Words of wisdom for this week
“Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps, for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be.” William Hazlitt
There are a number of traits or attitudes that contribute to success and a success lifestyle. Yes these are two different things. Success is generally described as achievement while a success lifestyle can include things like; good health, nurturing relationships, a spiritual foundation, inner peace and contentment and many other ingredients. Don’t be misled, just because you are successful or are achieving success don’t make the assumption that this will lead to a success lifestyle. It can but it is a separate and completely independent of your achievements. Let me explain if you doubt my reasoning.
Let’s assume you are making a handsome six figure income, are secure in your career and are making steady progress toward your financial and career goals. So one might automatically believe that their life is in order. Well, no matter what you earn I’ll wager that there are still areas of your life where there is dysfunction, disconnect or a lack of inner peace and happiness. Just because you have a huge bank balance gives you no right to believe that you are emotionally mature, have inner security or can face many of life’s other challenges with poise and confidence.
I am not going to list the many traits and attitudes of successful people. The bookstores are full of books that will give you more information than you need. I am not going to imply that just because you are successful that you are either happy or content. And I am certainly not going to tell you that striving for more is necessarily a negative behavior. What I do believe is that if you lack inner peace, happiness and contentment that there is no amount of money, fame, power or wealth that will give these to you.
I have observed thousands of people over the years and there doesn’t seem to be a direct link to success and lifestyle success. Yes, with a lot of money you can buy a lot of stuff, do a lot of things and go a lot of places however, if you lack an inner security these will never satisfy your external urges for more and more.
So, what am I suggesting here? If you will strive for lifestyle success and not just success you will often be amazed at how success comes to you. Not necessarily in the form of more money than you could ever spend or more travel or the accumulation of toys, junk, houses or just stuff, but in the form of positive and nurturing relationships, friendships and just knowing that life is good no matter what.
I recently had dinner with my son while I was speaking in Denver. I am so very proud of the adult he has become over the years but I was just amazed at how often he said “My life is good. Sure I could be making more money have a bigger house or better car but life is just good.” That got me thinking.
Could I say that or could I only say that when things were going well, business was good and my bank account was overflowing?
How about you? Is life good for you no matter what or does something better have to happen tomorrow or in the future for it to be good for you?
Make Some Memories Every Day…
In His service, Tim