Grace Abad: Forbes.com

Defining Success

SUCCESS IS THE CONTINUOUS JOURNEY
TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF
PREDETERMINED, WORTHWHILE GOALS.

Since our lives are realities that go on and on, true success, the kind that doesn't crumble into dust the moment we get our hands on it, must be part of that continuous journey. Each goal you set, strive for and achieve is part of your overall goal of a balanced and happy life. Little Corinne, was totally out of balance by only having one goal. Bend your efforts toward achieving a successful life. Only you can define precisely what achieving a successful life means to you. But, if happiness has any place in your set of values, your successful life will probe many interests, experience many emotions, fill many needs, and accomplish many aims. I strongly recommend that you begin with goals for your health—physical fitness; wealth—financial security; mind—emotional stability (This includes continually learning and growing mentally.); and spiritual fulfillment for a good sense of balance.

Choose specific goals. Predetermine them far enough in advance of their deadlines to allow you to change and develop enough to reach them. Unless you do both these things, success will always be a stranger—or at best, a fickle, unfriendly, and infrequent visitor in your life.

Nothing that will give lasting satisfaction can be achieved unless the goals striven for are worthwhile . Discovering and moving toward what is truly worthwhile to you is the most challenging and rewarding task of your continuous journey through life. If you wish to be truly successful, accept this challenge. Think about it deeply. Then act on your conclusions.

Success isn't all of a sudden. Success is every day. Once you get near your current goals, start thinking about where you'll go after you get there. This is vital. And you can do it without diverting energy from nailing down the great success you're closing in on now. Before achieving that aim, rest your mind occasionally by speculating on what your next goals will be. Make a written list of your ideas. As you find free moments, collect your thoughts about your new goals. Gather information on them.

Prepare for the trauma of success. Unless you plunge into the pursuit of new goals, you'll get bored. You'll get depressed, and you'll start sliding downhill as soon as you lose the challenge of chasing your current goals. Witness the number of people who win celebrity and wealth in show business and then lose everything to alcohol or drugs.

Fortunately, a solid new goal is a sure cure. Don't leave your old goal without one.

Grace Abad

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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