What’s Your Definition of Success?
Published on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:52 am.
12 Comments.
Filed under Feature Articles, Spirituality & Inspiration.
My fellow blogger Daylle Deanna Schwartz emailed me to invite me to blog on my feelings about success – what it means to me to share some of my own successes. She’s writing an Embracing Success Series and wants to hear about people’s thoughts and experiences.
I sat with this idea for a few weeks to allow my thoughts and feelings to percolate. In the dictionary - success is defined as the achievement of something desired, planned or attempted. This suggests that calling something a success is dependent on a favorable outcome.
I don’t agree. I see success as anything attempted regardless of the outcome. That’s how we learn and grow. So, I see every action as a stepping stone to bringing our desires to reality. Each failure is a success in teaching us how to get better or be better at something. (I just had to say that!)
Looking back over my life I’ve experienced numerous accomplishments including:
~ I overcame my fear of public speaking and I have now come to love it. I seek speaking engagments and I love working with groups live and online. I’ve been hosting my own internet radio show for almost two years and I love it!
~ I took a solo trip to Egypt when I was in my early 30’s. I felt a yearning inside to go and it was an amazing trip. Imagine sitting outside in the early morning as the sun begins to risw with the Giza Pyramid right in front of you. WOW.
~ I started my own business in the mid-80’s that has undergone two transitions. Every day I am blessed to be paid for doing work I love, meeting with (and learning from) incredible people all over the world. My work is my soul destiny.
Coming up with things I’ve done that would equal success is easy. Success means much more to me than accomplishments in the traditional sense.
To me, this quote from Jim Rohn captures the essence of what success means to me.
“Success is about who you become.” -Jim Rohn
My proudest successes?
Here are three:
~ Walking my talk. I committed to my spiritual journey (and my connection to God/Source/my Spirit) in the early 80’s and I take 100% responsibility for who I am and what I do. Integrity is one of my core values. If I screw up, I’ll own it, clean things up, and make amends.
~ I used to be an angrier woman with some rough edges. I have become softer, more compassionate, kinder and loving with people. I thank all of the thousands of my clients and friends who have been my best teachers.
~ Being authentic. My desire to be real and genuine is another core value. Being more vulnerable with others and feeling safe to be who I am with anyone. (this is still a work in progress).
What’s your definition of success?
Click here to read more about Daylle’s Embracing Success Series and add your thoughts.
To your success and happiness!
Cheers,
Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz
Gamy Rachel on 14 Apr 2008 at 10:44 am: 1
Hey I like what you said Lorraine.
“Each failure is a success in teaching us how to get better or be better at something.”
This is encouraging. Now I can see I have many successes
And I am proud of myself.
In the past, I am only proud of myself when I have successful results. It can be tiring to do that.
Thanks for sharing.
I have stumbled it, though you never ask:)
Hugs,
Gamy
lorraine on 14 Apr 2008 at 11:11 am: 2
Thank Gamy
I’ve written on this topic many times and this is the first time I really felt my answer was aligned with how I really think and feel.
Acknowledge all you are and do as a success!
Thanks for the Stumble in advance.
Blessings
Lorraine
Gamy Rachel on 14 Apr 2008 at 11:37 am: 3
Lorraine,
Nice video on success, check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vldjedAashA
Cheers,
Gamy
Brennan Kingsland on 14 Apr 2008 at 12:48 pm: 4
Once again, a thought & emotion-provoking topic, Lorraine. You are really GOOD at this.
Let’s see, my definition of success. . . hmmm!
Well, it probably will sound too religious, but in my life, I strive to feel that I am operating from moment-to-moment in sync with the best that my God expects of me. The peace that is so comforting knowing that that I am doing what the Lord would have me do at any moment makes ridicule or the scoffing of others much easier to bear. We take a LOT of ridicule for “wasting our time and resources” on rescuing animals. People think we are weird, but I have a peace in my heart that I need to stand up against man’s inhumanity to God’s creatures. I feel the same way about abortion and elder abuse.
There is just something inside me, nudging me to defend the weak and helpless. When I can accomplish that at any level, that is success to me.
My goal is to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” so I have lots left to do.
Daylle Deanna Schwartz on 14 Apr 2008 at 9:14 pm: 5
Thanks so much for participating Lorraine! You are successful beyond measure for having reached that place of operating from moment-to-moment in faith. That to me is the biggest blessing you can have!
You really are an awesome woman Lorraine!
Blessings,
Daylle
Al at 7P on 14 Apr 2008 at 11:24 pm: 6
Great post Lorraine. So success is simply doing something, which means failure is doing nothing. Some of the greatest dreams fail for that reason.
Thanks for the thoughtful post!
lorraine on 15 Apr 2008 at 7:38 am: 7
Interesting video Gamy
Thanks for sharing
lorraine on 15 Apr 2008 at 7:40 am: 8
Sounds like you have a fulfilling life Brennan
I can relate to feeling the desire to befriend those who might need a champion. I have often seen myself in that role.
I like the idea of seeing my life as meaningful rather than successful. You too?
Cheers,
Lorraine
lorraine on 15 Apr 2008 at 7:42 am: 9
I wouldn’t claim to have reached that place of moment-to-moment faith Daylle
I would say I have greater moments of peace and trust with sprinkles of my stories and dramas
You’re something yourself my friend!
Thanks for the inviting topic
Cheers,
Lorraine
lorraine on 15 Apr 2008 at 7:46 am: 10
You have such a great way on boiling points to their essence Alex
Actually one can be successful at failing, by doing nothing. And sometimes doing nothing is the perfect response, yes?
Thanks for stopping by
Lorraine
Eric Roth on 15 Apr 2008 at 12:04 pm: 11
Responding authentically to the moment, creating deep connections, enjoying the simple pleasures while chasing the greater ambitions, traveling whenever and whenever I desire, and feeling satisfied when I go to sleep.
Other minds have offered better definitions. Here’s a classic one from Emerson:
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
lorraine on 15 Apr 2008 at 1:20 pm: 12
Nice answers Eric
I am nodding my head yes.
Emerson’s a favorite. I haven’t read that particular quote. Thank you for sharing it!
Warmly,
Lorraine