"Success is a consequence". Of what?
Infinite books teach us "how to become successful". Steps are carefully outlined and explained. Living proofs are provided, along with glowing testimonials.
For those of us who have yet to reach that pinnacle called 'success', we probably, and continually, ask ourselves why not? Is it our fault? Are we not gifted, talented, knowledgeable, or savvy enough?
For a moment, would it help if, instead of asking: how will i succeed? Or, why am i such a failure? We turn to ask "Why am I such a smashing, raging, huge success?
A long time ago, I read that the sum total of our lives today are simply answers. What we need do is remember the questions.
What if, in the past, all we ever asked ourselves was a constant barrage, repetition, and variation, of: "why am i so stupid, unlucky, unfortunate, a failure? And what if, today, just might be our answer? Yuck!
I dunno if this makes any sense.
But I also came across a line that says "success is not a destination, or end goal. Rather, it is a consequence, a byproduct of the love, attention, dedication and devotion we lavish upon our work, whatever form it takes.
"There is a difference between being interested and being committed"
Which one are we?
Most days, I still catch myself adrift; forgetful of the lessons; lazy enough not to write. I have excellent excuses. Until monthly renewal date.
So here's another (bit longish) quote to pin on my forehead for those, oh so flimsy, excuse-filled moments:
"The act of discovering who we are will force us to accept that we can go further than we think. And that frightens us. Best not to take the risk. We can always say: "I didn't do what I should have done because they wouldn't let me."
That feels more comfortable. Safer. And, at the same time, it's tantamount to renouncing your own life.
Woe to those who prefer to spend their lives saying: "I never had any opportunities!"_Paulo Coelho
Best of success to everyone!
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Thanks georama for liking the lines. When a person of your calibre accepts it must be good. I am happy.
Thanks Maria for sharing such good thought that is relevant to all of us. Yes, success is not merely a destination and requires committment and not merely interest. I would like to express it as under:
“Success is an internal feeling of joy of achievement and not merely possessing something.”--Swadesh
“Success is a process of evaluating our capabilities. The capabilities are already given by almighty.”--Swadesh
I share your line,"Best of success to everyone"
Beautiful quotes, Inspiration1, like our georama pointed out.
May I ask who Swadesh is? First time I've come across the name. A holy man, perhaps?
Thank you for sharing!
This is wonderful Maria, thank you. I can't believe I still haven't read the alchemist! I've added this quote to my collection! So true!
;-) You have plenty of time, Chris, take it when you can. The book is simply so gripping I read it in one night, with notes to boot.
Of course, after the initial euphoria and inspiration, the actual doing is altogether a different thing. Like the parable of the seeds, I s'ppose.
But here's another quote for your collection, Chris, from the same guy:
"You were not paralyzed by the defeats that are inevitable in the lives of those who take risks. You didn't sit agonizing over what you lost when you had an idea that didn't work.
You didn't stop when you experienced moments of glory, because you had not yet reached your goal."
Something, to chew on when those frequent down moments hit us....
Thank you for reading.
Ah yes, I love that one too!! Yes of course, risk will meet disappointment...it's naive to think otherwise! Thanks for sharing! :)
A very though provoking post, Maria! Success will often be as a result of getting out of one's safe and comfortable zone. :) george
Dear George, my hero :-), I can't believe you read this?
As I grew older (not necessarily wiser), I need to be reminded of what a trap our comfort zone can be, and how we all need to leave it for something nobler. And what could it be other than to become more than what we presently are? That would spell success to me, truly.
Thank you, George, for stopping by. Stay well.
It's certainly true that our destiny is in our own hands, and for me success is the result of diligent learning, consistently applied. Every failure brings one closer to success, and it's true, success can be defined a million ways. For some, mere survival is success. One key is to recognise that not achieving my goals (to be a millionaire) does not mean failure. To pay the bills and eat every month is success, but even in this economic climate, people are becoming wealthy and I can't imagine for the life of me why I won't be one of them.
Paul, are you wearing a grin, or being a curmudgeon? ;-)
Whichever mood you're in, thanks for the laugh, and the lessons.
You posed an observation I often wonder about: the economic climate vis-a-vis outrageous fortunes being created. Do they have a secret we haven't tapped into? Considering the gazillions of webpages talking about the secret to this and that, you'd think all we need is simply "plug into their system" and presto! A virtual fountain of wealth straight into our bank accounts.
Be great if we could all partake of a piece of that delicious pie!
In due course of time?
Thanks so much, Paul!
The consequences of your attitude can have profound effects on just how successful you can be. By saying this is going to fail sets you up for failure before you even begin the journey. Maintain a positive attitude and continue telling yourself "If I keep on trying, then I will see success in the future."
Too true, Tony. Your words reminded me of something I just read: "Poverty and riches are the offspring of thought".
Over time, unless we carefully mind our minds, our thoughts tend to drift into mundane matters. Monkey mind, is it?
And during moments of great self-doubt, I try as much as possible to simply feel grateful for anything and everything.
Thank you, Tony, I'll do my best to keep, and stay, positive.
Very good thought! But if you look at it, how did your website looked when you sign in? You didn't even had a website! So whatever it is you have now, it's a success already. Give yourself a round of applause, because you're a successful person already. You probably don't realize it now, but it doesn't mean you're not successful. Take a step back for a change and look at it from a different perspective. You will be surprised on how much, and in his many things you have already succeeded in life.
Bikcat, you are so kind, thank you.
We can all tell ourselves those things whenever we need that gently push. Bit by bit. In the beginning, zero website. But now? Pages and posts to create, beautify, and lavish with care.
Thank you, your words are most uplifting, bikcat.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts. They are inspirational. Keep going and never stop. Debbie
Debbie, thank you so much!
We're all inspirations in here, I've discovered, each with stories to share, and ideas to guide our way.
Here's to seeing each and all fulfilling their heart's desire ;-)