Do you sometimes feel that the way success is defined or portrayed on social media, doesn't conform to your idea of success? Have you had a "successful" experience that left you unfulfilled? Do you ever wonder what it means to be successful? How would you define success? Would it be something you accomplished? Would it be obtaining something you wanted? Would it be meeting or exceeding your expectations? Actually, it could be defined as all those things. But the definitions listed above all revolve around something you obtain or get. Could success possibly be defined by what you give? If you gave your best effort but lost on the scoreboard, would that be a successful event? If you denied yourself something you wanted so that someone else could have it, could that be a definition of success? If your efforts eased the pain and discomfort of someone else, would that be a successful day? While there are many definitions of success, the best one I have ever heard is the following from John Wooden, who was the basketball coach at UCLA when I was growing up. Here is Coach Wooden's definition: "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming." Notice how Coach Wooden's definition makes no mention of winning, or achieving, or obtaining anything material. Success, like beauty, tends to be in the eye of the beholder. As much as society wants to tell you what success means based on what car you drive, or beer you drink, or sneakers you wear, success ultimately has to be defined by you. While there are numerous definitions of success, you will be the ultimate arbiter when it comes to your own success. Many definitions involve things that we get, but please consider the things we give for the betterment of others a success as well. Please check out the video below for more examples of success and leave me a comment about how you define success in your life.
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![]() ![]() Author & SpeakerTerry is a sought after speaker who believes in the power of a story to motivate, inspire, and help others lead their uncommon and extraordinary lives. By combining his thirteen-year terminal cancer journey with his diverse business, athletic coaching, and hostage negotiating expertise, he delivers compelling yet relatable presentations for conferences, on-line events, panels, meetings, and seminars. Archives
February 2025
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