I subscribe to a number of different email lists and the like, probably far too many. I don’t always read everything that arrives in my inbox, but do glance at most things, and read those that grab my attention for one reason or another.
One that I have subscribed to, and mostly read the thought-provoking messages that arrive, is called Winners Circle, written by Lou Tice for The Pacific Institute. One that really got thinking recently was this one about Success in Life:
Success in Life
Most people want to be successful, but not everyone can tell you what success looks like. Today, let’s look at the meaning of success.
What does it mean to be successful? Do you consider yourself a success? If so, why? If not, what will success look like when you have finally achieved it?
These are important questions because your happiness in life will probably depend on knowing the answers. Now, some people think that success means a wardrobe full of designer clothes, a fancy car and a 50-foot sailboat. Others think that success is not having to work at all after they win a few million in the lottery. Still others believe that success, for them, would be helping to find a cure for AIDS or devoting their lives to serving others.
I believe that all of these folks are right. As far as I’m concerned, success means getting to do what you really want to do, doing it well, and feeling good about the fact that you are doing it. By this I mean that it is perfectly OK to choose a purpose for yourself that doesn’t mean a thing to the rest of the world. The important thing is that you have a purpose.
Would I want for you to have a higher purpose, a higher commitment to solving community challenges? Of course. But ultimately, the choice of what makes you fulfilled is yours to make.
Failure is performing poorly or haphazardly at those things you have chosen as being important to you. In the final analysis, I think you are a success when you are actively engaged in becoming the person you most want to be and doing the things you most want to do.
Lou Tice
The Pacific Institute
I probably wouldn’t be considered successful in many people’s eyes. And I don’t think I always achieve what I want to do, even in my own eyes. But, on the whole, I’m pretty happy with where I am in life bearing in mind the restrictions on my physical abilities because of my health; especially at the moment because I’m in a better spell with my health.
Am I successful? Yes; I think I am.
The daily Winners Circle emails are very good, do think about subscribing.
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This is a very thought provoking post about success. When I graduated from Seminary my Academic Adviser gave me a book that I’ve returned to many times. It’s also helped to encourage me when I’ve been feeling down wondering if I’m successful. At this point I can’t remember who wrote the book, as I’m at work right now, but I do remember the title and it is a great read. The book is entitled “Called to be Faithful, Not Successful”.
After all, in the end don’t we all want to hear those wonderful words – “Well done My good and faithful servant. Come, enter into your rest.”
Keep encouraged!
Dr. Rus
Hey Doc, welcome to this little corner of cyberspace.
And thank you for the thoughtful comment. That sounds like a book that would be worth looking for.
If I get to hear those words, “Well done My good and faithful servant. Come, enter into your rest”, I think I will be satisfied.