What Is Success?
The word success means many things to many people. For example, Hector may think success is helping others by
developing a new medicine to cure a disease. Laura might define success as being a star athlete, whereas Roz thinks
getting good grades in school is a measure of her success. Hector, Laura and Roz are all correct. Success is all
these things and more.
Ralph Waldo Emerson defined success as: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children; … to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world
a little better; whether by a healthy child or a garden patch … to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived. This is success.”
Many people define success as “bigger, faster, better” as in, bigger house, faster car or better
school. But is that really success? Or has Ralph Waldo Emerson defined what real success means? Contributing
to the happiness and success of others is an important component of your personal success.
Success is learning how to set and achieve goals, how to measure your progress toward reaching them, and the
importance of helping others. It is minimizing excuses, taking responsibility, and learning how to overcome
roadblocks to success. Success is answering a resounding “yes” to this question: Did I give my best
effort to today’s activities?
This is your life! Your goals! Your success!
YOU ARE A WINNER!
Suggestion for implementation:
- Discuss how you would answer the question “Did I give my best effort to today’s activities?”
Questions for discussion:
- How do you define success?
- How can your family help you reach your full potential?
- How can you help them reach theirs?
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parenting ideas.
05/03/2006 |