Success, what is it really?

In my previous post, I began with the definition: 

success is the progressive realization of a worthwhile dream.

I went on to explain that the originator of this definition has been a very successful business person. This is where I’d like to begin.

While some people have tremendous business or financial success, it’s important to realize that success isn’t measured only by someone’s financial statement. Mother Theresa for example, was successful in her endeavor beyond imagination and was at the same time just as poor, or at least, not wealthy. Some would say that she was spiritually rich. And she was. So what we have is a working definition of success, with its principles, that may result in a vision of success that is way too small. What we need to understand is that success is realized in as many ways as there are people. It’s not always visible or tangible but rather progressive and based on an individual dream.

The dream is generally where it all begins. An idea that keeps your mind occupied becomes a passion. It often sounds like “I really want to …”  ! Once you figure out that you want to get this done, the desire is in place and it’s time to put the second principle into action. Preparation. I can say that this is where many people fail. Decisions have to be made, a measure of accountability is also recommended, and the work that ensues often times bring on the inevitable challenges. How do I know this? The same way that you do, experience. Look, how relatable would I be if I preached from a book without experiencing this, and ultimately, who would read this post? Experience is the best teacher no doubt, but someone else’s experience is a much quicker means to an end. This is where I can interject one of my favorite nuggets:  

don’t GO through life when you can GROW through life. Growth happens when you are stretched and stretching happens when you are out of your comfort zone. Guess what puts you out of your comfort zone? You got it, challenges. That’s why coaches and personal growth gurus always position a challenge as an opportunity.

One last thing regarding success. You will know your success by the fruit you are producing. Though your particular dream may not be visible, such as something that is a matter of the heart, you will still know when your dream is being realized by the fruit you are bearing. This is a way to measure your progress, maintain accountability, and to keep striving to accomplish more.

As a Christian, understanding that God created everything for a purpose, gives me peace, satisfaction, and even a sense of adventure to seek His will for my life. It has given me a purpose because I know that His desire is not to harm me but to give me life. In the New Testament book of John, ch. 10 verse 10, Jesus says “The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”. This doesn’t mean a life of nothing but pleasure and guaranteed happiness all the time. Challenges, growth, and accountability apply here as well. In fact, the Bible (God’s letter to us) is where you will find all principles played out in the lives of others.

My last nugget for today: Books give you insight into people's lives. You can learn in days what it took someone an entire life to learn. The greatest book ever written is the Bible.