When I say the opportunity to succeed in life is available to everyone on the face of the earth, people often disagree. I clearly understand we don’t all have the same exact opportunities, since we come from various backgrounds, have unique skill sets, talents, abilities and live across a vast land, filled with challenges not known to each person equally. Because we are constantly on different paths, material resources are not always distributed evenly and as a result, many people feel it is impossible to become a SENSATIONAL SUCCESS. Since that idea broke my heart, I began thinking about ways to help others. I started by searching for things that are similar or commonalities, rather than differences. To me, this is one of the most powerful forces brought to bear when there is a goal to be reached. As I looked for a “foundation”, something underlying in all of us, I came to a conclusion. The reason everyone isn’t considered successful must be due to the definition we are using, or more importantly NOT using. Of course you can find a definition in a dictionary, but not everyone reads beyond the first line.
Webster defines success many ways. One is, “the attainment of wealth, or a favorable or desired outcome.” If you look further at the definition of wealth, it says, “an abundance of valuable possessions.” But it also says,” all resources having value in terms of exchange or productive use.” So, by looking deeper into the definition, we find that perhaps you don’t need lots of money, new cars, a big house or be famous to be a success. With that knowledge, I began to think it was possible for SENSATIONAL SUCCESS to be more accessible and inclusive if we would concentrate on the definition that we live by and utilize whatever part we needed in order to make it work. If you had tons of money, a nice house and nice cars then you would have no problem fitting into the definition and would be able to say you were successful. But, what if you didn’t have any material wealth, could we still make you a success within the definition provided? I felt like I could now answer “Yes” every time!
To confirm my thoughts, I focused on the specific idea that if I achieve a desired outcome or had something of value to exchange, I could be a success. Immediately, I realized my wealth of compassion and knowledge on certain subjects would allow me to be labeled a SENSATIONAL SUCCESS. Since each individual on the planet has something of value and can achieve favorable outcomes no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, I had found a way for not only me to be successful, but each and every other person as well. It was also then that I came across this quote from Christopher Morley who defines success this way, “There is only one success — to be able to spend your life in your own way.” Wow, it was now easy to become successful. So, the question is, are you using a definition that allows you to be successful?
Now that we have established anyone could create a workable definition of success to fit their situation, I also recommend utilizing what I call the THREE ANCIENT TRUTHS to create a road map to guide you in this journey. People have been passing down various laws of success for thousands of years. I can’t say that they are wrong, but those definitions are not always the ones I use to determine my own value. I focus on three simple things that keep me in tune with my own definition. I challenge you to find what works and I respect anyone who decides to use a different method or definition to arrive at their own success. I can only share what has afforded me happiness, endless opportunities and a sense that I am the luckiest person on the planet. A funny thing also happened along the way, “material things” which are also listed in the definition of success, have found their way to me and my family. So, let me share those three “ancient truths” with you now. Hopefully they’ll support your definition of success.
1.) YOU will become what you think about.
“If you don’t control your mind and your own thoughts, who will? If you haven’t read, “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen, I highly recommend it. Most of man’s accomplishments throughout time have been thought about before they became a reality. As a child, I can remember physically “making myself sick”, so I wouldn’t have to go to school on a test day. You can find stories regarding people who “think” themselves out of a terminal illness. It is known to the scientific community you can change your body chemistry by changing your thoughts. Now, I don’t always do it, but my goal is to think positively and wish nothing but the best for myself and others. By knowing that I am in control of my own thoughts, I believe I can determine my own definition of success. When I do that, I am a SENSATIONAL SUCCESS.
2.) Understand YOU are responsible for how you respond and react to every situation.
There is deep wisdom in the quote from Epictetus, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” If someone were to yell at you, there are a number of ways you can react. You can yell back, strike out, or absorb it and walk away to name a few. Regardless of what ends up happening, realize and understand what action you take is up to you. Someone may be able to physically detain your body, but without drugs, they shouldn’t be able to control your mind and heart. As humans, we naturally want to control outcomes. Unfortunately, if things don’t go our way, we feel we are unsuccessful. You can’t dictate what another person will do with their own free will, although you can influence their actions by how you control yours. I only judge myself on my thoughts and responses and let the chips fall where they may.
3.) Remember to treat others as you want to be treated.
It is the “Golden Rule” for a reason. If you stop for a split second in every situation and empathize (which means put yourself in the other persons shoes) before proceeding, the world would be a better place. Forget about how they behaved towards you in the past, or what kind of day you had, or whether you will get anything out of it. Just treat the person like you want to be treated and move on. You will not only have an effect on them, but on others who witness your actions.
I hope by sharing how I became (if even in my own mind) a SENSATIONAL SUCCESS, it might help in your quest. I have seen first hand that happiness and satisfaction will be followed by success, not the other way around. In my own mind, the greatest gifts I will ever give or be given can not be purchased. Therefore, why shouldn’t I use my thoughts and actions, not items of material value as the measuring stick for greatness and success.
