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

---

The River of Life

I've always loved the awesome majesty of mountains. They are,... Read More

A Faux Pas Is A Mistake In A Tuxedo

Everyone who is anybody has a hobby or at least... Read More

Today is Yesterdays Tomorrow

The problem with waiting until tomorrow is that when it... Read More

Ask the Angels - Get Specific !

There are Angels for everything and they are just waiting... Read More

The Seasons Of Life, Part 4 of 5

This week is Part Four of our five part series... Read More

Being Fruitful

Over the years I've learned to challenge my audiences to... Read More

Meatballs: Friend, or Foe?

We all have those moments, don't we? We're right in... Read More

Heavy Weather Guide

Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 26,... Read More

Walking The Walk

Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 14,... Read More

How To Develop A Grateful Mind (The Best Medicine)

There is one sure fire medicine that cures all difficulty... Read More

Faux Feelings

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 10,... Read More

Death Wish

I tremble at the thought that millions of people suffer... Read More

Fighting Grief: The Time To Show You Care

The news came as a shock to us all. He... Read More

Its Better to Give than to Receive

"It's better to give than to receive." You've probably heard... Read More

Living on Purpose: One Rock at a Time

I just got back from Colorado where I spent a... Read More

Go Ahead... Journal! (Taking Time To Record My Souls Journey With God)

Imagine sitting down in a relaxed setting -- a setting... Read More

Hope For Those Sexually Abused As Children

PART 1: Warning - This article may be inappropriate for... Read More

The HUGE Deposit of Diamond in You

Something happened to me some years back that is worthy... Read More

On Track

Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 27,... Read More

Letting Go Of Perfection

"The power of discovery enables us to achieve excellence without... Read More

How to Use the Ebb and Flow of Life to Your Advantage

Are you overwhelmed with so many activities you don't know... Read More

5 Simple Tips For A Better Life

How can we enjoy a better lifestyle?'Easy' I hear you... Read More

Numbers

Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 19,... Read More

Self Acceptance ? Lessons From My Hair Affair

For our diet and, indeed, in every aspect of our... Read More

Leaving The Child Behind. Recovery From Child Abuse

I looked at my father for the last time before... Read More

The Shattered Identity

I. ExpositionIn the movie "Shattered" (1991), Dan Merrick survives an... Read More

Make Mistakes! Its Okay - Really!

When you fall, do you get right back up? Do... Read More

20 Ways To Improve Your Life

People often ask me how they can improve their lives.I... Read More

Have You Been Lucky In Life?

Each moment in life, "lucky" or "unlucky", is to be... Read More

Take Out Time -- To Just Be Thankful

While sitting here tonight, watching the conclusion of "There Are... Read More

The Dead

Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 9,... Read More

A Teller Of Tales

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 10,... Read More

Are You Really Living Your Life Today!

Yesterday I was but a child, looking. Looking ahead at... Read More