Success is a Journey
Lately I think I’ve fallen into believing our modern culture’s definition of success - that success is found by achieving a desired goal. I’ve had several goals that I wanted to see accomplished over the past 9 months, and only a few have been realized. At the same time several unexpected events have occurred that have been fantastic - yet they were not necessarily goals I had set for this time frame.
In analyzing why I haven’t met several of these goals, I’ve come to see that many contributing factors have been outside my control. Before I start casting blame and dodging responsibility, I must admit some goals were unmet due to my lack of preparation or follow through. I’ve been working hard to prepare more and be more persistent in my follow through as a result. I realize I cannot change the past but I can learn from my mistakes and try to keep them from repeating.
The unmet goals that have been a result of factors outside of my control will have to be lived with. I realize more and more that my goals should be related to my level of effort, and the rest will follow. I believe that if I am well prepared, if I give all of my effort, and if I follow through on the projects I begin, the journey will be enjoyable - and results will be achieved. They may not be the results I set out for, but if I’m giving all I have to give, I’ll know I’ve done my best.
At the same time, getting into a house and starting a family were not explicit goals I’d set for this time period. They did not happen without planning and careful thought, but in many ways I realize they represent success in ways that my other goals fell short. I’m excited to be starting this new phase of life - and realize that the ride I’m embarking on will be challenging but rewarding in ways those unmet goals would never have satisfied.
Success is a journey not a destination. The more I think about it the more I believe it to be true. If I consistently pursue developing my character, giving all of my effort to tasks at hand, building into the relationships I cherish, serving those around me, and growing in my relationship with God, the journey itself will be a success. If I focus too much on my goals and destinations, I’ll miss out on enjoying the surprises that come my way.