The Benchmarks Of Success

Look for these things and consider them well as you journey along the road to success:

• Know that Failure is Just an Event.  We mentioned this a few days ago, but it bears repeating.  If you fail, it doesn’t define you—it just puts you back at ‘square one’ with your idea and plan.

• Consider Your Responsibilities Before Your Rights.  Our culture drums it in to us that we must “have it now,” and many of us comply.  You are successful when you are mature enough to delay gratification and move your focus from your “rights” to your “responsibilities.”

• Fill Up on Faith, Hope, & Love.  Your outlook determines your output, and your output determines your outcome.  Choose to be optimistic, to read uplifting books, to listen inspirational audios.  When you put faith, hope, and love in your mind and heart, you’re able to overcome adversity and live free from anger, greed, guilt, and envy.

• Make Friends with Your Past—and then Look Forward.  You can use your past as a stepping stone to your future or you can let it cripple you.  Either way, it’s your choice.  When you can make friends with your past, be focused on the present, and have a bright opinion of your future, you have succeeded, no matter what your goal is.

• Know that Success Doesn’t Make You.  Along with the idea above, understanding that a win doesn’t make you and a loss doesn’t break you.  If you win, you’ll still have more wins to make before you “arrive,” and if you lose, you’ll have more opportunities to turn that around in the future.

• Stand up for Morality.  If you take a stand for what is right, even if it’s unpopular or costs you your job, you are successful.  It is an indisputable fact that no-one ever loses face for standing up for what is known to be right.

• Be a “Servant Friend.”  Success isn’t defined by how many people wait on your every whim or need; it’s defined by how many people you can help or serve while you achieve your goals.  If you can help others as you climb, you’ll learn more and climb quicker.  A servant’s heart is the true hallmark of a leader and shows the character of the person in the position of leadership.

Duplication Rights: You may copy and use all or part of this article for inclusion within any online or offline media on the condition that you include the above "About the Author" box in its entirety.

Close