Success According to You

By Daneen James 

 We often look at our lives and think we should be further along and have more than we do.

But, why?  Based on what?  The old anecdote, "Success is a journey, not a destination" is nice to say. But do we really believe it, is it true for us?

The world would have you believe that it only matters, if it matters to other people. While that might be true in part, as impact is important. Whether or not other people value our contribution (and how much) can't be our only metric for significance. We'll live hollow, shallow lives unless we determine and live by our own definition of success. 

Below you'll find stories of people whose "journey" to success encourage me.  I hope they encourage you too! (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/240492)

Arianna Huffington
Long before she founded, the now famous Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington was once rejected by 36 publishers before here second book was accepted for publication. Even once launched, Huffington Post wasn't immediately embraced. It was bombarded with criticisms and attacks about its quality and potential. However, Arianna persevered to create one of the most successful and
well- known outlets online outlets ever. 

Milton Hershey 
He had a dream of milk chocolate for the masses. But Milton Hershey wasn't an instant candy sensation. He started and failed 3 at distinct candy ventures. Until, his efforts finally paid off with Lancaster Caramel Company. The company experienced notable success and eventually led to the founding of the Hershey Company. Where he realized his dream of milk chocolate for the masses many times over and became one of the most recognizable names in the chocolate industry. 

Bill Gates 
Though generally regarded as one of the brightest people in the tech world. Bill Gates first started with a company called Traf-O-Data. The company's product was intended to process and analyze data from traffic tapes. Bill and his partner tried to sell the idea, but the product barely worked, it was an utter failure. But a few years later, he created Microsoft product. Well, we all know how that turned out. 

Steve Jobs
Admired by many for his innovation and resilience, Steve Jobs achieved incredible heights in his 20's on the heels of Apple's massive success. But at 30, he was fired by Apple's board of directors. So, he started Next, a new company, that interestingly enough was later acquired by Apple. Back at the company He originally founded, Jobs would again take Apple to unimaginable levels in the tech industry. 

Walt Disney
Can you imagine the man many of us believe to be synonymous with imagination was fired for lack of creativity? Well it's true. Broke, desperate and a having failed at his first attempt at an animation company. Walt Disney, head to Hollywood. Though extensively criticized, his films would eventually take off and lead to what is now known as the Walt Disney Dynasty. 

George Steinbrenner
Who knew that the now owner of the New York Yankees, bankrupted his first sports franchise, a basketball team called the Cleveland Pipers. Though there have been ups and downs, The New York Yankees has a record as one of the most profitable teams in major league baseball. 

Michelle Pfeiffer 
An actress with a resume of over 60 movies and a career that spans over four decades is crazy about "scents". Who knew? She wanted to make a the most 'natural' and safest fragrance possible. But it also had to smell great. Pfeiffer defied the conventional wisdom of the fragrance industry to create her own path. Though, it would take nearly 10 years to overcome what seemed like insurmountable odds to bring her fragrance to life. Henry Rose, a line of fragrances named after her children, represents two things in her life of which she is very proud. (https://www.allure.com/story/michelle-pfeiffer-henry-rose-perfume-interview)

Yes, success is a journey. Delays and disappointments happen along the way, but don't have to derail you. Failure is only final when we fall back, then refuse to move forward. For more inspiring success stories https://suninme.org/true-story.


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