The Challenge To Succeed

So much has been written about success that one often gets confused about what success is all about. Success is such a personal thing that it may mean different things to different people. Yet we need to have a simple definition which should apply to all successful people and situations. The ultimate purpose of being successful is to take pride in one's achievements and be happy; and I think one of the best description has been put forward by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

"To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people

and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics

and endure the betrayal of false friends

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by

a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;

This is to have succeeded."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here is the simplicity with which such a complex subject like success has been explained . If we just analyze every line we would realize that each aspect adds up to a value leading up to a successful life.

And this is the challenge of success. To have such values as to 'laugh often' or 'to find the best in others' is being successful. So simple yet when we look at ourselves and all around us we will find very few people laughing often or appreciating beauty.

The other day I met a young person working for a social organization on lowly wages hardly eking out a decent living. But what I found amazing was he talked very positively and with love to everyone he met, and he met a lot of people on our short walk. There was no bitterness in him because of his economic status nor any disgust for his work which paid him low wages. He did his work with great love. When I praised him for his positive and sunny nature he was thrilled and became a great friend though we had just met an hour back and went out of the way to help me with my assignment.

It is often the most difficult thing to praise anyone. We may admire so many people and their work but fail to give credit openly or acknowledge and praise the persons concerned.

This is what I did and it was a win win day for both of us. Now let us just think about how much success can be achieved in a day if we follow all of Emerson's success formula.

The challenge of success is to follow the simple values. The few simple things in life will always account for the major successes in our life. It is not to suggest that there are only these simple ideas that would affect our successes but it is our focus on the simple things that will have the greatest impact in our lives. What we read above of Emerson's words are proven wisdom that have flowed down for centuries but yet retained their ageless and timeless relevance.

While success training is becoming more and more complex with new programs with fancy success matrixes or best sellers being touted as the ultimate answer, hitting us everyday, I invite you all to look at the challenge of understanding the simple yet powerful wisdom of the the great thinkers such as Emerson.

About The Author

R.G. Srinivasan is a certified trainer and a management consultant. He is the author of e-books, publishes 3 blogs on health, Home Business and management. He is also a widely published author. Check out his blog at http://home-businessresources.blogspot.com

---

Are We There Yet?

In a recent disaster, a man was asked why he... Read More

Each Moment Is To Be Treasured

Let us grasp and treasure each precious moment of our... Read More

If You Were an Angel... What Would You Do?

If you were an Angel what could you do to... Read More

My Lost Immortality

Oh my God, I'm not immortal anymore! What happened? Where's... Read More

Motivational Posters - A Source Of Inspiration?

What Inspires You? What motivates you to get up in... Read More

In the Eyes of a Child

It was way past 10:00 pm when I came home... Read More

The Essence Of Freedom

Life is too hard and too risky in the eyes... Read More

Two Drops Of Water

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 17,... Read More

Make Life Work: Repair the Relationship with Yourself

What areas of your life are working well? Career? Finances?Relationships?... Read More

The Climbs In Our Lives

I grew up climbing mountains. Mountains are beautiful and challenging,... Read More

Contemptable Temptation

Let's look at the lesson we should all pay attention... Read More

Switch to a Better Channel!

Peril, catastrophe and disaster.These are our friends, allies and mentors.Appearing... Read More

Adversity, What Is It Good For?

As I sat down to write this article, I was... Read More

Nine Things More Important than Capital

When starting any enterprise or business, whether it is full-time... Read More

Good Morning... Please...Thank-you!!

When I was a child, I remember that my parents... Read More

Just Let ?Em Go!

I remember when I was just a little guy probably... Read More

How To Deal With Shyness

Although shyness can be overcome, there is a fair chance... Read More

The Fighting Father

This man is an Anglican priest but with a difference.... Read More

What Does it Take to Make Life Better?

What does it take for you to pay attention?You've probably... Read More

Improving Your Self Esteem

Often in our society, we are bombarded with the lives... Read More

Why Anyone Can Be Prosperous

In nature, when the season is right, all things flourish... Read More

Words That Can Leave You Powerless

The lines below come from this weeks mind treatment, written... Read More

Discernment and Judgement

Discernment is an inner guide or compass. It is loving... Read More

From the Hint of a Rainbow to...

The grey sky of morning contained an ominous quality. The... Read More

Emancipation

Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 8,... Read More

A Resurrection Story

My mother often wound up in the hospital during the... Read More

Why Buddhism Succeeds - The Right Thing is the Thing to do

The ongoing teachings are exemplified in an understanding and execution... Read More

Innocent Fun

Just the other day, I escaped the business of my... Read More

Big O

Growing up, I remember my Dad had some really good... Read More

The Finer, and Finest, Things in Life

In America, we have a saying: The finer things in... Read More

Charge Your Imagination (3)

As we progress into the year, it is necessary for... Read More

Play a BIGGER role in life!

Did you ever think that you are not playing the... Read More

Tsunami

This article was channelled through me by an entity called... Read More