Curious about Success: What Does It Mean to You? How Do You Define It?

“What is success? I think it is a mixture of having a flair for the thing that you are doing; knowing that it is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a certain sense of purpose.” - Margaret Thatcher, English leader

“Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.” - Dale Carnegie, American writer

I chose “success” for this week’s blog theme, because it is a word that pops up several times daily. I suddenly realized, however, that I had not yet written about it in this blog, even though it has such a place in my life.

In my fitness classes I talk about successful fitness results – achieving success for activities of daily living. In my e-newsletters and articles, I write about career success, successful skills giving presentations, sharing stories, and living as a freelancer, free agent, and independent contractor.

I found wonderful and meaningful success quotations, but was surprised to find only three pages of “success” quotations as compared with fourteen pages of “failure” quotations. Why is that?

Let’s share the positive:

• “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” - David Brinkley, American journalist
• “Action is the foundational key to all success.” - Pablo Picasso, Spanish artist
• “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” - Abraham Lincoln, American President
• “Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.” - David Frost, English journalist
• “Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it... Success is shy - it won't come out while you're watching.” - Tennessee Williams, American dramatist
• “Success is dependent on effort.” – Sophocles, Greek poet
• “Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.” - George S. Patton, American soldier
• “Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time.” - Arnold H. Glasow, American author

And some more excellent thoughts. Don’t you just love them?

• “Failure is success if we learn from it.” - Malcolm Forbes, American publisher
• “Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one foot from a winning touchdown.” - Ross Perot, American businessman
• “Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil.” - J. Paul Getty, American businessman
• “How can they say my life is not a success? Have I not for more than sixty years got enough to eat and escaped being eaten?” - Logan P. Smith, American writer
• “I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it.” - Jonathan Winters, American comedian
• “Success is that old ABC - ability, breaks, and courage.” - Charles Luckman, American businessman
• “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” - Booker T. Washington, American educator
• “The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind.” - W. Somerset Maugham, British playwright

And, three more to chew upon in upcoming weeks:

“The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity.” - Ayn Rand, Russian writer

“The man who has done his level best... is a success, even though the world may write him down a failure.” - B. C. Forbes, Scottish journalist

“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” - Theodore Roosevelt, American President

So, how would you define success? It is interesting that when I am teaching an Adult Education Class, and ask the participants how they would define success, money is never mentioned. I am not knocking having money, but am interested that for many people it doesn’t define success for them.

Curious about a Gift: Do Your Share Yours with Others? What Gift Do You Give Away Consistently?

Definition of Gift: Anything given; anything voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation; a present; an offering. The act, right, or power of giving or bestowing. A preeminent and special talent or aptitude; power; faculty; as, the gift of wit; a gift for speaking.

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” – Buddha, Indian leader

“Writing is an extreme privilege but it's also a gift. It's a gift to yourself and it's a gift of giving a story to someone.” - Amy Tan, American novelist

I chose “gift” for this week’s blog theme for a couple of reasons. First, today I finished reading Seth Godin’s newest book, Linchpin: Are You Indispensible? Godin is not only one of my favorite writers, he is also one of my favorite thinkers. He writes about ideas that make me think on a different plane and level. In this book, he talks a great deal about the importance of gifts created by the “artist.” And, it isn’t our standard interpretation of an artist.

Godin’s artist – of which he is definitely one – is the linchpin who creates a multitude of “gifts.” They are new ideas, writings, presentations, approaches, teachings – not rules, maps and/or manuals on how to do something. We give them freely, not expecting any gifts in return. They can even be a friendly smile, the warmth of listening and responding, helping with a problem, a special hand-written note, appreciation and understanding. Use your imagination.

My second reason for picking “gift” is that my eldest daughter has a birthday on November 1st. Last year I visited her and her husband in Hawaii to celebrate. It was more of a gift for me, I think. A wonderful reunion and exciting journey! This topic has brought extra joy because of the memories. But also the fun of picking quotations from the more than 14 loaded pages. The quotations were positive, uplifting, thought provoking and fun.

So, let’s get started:

• “If you can give your child only one gift, let it be enthusiasm.” - Bruce Barton, American author
• “That's the goal, to survive your gift.” - Itzhak Perlman, Israeli musician
• “Having good health, being able to breathe and be happy, that's one of the most beautiful gifts. On top of that, I have the gift to play music and make people happy through that. I'm just telling you from my heart, I'm so in love with life.” - Roy Ayers, English musician
• “I believe that we are here for each other, not against each other. Everything comes from an understanding that you are a gift in my life - whoever you are, whatever our differences.” - John Denver, American musician
• “Books! I dunno if I ever told you this, but books are the greatest gift one person can give another.” – Bono, Irish musician
• “For my confirmation, I didn't get a watch and my first pair of long pants, like most Lutheran boys. I got a telescope. My mother thought it would make the best gift.” - Wernher von Braun, German scientist
• “The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention.” - Julia Margaret Cameron, British photographer

And, some more:

• “When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking.” - Albert Einstein, German physicist
• “Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” - Tony Robbins, American motivator
• “We've got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it's going to get on by itself. You've got to keep watering it. You've got to really look after it and nurture it.” - John Lennon, English musician
• “I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity.” - Eleanor Roosevelt, American First Lady
• “If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.” - Charles M. Schulz, American cartoonist
• “The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” - Meryl Streep, American actress
• “What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it - would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.” - Ralph Marston, American athlete

And three more for fun and because I love them:

“You can do anything you think you can. This knowledge is literally the gift of the gods, for through it you can solve every human problem. It should make of you an incurable optimist. It is the open door.” - Robert Collier, American publisher

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” - Jim Valvano, American coach

“I know a man who doesn't pay to have his trash taken out. How does he get rid of his trash? He gift wraps it, and puts in into an unlocked car.” - Henny Youngman, American comedian

So, what about you? I do believe that there is genius in all of us, and we can use it to create special gifts for everyone. Do, let me hear from you. It will be your gift to me.

Curious about the Alternative: Often Times We Are Faced with Alternatives. How Do Pick the Best One?

Definition of Alternative: Alternate; reciprocal. An offer of two things, one of which may be chosen, but not both; so that if one is taken, the other must be left. Thus when two things offer a choice of one only, the two things are called alternatives. The course of action or the thing offered in place of another. A choice between more than two things; one of several things offered to choose among.

“A long apprenticeship is the most logical way to success. The only alternative is overnight stardom, but I can't give you a formula for that.” - Chet Atkins, American musician

“So that the record of history is absolutely crystal clear. That there is no alternative way, so far discovered, of improving the lot of the ordinary people that can hold a candle to the productive activities that are unleashed by a free enterprise system.” - Milton Friedman, American economist

I chose the theme of “alternative” for this week’s blog because I feel that for everything we do and/or think, there is an alternative. I was also pleased with the above definition which included, “a choice between more than two things.” Yes, I know that often there are only two alternatives, but it is innovative and fun to work on finding more than two. That is one of the many reasons I love working on the computer – finding alternative work-arounds.

For fun, the American entertainer, Robert Orben said, “In prehistoric times, mankind often had only two choices in crisis situations: fight or flee. In modern times, humor offers us a third alternative; fight, flee - or laugh.”

There was a huge variety of quotations from the experts, so let’s examine and learn from them:

• “Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative.” - Maurice Chevalier, French actor
• “People are learning to feel more comfortable hearing one another's dreams. It used to be that if you told a dream in public, someone had to make a joke to relieve the tension introduced by that alternative reality.” - Henry Reed, English writer
• “With optimism, you look upon the sunny side of things. People say, 'Studs, you're an optimist.' I never said I was an optimist. I have hope because what's the alternative to hope? Despair? If you have despair, you might as well put your head in the oven.” – Studs Terkel, American journalist
• “A theory has only the alternative of being right or wrong. A model has a third possibility: it may be right, but irrelevant.” - Manfred Eigen, German scientist
• “Education must, be not only a transmission of culture but also a provider of alternative views of the world and a strengthener of the will to explore them.” - Jerome S. Bruner, American psychologist
• “Even as we work to develop more sources of petroleum for the United States, we must continue our vigorous pursuit of alternative fuels, so that we can be powered by cleaner, more efficient sources of energy.” - Virgil Goode, American politician
• “I never fit in. I am a true alternative. And I love being the outcast. That's my role in life, to be an outcast.” - Meat Loaf, American musician

And some more for those of you who love quotations, as I do:

• “In war as in life, it is often necessary when some cherished scheme has failed, to take up the best alternative open, and if so, it is folly not to work for it with all your might.” – Winston Churchill, British statesman
• “For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.” - Mary Kay Ash, American business woman
• “Moderation is a virtue only in those who are thought to have an alternative.” – Henry A. Kissinger, American statesman
• “We have always said that in our war with the Arabs we had a secret weapon - no alternative.” - Golda Meir, Israeli leader
• “The political arena leaves one no alternative, one must either be a dunce or a rogue.” – Emma Goldman, Lithuanian activist
• “Liberalism is, I think, resurgent. One reason is that more and more people are so painfully aware of the alternative.” - John Kenneth Galbraith, American economist
• “I want to warn anyone who sees the Peace Corps as an alternative to the draft that life may well be easier at Fort Dix or at a post in Germany than it will be with us.” - Sargent Shriver, American politician

When you are faced with making a decision and/or choosing a direction, how often do you stop and consider the alternatives? Taking the time to consider may help with setting you up for adventure and success. Try it, you’ll like it!

Curious about Discussion: How Do You Feel about It? How Important Is It to You?

Definition of Discussion: The act of discussing or exchanging reasons; examination by argument; debate; disputation; agitation.

“I think that in the discussion of natural problems we ought to begin not with the Scriptures, but with experiments, and demonstrations.” - Galileo Galilei, Italian scientist

“Discussion in America means dissent.” - James Thurber, American comedian

I chose this week’s blog theme as “discussion” for several reasons. I just started re-reading Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great, in which he applauds his team of helpers and their weekly discussions of the data collected. He makes these meetings sound, not only inspiring and eye opening, but also lively and fun.

Secondly, I am going to be involved tomorrow in a wrap-up discussion of the committee for a recent event gathering of a wonderful organization to which I belong. Our discussion should also be lively and fun. The group worked hard and the event was well attended and a success on all fronts – at least, in my opinion. Having a discussion as the wrap-up is such a great idea, because we will be able to document what worked well and what we can do in the future to make this excellent event even better.

And, then there are those discussions as described in the words above by James Thurber – filled with “dissent.” I also found that many of the quotations were filled with negativity and warnings. Personally, I have always felt that when a group of people disagree, it is a good idea to hold a discussion and get all of the negative connotations, as included in the definition, out in the open. What do you think? I will be interested in your reactions to the quotations which are all over the map.

Let’s get started:

• “Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and debate.” - Hubert H. Humphrey, American Vice President
• “Frequently the more trifling the subject, the more animated and protracted the discussion.” - Franklin Pierce, American President
• “Group discussion is very valuable; group drafting is less productive.” - Jon Postel, American scientist
• “One good analogy is worth three hours discussion.” - Dudley Field Malone, American politician
• “Power is action; the electoral principle is discussion. No political action is possible when discussion is permanently established.” - Honore De Balzac, French novelist
• “Discussion is just a tool. You have to aim; the final goal must be a decision.” - Harri Holkeri, Finnish politician
• “Human and moral factors must always be considered. They must never be missing from policies and from public discussion.” - Herman Kahn, American scientist

And some more:

• “The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress.” - Joseph Joubert, French writer
• “The aspect of congresses and such meetings generally to which I attach the greatest importance is the discussion. That is why people assemble: to hear different opinions, rather than to pass resolutions.” - Fredrik Bajer, Danish writer
• “The next four years, there won't be a week that goes by without a discussion of climate change. It's a naturally Conservative issue.” - Tim Yeo, British politician
• “If a teacher does not involve himself, his values, his commitments, in the course of discussion, why should the students?” - Paul Wellstone, American politician
• “I think that the U.S. does have this very much more open attitude, and I admire it very much and I think it's very important to the world. But the information and the discussion sometimes come too late, after the effective decision has been made.” - E. P. Thompson, British historian
• “If somebody comes to a neighborhood coffee hour, or goes to a discussion group, and they have a discussion, I do think that people really walk away with a real understanding of the issues.” - Mike Lowry, American politician
• “In the Bhagavad Gita, there is no long discussion, nothing elaborate. The main reason for this is that everything stated in the Gita is meant to be tested in the life of every man; it is intended to be verified in practice.” - Vinoba Bhave, Indian educator

And a bit of humor to lighten the subject:

“Democracy means government by discussion, but it is only effective if you can stop people talking.” - Clement Attlee, English leader

“A rattlesnake loose in the living room tends to end all discussion of animal rights.” –
Lance Morrow, American journalist and writer

So, how do you feel about discussion? Do you get involved with many? And, if so, do you enjoy or dislike them? Are they necessary?

Curious about Improvement: So Important in Our Lives, Relationships, and Businesses. What Do You Do to Improve?

Definition of Improvement: The act of improving; advancement or growth; promotion in desirable qualities; progress toward what is better. The act of making profitable use or applicaton of anything, or the state of being profitably employed; a turning to good account; practical application, as of a doctrine, principle, or theory, stated in a discourse. Increase; growth; progress; advance.

“The thing is, continuity of strategic direction and continuous improvement in how you do things are absolutely consistent with each other. In fact, they're mutually reinforcing.” –
Michael Porter, American educator

I have been listening to a CD by one of my all-time favorite speakers – Zig Ziglar. On it, he describes the importance of making your car a learning university. I second that. He says that the biggest room we have is the room for improvement. How true, and how exciting, too. I know that my life is filled with learning how to improve continuously. It helps us, our lives, our relationships, and our careers.

Nowadays, with the Internet and easily available interaction with the world, we can access information about any subject we choose. My only warning – and especially for me, too – is not to overdo and become both overwhelmed, scattered, and unfocused. The opportunities and programs abound and are all tempting. I have found that if I rein myself in and focus on one area at a time, I can really experience improvement and noticeable change.

As usual, I found a plethora of interesting quotations about improvement:

• “A collection of good books, with a soul to it in the shape of a librarian, becomes a vitalized power among the impulses by which the world goes on to improvement.” - Justin Winsor, American writer
• “All this improvement is great, but all that does is get us in the game to play for improvements that we need in the future, so that we can be aggressive in the marketplace.” - Rick Wagoner, American businessman
• “We assume that everything's becoming more efficient, and in an immediate sense that's true; our lives are better in many ways. But that improvement has been gained through a massively inefficient use of natural resources.” - Paul Hawken, American environmentalist
• “Change is vital, improvement is the logical form of change.” - James Cash Penney, American businessman
• “Doubt, the essential preliminary of all improvement and discovery, must accompany the stages of man's onward progress. The faculty of doubting and questioning, without which those of comparison and judgment would be useless, is itself a divine prerogative of the reason.” - Albert Pike, American lawyer
• “Exercise is the chief source of improvement in our faculties.” - Hugh Blair, Scottish theologian
• “Excellent firms don't believe in excellence - only in constant improvement and constant change.” - Tom Peters, American businessman

And some more:

• “We need improvement in the style of performance. There is no more advantage in a musician who plays and conducts than in one who is only a beater of rhythm.” - Franz Liszt, Hungarian composer
• “For many years, I have lived uncomfortably with the belief that most planning and architectural design suffers for lack of real and basic purpose. The ultimate purpose, it seems to me, must be the improvement of mankind.” - James Rouse, American businessman
• “For me, there is a lot of room for improvement and there are a lot of things I would like to be better at.” - Geddy Lee, Canadian musician
• “He who asks of life nothing but the improvement of his own nature... is less liable than anyone else to miss and waste life.” - Henri Frederic Amiel, Swiss philosopher
• “Resolutions are popular because everyone feels they could use a little improvement.” – Marilu Henner, American actress
• “Spend some time this weekend on home improvement; improve your attitude toward your family.” - Bo Bennett, American businessman
• “Human improvement is from within outward.” - James Anthony Froude, English historian

Two more that I especially love:

“Improvement begins with I.” - Arnold H. Glasow, American journalist

“Strive for continuous improvement, instead of perfection.” - Kim Collins, St. Kittsian athlete

Tell me what do you do to improve? I know that you are a lifetime learner. Do you have a university in your car? I would love to hear from you.