I do NOT want to be successful!
At least not in the context of how most view success today, that is not a reality that energizes me as a leader.
Too often the idea of success is viewed in comparative terms. For many, when considering success, it is done by measuring self against someone, or something else.
Consider one of dictionary.com’s definitions:
“the attainment of wealth, position, honor or the like.”[i]
I would argue this is how most view success.
The problem with this perspective is that it is a moving, subjective method of determining whether one is ‘successful’ or not. Today, based on my assessment against some external mark, I am ‘successful’. Tomorrow however, that same point-of-reference may shift and now suddenly, I am no longer ‘successful’.
Dictionary.com’s definition of success is problematic. Today I may attain wealth, position, or honor but tomorrow what seems like wealth, or desirable position no longer really are. Why? Most often the answer is because someone more wealthy or who holds a greater position has come across our path. The result, our sense of success is now diminished.
As a kid, I loved to play basketball. I was never terribly skilled as an athlete but my passion for the game was still huge. I continue to love the game; sadly, my knees do not allow me to play any longer.
As a child of the 70’s, I grew up during UCLA and coach John Wooden’s heydays. Still today, for me, college basketball and the spring Division I tournament are special.
So, what is the tie between success and basketball?
Wooden was the head basketball coach at UCLA from 1948-1975. During his tenure as head coach at UCLA, their men’s basketball team totaled 10 Division I college basketball national championships in 12 years (1964-1975). Incredibly 7 of those championships coming in-a-row (1967-1973)[i]. Realizing this it is a reasonable exercise to consider his perspective of success.
Interestingly, Wooden did NOT view success relative to external points. He defined success this way:
“Success is the peace of mind which is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”[ii]
Given how much his teams won, this definition is intriguing.
Consideration of his thinking provokes several possibilities about success:
- It evokes peace of mind within,
- That peace is the product of SELF-satisfaction,
- It is achieved through one’s own efforts,
- It revolves around a person’s individual abilities.
As you read this and give the topic your attention, I wonder:
- Have you taken the time to define what success means on YOUR TERMS?
- What is the measure by which you gauge success for yourself?
- Who is it that truly decides for you whether you are successful?
For me, rather than success I am intentional about ACHIEVEMENT.
What is it that my leadership contribution has contributed? How will I know if I my work as a leader was impactful? Have I exerted my fullest effort leading? Is my leadership capacity increasing, is it improving?
It is the answers to these kinds of questions that help me determine my success.
If you have thoughts regarding this post, we would love to hear from you.
Please take a moment and share in the space below. It is only as we take the time to engage each other that we can grow.
[i] Retrieved from John Wooden – Wikipedia. August 30, ’21.
[ii] Wooden, J.; Wooden on Leadership, The McGraw-Hills Cos., New York, NY; 2005, p. 8.
[i] Retrieved from Success Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com. August 30, ’21.
