Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, at this point, is 6 for 6 for 6: 6 events, 6 gold medals, 6 world records set. If tonight, he doesn't win his 7th, will he NOT be a success?
Warren Buffet is one of the richest men in the world and one who's financial advice is one of the most sought for. What if his next investment turns out to be a bust, is he no longer "successful"?
Billy Graham is arguably one of the most famous and influential religious figures this world has ever seen. He has led countless souls to salvation, sold millions of books, and advised some of the most powerful people in the world in times of crisis. If his ministry organization decides to shut its doors tomorrow, will his successes be diminished?
The answer to all of these, of course, is no. And honestly, I don't think it's up to us to judge another's accomplishments. I've always felt that success, like beauty, is really in the eye of the beholder.
For example, in our business, success can be measured by high ratings and/or awards. Debbie and I have been blessed over the years to come by both of these-and that's how I used to measure our success.
Yesterday a little boy came in the station with his grandmother who was picking up a prize. He was standing at the glass outside the studio excitedly jumping around and pointing and so I went out to the lobby to see if he wanted to come in the studio. He never heard me ask! He just ran in the studio and hugged Debbie's neck and then hopped on my lap and helped us give a "Word That Wins." The look on his face was something all parents recognize and love to see in our own children. You know the one: "Mom, are you seeing this? Look at me? Isn't this the greatest thing ever?" To be able to provide a moment like that, that's success for us now. However, our employers, I bet, would still prefer we continue to have the other, more measurable success (so keep listening, ok?), but really...that just allows us to continue to enjoy the other.
I'll leave you with this definition 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.
And that's something you can hang your hat on.
Most Recent Entries
11/21/08 - SOMETHING TO HANG YOUR HAT ON-YOUR CROSS A young man was at the end of his rope; seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.
"Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear."
The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."
The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and he did as...>>Read more...
The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside.
"That laundry is not very clean," she said. "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap." Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same...>>Read more...
A true story points to a universal truth about human beings: we learn best by watching how others behave.
President Calvin Coolidge once invited friends from his hometown to dine with him at the White House. Unsure of their table manners, the guests decided to imitate the president. They watched closely to see which utensils he used, what foods he ate and when.
Their strategy seemed to succeed until coffee was served. Coolidge...>>Read more...
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.>>Read more...
11/17/08 - SOMETHING TO HANG YOUR HAT ON-THE GRADE I received this in my e-mail box over the weekend. It was written by a minister, but the story told is one I could SO identify with, I just had to share it. If you were like me (and for that matter, my son) and were, shall we say, "overly social" in school, then this-"The Grade"-is for you.
"You must be a Bronner?"
I was sitting in the lunchroom of my kids' school. I had just finished making a presentation to one of the...>>Read more...
I got this and thought you would like it. It touch me cause the anniversary of my moms death is next month it will be years and still hurts.
Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen...>>Read more...
• It helps you feel in control. In a recent study, people who wrote a letter expressing their gratitude once a week felt more independent that those who didn't – because they started to take credit for the good things in their lives.
Dave was struggling through a bus station with two huge and obviously heavy suitcases when a stranger walked up to him and asked, "Have you got the time?"
Dave sighed, put down the large and cumbersome suitcases and spoke to his wristwatch. "Time please."
"The time is five thirty," came a voice somewhere in the timepiece.
"Wow! What a watch!" exclaimed the stranger. >>Read more...
We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy; and I mean, he was really friendly.
