPTER TWO
ESTABLISHING A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SOURCE
Building a relationship with God is crucial to sustained success. It involves intentionality and commitment to various practices.
Once we identify God as the Source, the next key is to build and maintain a relationship with Him.
Biblical Examples of Relationship-Based Success
Joseph: In Genesis 39:2, “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian." Joseph prospered even in prison, his connection with God led to favor and promotion - Genesis 41:38-44.
Abraham: His relationship with God was one of obedience and trust, which led to generational blessings. Genesis 12:1-2 " Now the Lord has said unto Abram, get there out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:" Abraham responded immediately in obedience to God's call and instruction - Verse 4 " So Abraham departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him;" Obeying without questions.
David: A man after God’s own heart, David’s intimacy with God brought him wisdom, protection, and kingship.
Joshua: As Moses’ successor, Joshua’s success came from listening to God's voice and courageously following His commands.
Moses: His face-to-face relationship with God made him a powerful leader and deliverer of Israel.
How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship with God
1. Prayer – Regular communication with God aligns your spirit and invites divine guidance. 2 Thessalonians 5:17
2. Studying His Word – The Bible is God’s voice in written form. It renews the mind and gives insight. Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 2:15.
3. Worship – Worship deepens your love for God and strengthens your faith. John 4:23-24. Zechariah 2:10
Success is not just about what you do—it’s about who you walk with. God desires fellowship. He does not want us to seek success apart from Him but through Him.
CHAPTER THREE
APPLYING THE PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESS BASED ON THE SOURCE MANUAL - GOD'S WORD
God’s Word is filled with powerful principles that, when applied, lead to personal and spiritual growth. Three major principles: Clear Written Vision/Goals, Mindset and Attitude, Determination.
1. Clear Written Vision / Goals
Habakkuk 2:2 says, “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it.” Having a written vision helps clarify your purpose. Visualize your desired outcome, write it down, ensure you maintain a clear vision that can fuel your motivation. Set goals, specific Goals that is measurable, achievable and relevant geared towards attaining the vision. Goals act as stepping stones toward that vision. Without direction, even the most gifted individuals may fail to succeed.
2. Mindset and Attitude
Romans 12:2 urges us to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. Cultivate a positive outlook, it will enable you overcome obstacles that may arise.
Your thoughts shape your life. A positive, faith-filled mindset aligns you with God’s will. Avoid negativity, fear, and doubt—these block progress. Philippians 2:5 reminds us: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Our Lord Jesus, walked with God- His father with the right, positive attitude which today has made him to be the access to God's glorious Kingdom. Jesus positive attitude made His ministry successful here on Earth.
3. Determination
Proverbs 24:16 says, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again...”
Success requires persistence. Even when facing opposition or failure, determination keeps you pressing forward in faith. Remember, God strengthens the determined heart.
Other Principles may include;
Discipline - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Patience - Hebrews 6:15
Diligence - Proverbs 22:29
CHAPTER FOUR
IDENTIFY A PROBLEM
Identifying a problem involves recognizing and clearly defining a specific issue that needs to be addressed. Every success story involves solving a real-world problem. But before a problem can be solved, it must first be identified.
Jesus and the Power of Perception
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He demonstrated the ability to discern needs. When He saw the hungry crowd, He fed them. When He noticed the sick, He healed them. Success begins with perception—a spiritual awareness of the needs around us.
Biblical Examples of persons who identified problems;
Nehemiah - Nehemiah saw the broken walls of Jerusalem and recognized it as a problem he could not ignore. His burden became a divine assignment.
Esther - Esther realized that her people were on the brink of destruction and identified the threat in her generation.
David - David saw Goliath as an affront to God’s honor, and a problem that needed confronting.
How to Identify a Problem?
Ask God in prayer: Divine assignments are often revealed when we ask God to show us the needs He wants us to meet.
Observation - Observe your environment and pay attention to the situation around, search for the unusual. What consistent challenges do you see around you?
Gather Information - It's of utmost importance to collect relevant data and evidence to support your observations. This can be done by listening to complaints. Problems often disguise themselves as the things people complain about.
Analysis - Analyze the information you have gathered.
When you identify a problem, you position yourself as a candidate for significance. Every great leader began by solving a meaningful problem.
CHAPTER FIVE
BECOME A PROBLEM SOLVER
Once you’ve identified a problem, the next key is to step into the role of a solution-provider. The world rewards those who bring answers.
The Anointing to Solve
God does not show you a problem without also equipping you to be part of the solution. Your gifts, experiences, and divine connections are tools God uses to meet needs.
Biblical Problem Solvers
Joseph: The man Joseph was a problem solver. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and solved a national food crisis. Genesis 41:15 - 37.
Daniel: Daniel interpreted dreams and revealed secrets that saved nations. Daniel 2.
Moses: Moses delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
We have Jepthah, Joshua, Bezaleel, Elisha, Deborah and so many others.
These men were successful not because they were perfect, but because they were willing to be used by God to solve problems.
Traits of a Problem Solver
Creativity: To become a problem solver, you must be creative. Think beyond limitations.
Responsibility: You must be ready and willing to take responsibility. Take initiative.
Compassion: This is crucial to be a problem solver, you must care deeply about the people affected.
Wisdom: You need the wisdom of God to give divine insight, not just logic.
Your success is hidden in the problems you choose to solve. God is looking for vessels—are you willing? God equips those He calls. Joseph, Daniel, and Moses became problem solvers empowered by divine wisdom.
CHAPTER SIX
START SMALL THINK BIG
In a world obsessed with instant results, the principle of starting small is often overlooked. When beginning a new endeavor, ensure to start with modest actions but maintain ambitious long-term goals. One thing to note is that large accomplishments starts with small steps.
Zechariah 4:10 reminds us not to despise small beginnings, the Lord rejoices to see thy work begin…”
God often works through small seeds that grow over time. The mustard seed, though tiny, becomes a tree. Likewise, your small efforts, when consistent and anointed, produce great results.
Biblical Examples of Men that started small but ended as great men
David started as a shepherd before becoming king.
Ruth was a poor widow gathering leftover grain before marrying Boaz and entering the lineage of Christ.
Jesus began His ministry with twelve disciples—ordinary men who later turned the world upside down for Christ.
In our contemporary world today, there are men who started small but are great men now, we have the likes of our father, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pst. David Ibiyeome, Evangelist Oral Robert and so many others, too numerous to mention.
Starting small focuses on the practical execution of the plan. It allows for learning and adaptation along the way, minimizing risk and maximizing the chances of success.
Principles for Thinking Big While Starting Small
Have a clear long-term vision: Ask yourself, where is God taking you?
Set high aspirations that are attainable.
Give yourself to learning. This allows for more flexibility and ability to learn from mistakes.
Be faithful in the little: Excellence in small tasks opens doors to greater opportunities (Luke 16:10).
Stay consistent: Greatness is built daily through small, obedient steps.
Don’t wait to have it all together. Begin where you are, with what you have, and trust God to multiply it.
CHAPTER SEVEN
RIGHT ASSOCIATION
Success is not just about what you know, but also who you surround yourself with. The people in your life either propel you toward purpose or pull you away from it.
Proverbs 13:20 – “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Let us see some persons in the Bible who had the right association and how it affected them.
Jonathan and David: Their friendship brought encouragement and divine protection. Irrespective of their different background, they loved themselves as brothers.
Elisha and Elijah: Elisha followed the right mentor and received a double portion.
Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus spent time with those willing to grow, serve, and learn.
Types of Associations
Divine Connections: People God brings into your life to help you grow.
Destiny Helpers: People who speak into your life and unlock new doors.
Negative Influences: Toxic relationships that drain your energy and distract you from your calling.
Keys to Building the Right Circle
Pray for divine relationships.
Let go of unfruitful connections.
Be the kind of person you want to attract.
Right association can lead to; Greater wisdom, Stronger faith, Fulfilment in life, Spiritual growth, Encouragement...
God often answers prayers through people. Surround yourself with those who believe in God’s call upon your life. Success is also shaped by the people around you.
"Proverbs 13:20" teaches that walking with the wise brings wisdom. Avoid toxic association.
CONCLUSION
Seek First the Kingdom
Matthew 6:33 — 'But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.'
True success is the Kingdom-first life. It is not just what we achieve, but how closely we walk with God.
Key takeaways;
God is the Source.
Relationship with Him is the foundation.
Principles bring results.
Solutions bring impact.
Small beginnings lead to greatness.
Right relationships sustain success.
You now hold the keys. Use them and walk into the life God has destined for you and I trust God to keep His Word in your life, Amen.
📖 About the Author
Ms. Lizzy Olugbo is a passionate teacher of the Gospel from Bayelsa, Nigeria. Called to inspire transformation through the Word of God, she writes with a divine sense of purpose and clarity, driven by the Holy Spirit and a deep desire to impact lives positively.
Her writings are rooted in faith, simplicity, and truth—offering readers a clear path to spiritual growth, personal success, and purpose-driven living. As a vessel of God’s light, she believes that understanding divine principles is key to unlocking true fulfillment.
Through her books, Ms. Lizzy Olugbo seeks to share wisdom, encourage reflection, and equip others with the knowledge that empowers them to live in alignment with God’s plan. Her mission as a writer is to reach the world—one heart, one soul, and one reader at a time.
