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September 28, 2009
The Failure of Success
by Joel Burke
Program Director
KYGO
Denver, CO
I spent some time the past few weeks doing some research online
about the history of Success. Yes, I know it does sound kind of
boring, but I did come across an interesting change in the definition.
Author Stephen Covey and some other historians point out that the
first 150 years of the United States, the definition of success all
centered on someone’s character. Those character traits were about
working hard, being honest, showing respect and loyalty.
The definition of character was truly one of unselfishness.
Somewhere along about 60 years ago around the time of World War
II, the definition of success took a dramatic change. Now, success in
our culture today is defined by power, possessions and prestige.
During that same era of when the definition of success was
changing, Coach John Wooden in 1934 came up with his own
definition. “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of selfsatisfaction
in knowing you made the effort to become the best of
which you are capable.”
How do you define success? Before you answer, let’s review your
“Success Condition.”
Motive Condition
If you get where you are going, where will you end up? I remember
something my Dad used to say when I was growing up when I would
be impatient and restless. “If you can’t find contentment where are
now, you will never find contentment where you want to be.” So,
what will you have when we achieve our goals? Is all is about being
selfish or allowing your goals to make you generous?
Inventory Condition
There is great song about life evaluation and reflection on the George
Strait “Twang” CD called, “Where have I been all my life?” We all
must get to a point where we evaluate where we came from, our
current location and where we are headed. In the process, we must
painfully come to a conclusion if we have used the gifts GOD has
given us as toys or as tools to be the best we can be and help others
along the way. If you are struggling with your confidence or fear on
where you are suppose to be headed, take a moment to write down a
few victory moments in your life. Those are moments when you
stepped out into the land of the unknown and amazing experiences
happened!
Character Condition
The first test of our character is to do the right thing even if it slows
down our progress to succeed. Our character can only pass the test
when we have to deal with adversity. If we compromise our character
in order to get ahead, then we have actually been a failure.
Cooperate Condition
None of us can use the gifts we have been given without the support
and cooperation of others. This cooperative spirit will also hold each
of us accountable being successful the right way. Remember, a
single snowflake is barely even noticed, but a bunch together can
shut down an entire city.
Here’s another excellent definition of success by Ralph Waldo
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 little 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 the meaning of success.
I challenge you to not be a failure at success, but come up with your
own “unselfish” definition and go make it happen!
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