Success And Goals

Success means to have a degree or measure of succeeding. Then to succeed would mean that which comes after another; as in to inherit sovereignity, rank or title, to turn out well, and to attain a desired object or a specific end. This desired end could be but not limited to prestige, awards, promotions or bonuses. Success is being able to take that first step, and keep on track until you reach the end of the journey. Many people believe that success is the end all be all attitude, and they strive to become successful in their endeavors. These people want and expect awards, fancy friviolus luxurious lifestyles, and usually at the cost of their time and energy. Success is in actuality the ability to move forward by taking that first step in the journey.

Sometimes success takes a detour, and the journey is a failure in one area, but turned out to be a success in another. We call these a failed success. There are many wonderful inventions that are considered to be a failed success. Playdoh® is one of them. The creators were attempting to make a wallpaper cleaner, and now it's a childhood toy. Silly Putty® is another example of a scientist attempting to make synthetic rubber during World War II. Another example of success is the hard work of just keep on trying and keep on getting there such as WD-40. Water Displacement compound that took 40 attempts at getting the outcome that was wanted, and needed. During Edisonâ??s efforts to invent the light bulb, a reporter came to him and asked, "How many times are you going to fail at creating the light bulb?" Mr. Edison turned and looked at the reporter and said, "Son I haven't failed! I've simply discovered another way not to invent the light bulb!" That after nearly 10,000 trials he finally developed a light bulb that burned nearly 40 hours.

Success comes from the ability in setting goals and obtaining these goals. Success is the ability to look fear in the face and begin to take that first step forward on your goal seeking journey. Goals provide a map of your journey in life. People seldom plan to fail, they just fail to plan. More importantly they forget to have and keep faith in achieving their goals. Our success is truly measured by how well we stay focused. Also our success depends on the perseverance towards the achievement of the goals of our journey, of a happy fulfilled life.

I took a journey to success, and I intended to obtain a specific award. I am a school library media specialist, and I set out to become one of the best in the state. There is an award given out to an outstanding school librarian each year. I wanted and coveted that award. After all I'm an integral part of the school's academic success, but I am seldom seen as a true partner, and our profession does not warrant praise from our students or faculty. That's just the nature of the job. Anyway, I wanted that award. I was nominated, and the application was lengthy, and difficult to fill out. To make a long story short, I didn't get the award. I wasn't even one of the top three finalists.

The truth of the situation is that I learned a valuable lesson in this whole process. Success doesn't always come in an award. I am known around the state as someone who is highly respected, and who is willing to encourage, and mentor lots of other librarians. Do I really need the award for me to be successful? No, I don't, but my ego did. I truly didn't, but I still wanted that award, and knew that was my only chance. That award is an outward expression to everyone else that I am someone to be respected. I already know that I am respected, and I am well known in my state. Awards, bonuses, and promotions mean very little to me anymore when relating to success. I am successful because I have put my best foot forward, and continue to put my best foot forward. I will keep striving to reach my goals that I have set forth on my journey.

Goals that have been set for your journey are the meaning of success. Keeping the faith that you will achieve those goals is another tool for reaching success. Goals are clearly defined, and they will require you to be actively gaining toward reaching these goals. Success doesn't come from prestige. Success comes from actively gaining at each step toward the goal or destination that you have set for yourself.