What is Success?

Everyone wants success. People talk about setting goals and positive thinking and getting to the top. However, most of these same people never really define what success means to them.

Instead they think only in terms of the next big promotion or the next raise or climbing the corporate ladder, but few ever stop to really look at where these goals are taking them. World-renown motivational speaker Zig Ziglar says that to define success, you should stand on the goal line of life and look into the end zone. What you want to see there sets the parameters for your definition of success.

In other words, ask most people what they want from life, and they will say, "I want to be happy." That's great, except for two things: they seldom know with any certainty what happiness actually means to them, and secondly, they never actually plan to be-nor take the time to be-happy.

Instead of taking the time to be happy now, most people fall into the when-I-get-over-there-then-I'll-be-happy syndrome. If you look, you see these kinds of people every day-maybe even when you look in the mirror. "When I get that promotion, then I'll be happy." "When the kids are back in school and I can do this, then I'll be happy." "When we get out of debt, then I'll be happy."

Problem is, it doesn't work that way. If happiness is your goal; if having been happy is something you really want to see in the end zone of your life, then you have to start being happy today. Not tomorrow, not in a week, not when "X" happens-TODAY.

So, how do you do this?

First, you must seriously ask yourself, what makes you happy? What makes you feel alive and completely in touch with the essence of yourself?

Maybe it's hiking or skateboarding or baseball or running. Maybe it's painting or music or writing or dance. Maybe it's something as simple as taking a cup of tea out to the porch to watch a sunset.

Immediately you say, "I don't have time to do that stuff. I'm busy making a living. I don't have enough time as it is." And then you wonder why you aren't happy.

If happiness is a goal you have, then you must schedule time every day to do something that makes you happy. As Annie Dillard, the author of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, said, "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."

The question to you then, is how are you spending your days? The reality is that what you have right now is exactly what will be in that end zone on your last day here. Is this what you want?

If so, congratulations! If not, you can start right here, right now to make a new ending. Decide today what will be in your end zone, and then make the changes to get that in your life today. You deserve it, but don't put it off. You don't have a second to waste.

If you're looking for more of the real "good stuff," visit Staci Stallings at http://www.stacistallings.com. She has articles, faith stories, and a monthly newsletter chocked full of inspiration and God's love waiting just for you. Come on over. You'll feel better for the experience!

---

Motivation By Comparison

Motivation by comparison is a dynamic form of motivation which... Read More

Choosing Your Vision

There is a new television show, called Blind Justice that... Read More

JJKs First Six Secrets to Becoming a Successful, Creative Entrepreneur!

Hello Creative Entrepreneurs!As many of you may know I have... Read More

10 Ways to Kick the Procrastination Habit

I recently read about a survey (by the University of... Read More

Breaking Through Resistance

Why is it that every time you start something new,... Read More

The Art of Scripting Your Life

Writing a 'life script' is like writing a movie script.... Read More

Every Passing Minute Is A Chance To Turn It All Around

Every passing minute.When I first heard this line, in the... Read More

Life?s an Illusion

I'll get right to the point. Life is not necessarily... Read More

Keeping Perspective: When Bad Things Happen That Are Not Life Threatening

The very first thing to question is how important is... Read More

Taking Responsibility

Taking action about our current station in life involves taking... Read More

Motivation: The Power of Celebration

Cherish Enthusiasm Live with passion Excitement Belief Rejoice Attitude and... Read More

Extreme Makeover ? Compliments of Me

There is a fascination these days with reality shows that... Read More

Mr. Smith, Please Enter the Dream Room - Dream Big Dreams to Do Big Things!

Enjoy a great quote to start off this fantastic week!"All... Read More

Do You have a Dream?

Do you find yourself sitting at work longing to be... Read More

Tony Robbins - 10 Lessons I Learned From Anthony Robbins

Tony Robbins has been an inspiration for millions. Love him... Read More

The Power

I had a friend ask me a question not to... Read More

Were Good at the Things We Like

Read that again. It doesn't say "We like the things... Read More

Quick Steps To Help You Take Action Now

Need to move ahead and yet find yourself holding back?Edward... Read More

Why You Dont Ned Motivation

As a life coach, I often hear people say they... Read More

Nothing Ever Stays The Same

Nothing ever stays the same. On the one hand we... Read More

Motivation: If Today Were the Last of All Days

"If today were the last of all days........" - Marilyn... Read More

How to Get Rid of Inaction Paralysis!

How many times have you come up with a brilliant... Read More

Ahead of the Curve to be on Top

I once heard a statement that no matter how good... Read More

Read All the Books

All of the books that we will ever need to... Read More

The Power Of Purpose

The manifestations of motiveA man is captive within himself. He... Read More

Nothing More Than Feelings

"How are you Inventing Your Life Today?" ? the lead... Read More

March Madness - Give Me The Ball!

March madness is great to watch not because I have... Read More

17 More Things Ive Noticed Along the Way So Far

Three areas of life in which we get very little... Read More

Make Motivation Stick

Motivation is the elusive elixir. Not only does it help... Read More

7 Hot Tips For Self Improvement Part 2

Self Improvement Tip 4 Don't procrastinate! The more you put... Read More

What Is The Value In Wanting To Accomplish Something?

When I listen to people tell me about some of... Read More

Free Will To The Rescue

Today's society and your private world are the results of... Read More

How to Become an Effective Self-Help User

"Know Yourself" That's what the big guy said way back... Read More