What do you think are the key ingedients for becoming a successful person? I know that the definition of success varies from person to person. For one person, it might be having a job that they really enjoy. For a stay at home parent, it might be the creation of a very comfortable and healthy family environment. Of course there are other choices as well. With that in mind, what do you see as the key ingedients. What advice would you give to young people, in helping them have a good life as an adult? I have some ideas, but I would like your input first. I might chime in a comment from time to time as you folks respond.
Skills for success
by larc 9 Replies latest jw friends
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jgnat
I am a big believer in dreaming and setting goals. Here is my mission statement I wrote for myself in 1997. I might need to modify it soon, but it served me very well the last few years. Please forgive the language of loyalty. It is not at all the same thing you guys experienced. I keep my friends for life.
I will develop my talents and abilities all my life. I will be generous in sharing what I have learned with others. Through both difficult and prosperous times my testimony will be contant; though my loyalty and actions I will demonstrate that I love God, my children, my church. I will encourage my children and others to excellence, and help them believe that great things are possible.
I added a footnote, as I can be awfully hard on myself.
I am a success if I DO my dream. Taking longer than I expect does not mean failure.
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Pathofthorns
Like you indicated, success is difficult to define. I guess for many people success is some level of happiness and satisfaction. I don't think though there ever is a point where one finally "succeeds" completely when there is nothing left to accomplish and all of one's goals are met. So to me "success" is a journey that never will be completed but is hopefully a string of victories that is enjoyed throughout one's life.
As for skills needed, I think one must be willing to learn and to be aware of everything that can teach us something. I also think if one truly loves and cares about people that individual will be more successful than a person that tries to succeed at the expense of people.
Path
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Mulan
I wrote a mission statement too. Where did I put that? I'll get back to you.
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larc
jgant, you raise some good points. Goal setting is important, but has to be done in the context of your dreams which can translate into an overall mission statement. I think that both you and path agree that goals can not be isolated to one area, like a career without considering other aspects of your life, like those that you know and love. Path, I think you make a very good point that a person must be open to those who can teach them. When I was very young I did not realize this. As I got older, I came to understand the importance of asking for advice from people who knew more than I did on a subject. Regarding my dreams, one of the fantasies I had as a young man was what I would do if I was wealthy. Since I could do anything I wanted during may waking hours if rich, this fantasy allowed me to explore my interests while unencumbered by the practicalities of everyday life. What I came to realize was that I could do the kinds of things I wanted whether I was rich or poor, to be sure, not on the same scale, if I was poor. Even if I could not do them at the time, I could move in a direction so that eventually I could do the things I wanted to do in the first place. That's all for now, over and out.
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Mum
Christopher Morley said something to the effect that "there is only one success, and that is to live your life as you choose to live it.
Success comes from learning to make good choices -- of a career, a spouse, a savings plan, an employer, etc. The other factor, for me anyway, is figuring out what you want and what your strengths, gifts, talents, preferences and priorities are.
Oh, to have been a less passive and more proactive young person! But, better late than never!
Regards,
SandraC
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larc
Mum, I think Christopher Morley's advice is very good. I do see a problem with it, however. Making good choices is sometimes a matter of odds. We can not know the future. We are "looking through a glass darkly" (I Cor. 13). We can only make our best guess, and then judge, after the fact, if our choice(s) were good or not. If we go with the odds, our batting average should be good, but we can never bat a thousand. With that said, I certainly do agree that we should do our best to make the best, most informed choices that we can.
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OUTLAW
Hey larc,the skills for sucess? "Adapt and overcome",learn to survive..Once you have those basic skills you can pursue any dream you have in mind...OUTLAW
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freedom96
I agree with much listed above. I believe you must have a dream. For those who believe the bible, there is a verse that flat out says: "Man without a vision shall perish."
I believe there should be short term goals, as well as long term goals. I think one should have a place to look for for guidance. If it is marital success, then finding someone with a great marriage and asking for advice is the way to go. If it is material success, then finding those who have made money and asking them how they did it, and learning from them.
I believe that as one goal is set, to reach out for another. I believe one must keep going forward, having something to reach for. Always reaching for more, being a better person, etc.
There are tons of success based books that are a great read.
One that I learned was that of serving others. I have noticed in my personal life, that those people who serve others needs first, have the most blessings. Those who are takers, self centered, etc don't have quite as much.
I think association is crucial. I do not take any of my friends for granted, whether or not they are successful or not. But, I do get myself around those who have what I want as often as possible. Whether it is financial success, marriage, people skills, etc, I can learn a lot from them.
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Guest 77
Not to be LAZY. Determination and committment. No failure is ever final...nor is success!
Guest 77