Redefining Success

I’ve been listening to a recording produced in 1956 by Earl Nightingale called “The Strangest Secret.” In this recording Earl defines success as “the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” I recommend adopting this definition of success.

The beautiful thing about thinking about success this way is that suddenly what’s most important is progress, not completion. As long as you have a goal in mind and you are taking strides to accomplish that goal you are successful. Setbacks and mistakes are not failures. The only failure is to quit trying.

Whether you have goals for your health, or your finances, or your relationship- once you adopt this definition of success you allow yourself to relax, focus, and celebrate the small wins. Earl says you cannot wait for a fire to be hot to add the wood. In the same way you cannot wait until you have accomplished your goal to celebrate success. The excitement and gratitude of celebrating small wins will accelerate your progress. This concept is similar to compound interest.

Make everyday a successful one by always having a goal and doing SOMETHING towards that goal everyday. Smile and congratulate yourself.

You got this. Talk soon, Michael