Everyone defines success differently. While I am no longer in the working world I do think a lot about success in my personal life. This week I did a presentation for our local AAUW chapter and I was happy to be able to share with these accomplished ladies something that I am passionate about.
As I looked out over the women in attendance I was reminded, once again, how many of them have had truly amazing careers in their lifetime. But the thing that really struck me was that the many accomplishments that these women have had in their own careers and personal lives has had an impact on countless others. That to me is success.
Chris used to have a poster on his wall in his various offices over the years. It was a list of suggestions for successful living. He always said that number one was the most important one on the list. I agree with that as well.
This poster was an important fixture in his office. Today it seems only fair to share those words of H. Jackson Brown, Jr., author of Life’s Little Instruction Book, as well as many other great offerings.
I would love to hear what you think is a secret to success—feel free to add to the list.
- Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness and misery.
- Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.
- Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
- Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
- Be forgiving of yourself and others.
- Be generous.
- Have a grateful heart.
- Persistence, persistence, persistence.
- Discipline yourself to save money even on the most modest salary.
- Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
- Commit yourself to constant improvement.
- Commit yourself to quality.
- Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.
- Be loyal.
- Be honest.
- Be a self-starter.
- Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.
- Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
- Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, your’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
- Take good care of those you love.
- Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.
17 Comments
Leave a commentA perfect morning for me to read this .
I was reading Number 2 while I was filling out the Senior Games form. There is a section on heritage arts. I wondered if crocheting edges on receiving blankets could be considered a heritage art. It brought me to thinking about all those blankets I did for babies of friends and family over the past 51 years. I learned to crochet the year I was was pregnant with my youngest daughter.
Yes, it is a heritage art.
It is definitely a heritage art and one that gives much joy to the recipients. I know that you have given much to many and what a history you are weaving with your little blankets. 🙂
Thank you Beth Ann! I read and thought about each “instruction.” Each one is a gem. But sadly, I’m not sure these still resonate in today’s world. They resonate with me!
Hi-me again! I pondered your post as I did my morning yoga (and Quordle). Here’s my suggestion for success. Add: “taking care of your health”. Get your yearly physical. Find exercise you like and do it every day. Go for a walk and look at our beautiful world. Get a good night’s sleep. Eat healthy. Have fun with all of this- don’t make it a chore.
Your suggestions are wonderful additions. There are definitely a lot of great things to add and I am glad it got you to thinking about what you would add to complete the list.
All good instructions, Wouldn’t this world be a better place if everyone followed these?
Indeed! If we all just respected each other a little bit more and had a bit more patience, right?
Love this list.
Thanks Tonya. It is a really great list.
Dave’s list is very good. I can see why he is a good & successful man. The only thing I would add is put God first in all we do.
Well that is definitely the most important thing of all to top that list, Shirley!
This is a great list. Success, I think, is to feel content in whatever you do. Usually that means following your passions. Success is also measured in living life with compassion, care, understanding, empathy… Success is listening, really listening to others (without interjecting your story or self into the situation or conversation). Lots to ponder with this list you shared. I could probably write lots more.
It’s a good starter list for sure. I could add to it as well and I loved your answers. Thanks for sharing.
Those are good rules to live by. And I’d say you and he did pretty good at #1.
I agree. I think we nailed number one. 🙂
A wonderful list and I agree with all of them. I particularly like the last one.
There are some pretty good truths in this list, don’t you think?