Integrity Matters
July 4, 2007
You define your success
Question: (E-297)
Success is more than the attainment of enviable amounts of pleasure, wealth, fame or power. History is filled with sad stories of individuals who, after having accumulated tremendous treasures, went on to experience devastating disappointment. Not knowing how much was enough, primarily because the "bar" is being raised constantly, many driven and hard-driving achievers jump on the treadmill from hell, not finding fulfillment.
In contrast, truly successful people are doing what they most enjoy doing and what suits them. They have taken an inventory of their talents and abilities and within the framework built occupations that closely fit their own personalities. There are exceptions to this, but my observation is that many who claw their way to the top, for money and power, fail to attain personal and professional fulfillment. Avoid manipulative and singularly selfish people - or simply distance yourself from them - because their ruthlessness is likely to harm you as soon as you interfere with their self-serving pursuits.
Genuine winners are successful people within their own minds. They are successful in the sense that their true selves are expressed in their work, in their home life and in their friendships. They are individuals who have learned their limitations as well as their strengths. They have concentrated on developing their talents, not wasting their time doing things outside of the mainstream. They know the things they choose not to do are not trivial, but rather simply activities that will divert energy and attention from their primary interests and strengths.
Successful people seek to serve humanity in the best way that they can, not wasting energy on envying those whose service lies in other fields.
Seven steps to achieving integrity-centered success:
- Define, in detail, the work that provides you with pleasure and pride.
- Communicate how you expect to be treated by your associates.
- Develop those talents that allow you to enjoy utilizing your strengths.
- Seek support from those who provide complementary skills and perspectives.
- Commit to lifelong learning.
- Maintain openness to new and challenging ideas, respecting individuals' differences.
- Pause, periodically, to celebrate achievements, exhibiting genuine appreciation.
Successful people measure themselves not by what they keep but what they give away. Success comes from nurturing and encouraging others.
