What Is Success?
The word success means many things to many people. For example, Hector may think success is helping others by developing a new medicine to cure a disease. Laura might define success as being a star athlete, whereas Roz thinks getting good grades in school is a measure of her success. Hector, Laura and Roz are all correct. Success is all these things and more.
Ralph Waldo Emerson defined success as: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; … to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child or a garden patch … to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is success.”
Many people define success as “bigger, faster, better” as in, bigger house, faster car or better school. But is that really success? Or has Ralph Waldo Emerson defined what real success means? Contributing to the happiness and success of others is an important component of your personal success.
Success is learning how to set and achieve goals, how to measure your progress toward reaching them, and the importance of helping others. It is minimizing excuses, taking responsibility, and learning how to overcome roadblocks to success. Success is answering a resounding “yes” to this question: Did I give my best effort to today’s activities?
This is your life! Your goals! Your success!
YOU ARE A WINNER!
Suggestion for implementation:
- Discuss how you would answer the question “Did I give my best effort to today’s activities?”
Questions for discussion:
- How do you define success?
- How can your family help you reach your full potential?
- How can you help them reach theirs?
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Accent On Success® is an organization dedicated to giving parents and teachers the tools
they need to help children succeed in school and in life. Their first book, Goal Setting for
Students®, has won three national book awards.
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Contact: Accent On Success®
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