The Meaning Of Success?

Heather Anne Peel · April 17th, 2006, 12:35 AM

I have been playing professionally here in Austin since 1985. I've been in many bands, performed at many Austin clubs, recorded, released and sold CDs of my songs, played at local and international festivals, toured and recorded in Europe twice, been played and performed on local and international radio stations, received positive reviews in music trade 'zines and had a song included in a feature film. Sounds pretty good, but...

I have made comparitively little money at any of this, I have spent far more than I have ever earned on any of these ventures and I've had to work at day jobs that I can barely stand for over 20 years to sustain myself and my endeavors. I have played under all kinds of conditions (and in all kinds of conditions!) and like many, chased the elusive "deal" and fame without truly attaining either.

I am now nearly 43 years young

and have made peace with the fact that I will never be the "Rock star" or whatever it was that I envisioned myself as in my teens and early 20s. I have done what I have done with my music and had a generally great time doing it. I have gotten better as a musician, which has nothing to do with popularity. In the course of chasing fame and what accompanies it I realized that playing music is it's own reward. I am not complaining, I have been lucky. Like anyone, I have regrets and have made some bad decisions along the way. I may never record an album in a castle, have my band's logo on the side of a jet or play Madison Square Garden, but I am still lucky because I get to play music! As John Lennon so aptly put it: "life is what happens while your busy making other plans".
8) Heather

getbent · April 17th, 2006, 01:22 AM

1: at least you have good gear
2: did I mention it looks like you have some nice gear
3: Most people have worked day jobs for 20 years and can't even program their tivo much less play (plug in a rock song you like that I don't know)

Less light response
1: Success that matters is determined from within (or from Paul or Fuzzy-->whoops back to being light)
2: If you've got a handful of really, really good friends... then, yes, you've got success
3: As my rabbi would say (uh, if I had a rabbi and I was jewish, that is) You've got your health (I'm guessing here, but I'm probably right because people who are really, really sick don't worry about making records in a castle... or they are on the phone with the Make A Wish folks scheduling it)

Last, log off, go play your guitar, go for a walk or run, read a guitar magazine, or a novel or a bio (I am awesome at recommending what other people should read!) You are heap plenty successful... do you really have all that good gear? Have you accepted Merle Haggard as your... oh sorry! Jeff Beck is really good too!

Sorry if I was too light on this...

Tim Armstrong · April 17th, 2006, 01:31 AM

Heather Anne, I'm gonna turn 47 this summer. Like you, I've played a bit, recorded some, travelled some (although I sure would love to go gig overseas sometime!), and somehow managed to avoid major (or minor) stardom. Heck, I've even lost much of my hair and gotten chubby!

But, like you, I purely love playing music, and these days I'm fortunate enough to gig with my brother (after decades of NOT playing together), and I'm having a real good time!

I still don't know exactly what I want to do when I grow up (if that ever happens). For now, I drive charter buses and play a lot of summer gigs in a beach town, and that'll do...

Cheers, Tim

Robin Nahum · April 17th, 2006, 02:59 AM

Hi Heather,

I think you've got it pretty well sussed out - shame about the day jobs though.

I have heard this issue discussed by a thoughtful psychologist. His view is that we mistakenly equate success with fame and/or wealth, and that many of us, who would like to be "successful", become unhappy when we do not acquire these.

The reality is that these things are not necessarily easy to achieve, and there is probably a good element of luck required.

A much more healthy and useful definition of success is based on whether you're achieving or exceeding your potential.

redmist · April 17th, 2006, 05:57 AM

Hi Heather
I play in a UK based Alternative Rock Band.And let me tell you that for the most part we are all 40ish or thereabouts.We do not cau tau to any major record companies,if we make money we give it away to deserving causes...........we do exactly what we want and are totaly autominous from any of the major media and world that tells us what to do musicaly or otherwise.Success is always elusive when others dictate what we should watch and how to be.
It sounds like you have done some great things.You are very lucky.Well done.

Telenator · April 17th, 2006, 09:37 AM

Feel it.

Success can only be defined by others.

If it is success you seek, then success as gauged by others is the answer.

True success doesn't even exist in the place where it is felt, recognized, and it defies definition.

Although I am very well known, (successful) in my field, it does little to soothe me.

My greatest joys are still those moments when I become conscious of something really cool. Like breathing. Being in the groove. Watching the mist rise off the lake.

TeleTurkey · April 17th, 2006, 09:46 AM

I've done reasonably well finacially working day jobs. Sometimes I've liked them, but mostly tolerated them. A few years ago I realized, despite financial progress, that it was all very empty.

Since then I have been looking for more value in life. I turned back to music, which I walked away from 20 years ago, to find some joy. It is working, but I wonder what would have happened if I had taken the musical route and said to hell with the money?

Durtdog · April 17th, 2006, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telenator

Feel it.

Success can only be defined by others.

If it is success you seek, then success as gauged by others is the answer.

I may have misunderstood this post, but I respectfully disagree.

I feel I achieve success in any endeavor by reaching the goals and objectives I set for myself, not set by others. And I feel there's no shame in failure (the inability to fully reach my preset goals). On the contrary, there can be degrees of success in failure.

On the other hand someone plays guitar (for example) just for the love of it, with no expectations, isn't he or she already successful?

Seminole90 · April 17th, 2006, 10:09 AM

Hi Heather,

I just passed the 43 mark and it's funny that you bring up the issue of success. I've been thinking about it alot lately. I'm making a huge transition in 46 days when I "retire" from the Navy. Of course I've been trying to decide upon the direction I want to next try and steer my life but, as you so aptly quote, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." I didn't originally plan on a career in the military and what's funny is that I've been getting asked alot about the "success" of my career. The more I've thought about it, the more that I'm convinced that success isn't measured by the number of ribbons on one's chest, the wieght of brass on one's collar, or the amount of money in one's bank account. (Translated for a musician I guess that would be records sold, fame, and money.) Success is measured by the love that you have from your family and friends, and the experiences you've collected. I think that as others have noted here, you achieve that success by trying to live up to your potential and when you fail, you get and try again. My view of your life is obviously very limited, but from here, it sure looks to me like you've had an enormously interesting and successful life. You certainly have a knack for posting pretty great topics!

Warm regards,
Rob

reverbbb · April 17th, 2006, 10:14 AM

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind.

1) Many studies show that money is not the only motivator or measure of gratification in people.

2) The obscession of fame is easily deminished once it has been acheived (and everyone wants you to touch them).

3) Success can be measured in small samples and not by the grandure of an entire lifespan.

4) Life is not over until it is over. There may still be MANY opportunities that lay ahead for you.

5) Balance is essential.

6) The one who dies with the most toys, looses.

My childhood buddy died a few years ago with brain cancer. He had acheived the coveted position of the house mix (soundman) for the Beach Boys. None of the Beach Boys could make it to his funeral (except for a few stage hands) - they had two gigs booked in different cities the same day. But they sent a letter of appreciation and stated "David was the best soundman that the Beach Boys ever had the pleasure of working with." What a huge statement from such a precision minded band. David rarely made over $30,000/year in his lifetime. But David told me before he died, "I have been fulfilled WAY beyond my wildest dreams, I have had a good life.". David was 39 years old. I think that David was successful. Yet, he always complemented me on my guitar playing - that made me feel successful.

Ptrallan01 · April 17th, 2006, 10:28 AM

Being able to look in the mirror and not be disgusted by what you see in your heart. If you can do that then you are successful!

Telenator · April 17th, 2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durtdog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telenator

Feel it.

Success can only be defined by others.

If it is success you seek, then success as gauged by others is the answer.

I may have misunderstood this post, but I respectfully disagree.

Yeah, taken out of context, you have misunderstood it.

When success is felt, it needs no explanation. There is no explanation. When I don't feel it, I scratch my head and try to get all analytical about it, which only takes me further away.

RCinMempho · April 17th, 2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ptrallan01

Being able to look in the mirror and not be disgusted by what you see in your heart. If you can do that then you are successful!

I call that "being able to sleep at night", but I agree that it is the best measure of success.

GopherTele · April 17th, 2006, 11:27 AM

No offense, but most of these definitions are basically saying that success is anything you want it to be.

That's a little too I'm Okay You're Okay, for my tastes (and IMHO and all that).

Success is setting clear goals and achieving them.

It demands that you be honest with yourself as to whether or not you have achieved them.

It is way too easy to just say "Well, I tried and it didn't work out but no one is going to define my success but me."

genelovesjez · April 17th, 2006, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GopherTele

It is way too easy to just say "Well, I tried and it didn't work out but no one is going to define my success but me."

I don't know about easy, but no one else could possibly define your success but you.

Seminole90 · April 17th, 2006, 12:00 PM

GopherTele Wrote:

Quote:

No offense, but most of these definitions are basically saying that success is anything you want it to be.

I agree that success is a pretty amorphous thing and I must agree that you've got to set goals. But you've left yourself open to your very own criticism. What are the standards for the clear goals you must set? How high or how low? Can't those goals be anything you want them to be? I also don't mean any disrespect. I think that the folks here are touching upon aspects of defining success which is a deeply personal thing. I also think a number of people are saying that in the end analysis, you have to balance your goals against the values you hold to determine if you have met with some measure of "success."

Warm regards,
Rob

genelovesjez · April 17th, 2006, 12:15 PM

I think we've all asked ourselves these questions at one time or another. Here's how I look at it: if I had been a musical success (for the sake of argument, let's assume I was famous, had several huge records, etc.) then what would that mean to me today? Leaving aside the practical considerations (material reward, etc.) and just focusing on the music, I would have the same challenges as anyone on this board or any rock star you can name: to get up tomorrow and do something that is musically challenging and interesting.

Once I started looking at it that way, I realized that the relationship between me and my musical goals was the only thing that really mattered, and it had very little to do with acclaim or wealth or gold records.

Will I write the next Great American Album? Maybe not, but I don't like the chances of Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney or anyone else you can think of to do it either. Yes, these guys have all had success in the past. But if they continue to be driven by their muses to create, then they face the same musical challenges as any of us.

RCinMempho · April 17th, 2006, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GopherTele

No offense, but most of these definitions are basically saying that success is anything you want it to be.

That's a little too I'm Okay You're Okay, for my tastes (and IMHO and all that).

Success is setting clear goals and achieving them."

Being content in my skin is a really clear goal, and how I sleep at night is a real good evaluation of how I'm doing.

Telenator · April 17th, 2006, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCinMempho

Quote:

Originally Posted by GopherTele

No offense, but most of these definitions are basically saying that success is anything you want it to be.

That's a little too I'm Okay You're Okay, for my tastes (and IMHO and all that).

Success is setting clear goals and achieving them."

Being content in my skin is a really clear goal, and how I sleep at night is a real good evaluation of how I'm doing.

I agree RC. Gopher's definition is a borrowed idea, subject to and dependant on others recognition/approval. At the end of the day, ................, well, it's all been said. Those who agree, do. Those that don't, don't.

Success certainly is not about swaying one person's understanding to anothers. You feel it, or you don't. It's really not up for debate.

Oskar · April 17th, 2006, 12:25 PM

but I'm not giving up yet, and I'm going to be 59 this fall. To me my music is my hobby. It is a source of great joy, relaxation, therapy and and most of all fun, but I also take it seriously (but not too

).
That being said I've always believed the adage that dreams don't die, only dreamers do. I fully realize the reality of who I am and where I am, but I'm having a great time pursuing my musical dreams. I played like crazy until I was in my early 20s and then just quit. I didn't take up the guitar seriously again until I was 44 years old and decided to start a band. Already I have gone so far beyond what I would have expected that if I stopped now I would have no regrets. But why stop? Life can be full of surprises, and it's been a wonderful ride so far.

neocaster · April 17th, 2006, 02:30 PM

Success is the consistent progression toward a worthy goal. It goes without saying that people who are consistently successful achieve those goals. The success isn't in the achivement, though. It is in the progression.

I am still pretty young (33), and have suffered numerous self-inflicted setbacks. With the help of a phenomenal coach, I've set some goals and am moving toward them at a rate that still astounds me. I understand your frustration. I would call you quite successful, as that list sounds like dozens of worthy goals were met. You may have noticed that your seeming successful to me doesn't do much for you. I encourage you to aks yourself what your goals were. I bet you achieved them. Then ask yourself what your goals are, and what you can do today to move toward them.

Oster · April 17th, 2006, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genelovesjez

Will I write the next Great American Album? Maybe not, but I don't like the chances of Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney or anyone else you can think of to do it either. Yes, these guys have all had success in the past. But if they continue to be driven by their muses to create, then they face the same musical challenges as any of us.

An excellent point.

My own take is that the very nature of success itself has changed from what it used to be.

If it means getting played on the radio, having your stuff chart and touring to appreciative audiences that's one thing.

Maybe one day, it'll mean how many 'friends' are on your MySpace page.

Maybe to a certain generation, too much emphasis is placed on 'the deal' - an outmoded pursuit, IMO.

Joel Terry · April 17th, 2006, 03:59 PM

After a long and absolute psychological freefall which ultimately resulted in a couple of suicide attempts last summer, I can attest that success, to me, wasn't the big salary, the big home, or the fancy cars. Quite to the contrary, I felt like an abject failure. I could fake a believable smile and jaunty walk, but inside, I didn't feel worthy of everyone and everything around me. I felt as if I were a mistake, that I should never have been born.

Wrought predominantly by a severe genetic chemical imbalance and lifelong low self-esteem, I loathed myself in a way that defies description, and I projected that self-loathing onto others, presuming they thought I was worthless, too. I came to the point where I thought it best for all parties concerned if I just went away for good.

What eventually saved me was the Almighty, and the unspeakable love and patience of my wife, who showed me and eventually proved to me that I had peop

April 17th, 2006, 12:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 45 Posts: 3,000 3 Photos	The Meaning Of Success? I have been playing professionally here in Austin since 1985. I've been in many bands, performed at many Austin clubs, recorded, released and sold CDs of my songs, played at local and international festivals, toured and recorded in Europe twice, been played and performed on local and international radio stations, received positive reviews in music trade 'zines and had a song included in a feature film. Sounds pretty good, but... I have made comparitively little money at any of this, I have spent far more than I have ever earned on any of these ventures and I've had to work at day jobs that I can barely stand for over 20 years to sustain myself and my endeavors. I have played under all kinds of conditions (and in all kinds of conditions!) and like many, chased the elusive "deal" and fame without truly attaining either. I am now nearly 43 years young and have made peace with the fact that I will never be the "Rock star" or whatever it was that I envisioned myself as in my teens and early 20s. I have done what I have done with my music and had a generally great time doing it. I have gotten better as a musician, which has nothing to do with popularity. In the course of chasing fame and what accompanies it I realized that playing music is it's own reward. I am not complaining, I have been lucky. Like anyone, I have regrets and have made some bad decisions along the way. I may never record an album in a castle, have my band's logo on the side of a jet or play Madison Square Garden, but I am still lucky because I get to play music! As John Lennon so aptly put it: "life is what happens while your busy making other plans". 8) Heather

April 17th, 2006, 01:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 10,198 37 Photos	the light response 1: at least you have good gear 2: did I mention it looks like you have some nice gear 3: Most people have worked day jobs for 20 years and can't even program their tivo much less play (plug in a rock song you like that I don't know) Less light response 1: Success that matters is determined from within (or from Paul or Fuzzy-->whoops back to being light) 2: If you've got a handful of really, really good friends... then, yes, you've got success 3: As my rabbi would say (uh, if I had a rabbi and I was jewish, that is) You've got your health (I'm guessing here, but I'm probably right because people who are really, really sick don't worry about making records in a castle... or they are on the phone with the Make A Wish folks scheduling it) Last, log off, go play your guitar, go for a walk or run, read a guitar magazine, or a novel or a bio (I am awesome at recommending what other people should read!) You are heap plenty successful... do you really have all that good gear? Have you accepted Merle Haggard as your... oh sorry! Jeff Beck is really good too! Sorry if I was too light on this... __________________ 'never pet a burning dog'

April 17th, 2006, 01:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Berlin, Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 9,714	Heather Anne, I'm gonna turn 47 this summer. Like you, I've played a bit, recorded some, travelled some (although I sure would love to go gig overseas sometime!), and somehow managed to avoid major (or minor) stardom. Heck, I've even lost much of my hair and gotten chubby! But, like you, I purely love playing music, and these days I'm fortunate enough to gig with my brother (after decades of NOT playing together), and I'm having a real good time! I still don't know exactly what I want to do when I grow up (if that ever happens). For now, I drive charter buses and play a lot of summer gigs in a beach town, and that'll do... Cheers, Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

April 17th, 2006, 02:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
Robin Nahum Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia Age: 57 Posts: 1,710 13 Photos	Hi Heather, I think you've got it pretty well sussed out - shame about the day jobs though. I have heard this issue discussed by a thoughtful psychologist. His view is that we mistakenly equate success with fame and/or wealth, and that many of us, who would like to be "successful", become unhappy when we do not acquire these. The reality is that these things are not necessarily easy to achieve, and there is probably a good element of luck required. A much more healthy and useful definition of success is based on whether you're achieving or exceeding your potential. __________________ RN

April 17th, 2006, 09:37 AM	#6 (permalink)
Telenator Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,662	Feel it. Success can only be defined by others. If it is success you seek, then success as gauged by others is the answer. True success doesn't even exist in the place where it is felt, recognized, and it defies definition. Although I am very well known, (successful) in my field, it does little to soothe me. My greatest joys are still those moments when I become conscious of something really cool. Like breathing. Being in the groove. Watching the mist rise off the lake. __________________ Dogs have the right idea!

April 17th, 2006, 05:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
redmist NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 6	Hi Heather I play in a UK based Alternative Rock Band.And let me tell you that for the most part we are all 40ish or thereabouts.We do not cau tau to any major record companies,if we make money we give it away to deserving causes...........we do exactly what we want and are totaly autominous from any of the major media and world that tells us what to do musicaly or otherwise.Success is always elusive when others dictate what we should watch and how to be. It sounds like you have done some great things.You are very lucky.Well done.

April 17th, 2006, 09:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
TeleTurkey Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: North Carolina Age: 42 Posts: 804 5 Photos	I'm with Telenator I've done reasonably well finacially working day jobs. Sometimes I've liked them, but mostly tolerated them. A few years ago I realized, despite financial progress, that it was all very empty. Since then I have been looking for more value in life. I turned back to music, which I walked away from 20 years ago, to find some joy. It is working, but I wonder what would have happened if I had taken the musical route and said to hell with the money? __________________ The culture of the country has been hijacked by life-style hotshot pimps who join with consumer fascists in selling you back to yourself. Ry Cooder

April 17th, 2006, 10:09 AM	#9 (permalink)
Seminole90 Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 225	Hi Heather, I just passed the 43 mark and it's funny that you bring up the issue of success. I've been thinking about it alot lately. I'm making a huge transition in 46 days when I "retire" from the Navy. Of course I've been trying to decide upon the direction I want to next try and steer my life but, as you so aptly quote, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." I didn't originally plan on a career in the military and what's funny is that I've been getting asked alot about the "success" of my career. The more I've thought about it, the more that I'm convinced that success isn't measured by the number of ribbons on one's chest, the wieght of brass on one's collar, or the amount of money in one's bank account. (Translated for a musician I guess that would be records sold, fame, and money.) Success is measured by the love that you have from your family and friends, and the experiences you've collected. I think that as others have noted here, you achieve that success by trying to live up to your potential and when you fail, you get and try again. My view of your life is obviously very limited, but from here, it sure looks to me like you've had an enormously interesting and successful life. You certainly have a knack for posting pretty great topics! Warm regards, Rob

April 17th, 2006, 10:14 AM	#10 (permalink)
reverbbb Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Just Plano, Texas Age: 50 Posts: 3,708 34 Photos	Here are a couple of things to keep in mind. 1) Many studies show that money is not the only motivator or measure of gratification in people. 2) The obscession of fame is easily deminished once it has been acheived (and everyone wants you to touch them). 3) Success can be measured in small samples and not by the grandure of an entire lifespan. 4) Life is not over until it is over. There may still be MANY opportunities that lay ahead for you. 5) Balance is essential. 6) The one who dies with the most toys, looses. My childhood buddy died a few years ago with brain cancer. He had acheived the coveted position of the house mix (soundman) for the Beach Boys. None of the Beach Boys could make it to his funeral (except for a few stage hands) - they had two gigs booked in different cities the same day. But they sent a letter of appreciation and stated "David was the best soundman that the Beach Boys ever had the pleasure of working with." What a huge statement from such a precision minded band. David rarely made over $30,000/year in his lifetime. But David told me before he died, "I have been fulfilled WAY beyond my wildest dreams, I have had a good life.". David was 39 years old. I think that David was successful. Yet, he always complemented me on my guitar playing - that made me feel successful. __________________ "I come here to reflect a little."™ Myspace Guitarist P&W Forum

April 17th, 2006, 10:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
Ptrallan01 Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 567 3 Photos	Success is Being able to look in the mirror and not be disgusted by what you see in your heart. If you can do that then you are successful! __________________ Ooh, I want my guitar to sound like Jimmie Smith's organ!!!

April 17th, 2006, 11:27 AM	#14 (permalink)
GopherTele Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 954	No offense, but most of these definitions are basically saying that success is anything you want it to be. That's a little too I'm Okay You're Okay, for my tastes (and IMHO and all that). Success is setting clear goals and achieving them. It demands that you be honest with yourself as to whether or not you have achieved them. It is way too easy to just say "Well, I tried and it didn't work out but no one is going to define my success but me."

April 17th, 2006, 12:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
genelovesjez Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 41 Posts: 3,735	I think we've all asked ourselves these questions at one time or another. Here's how I look at it: if I had been a musical success (for the sake of argument, let's assume I was famous, had several huge records, etc.) then what would that mean to me today? Leaving aside the practical considerations (material reward, etc.) and just focusing on the music, I would have the same challenges as anyone on this board or any rock star you can name: to get up tomorrow and do something that is musically challenging and interesting. Once I started looking at it that way, I realized that the relationship between me and my musical goals was the only thing that really mattered, and it had very little to do with acclaim or wealth or gold records. Will I write the next Great American Album? Maybe not, but I don't like the chances of Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney or anyone else you can think of to do it either. Yes, these guys have all had success in the past. But if they continue to be driven by their muses to create, then they face the same musical challenges as any of us.

April 17th, 2006, 12:25 PM	#20 (permalink)
Oskar Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northampton, MA Posts: 3,166	I may be delusional but I'm not giving up yet, and I'm going to be 59 this fall. To me my music is my hobby. It is a source of great joy, relaxation, therapy and and most of all fun, but I also take it seriously (but not too ). That being said I've always believed the adage that dreams don't die, only dreamers do. I fully realize the reality of who I am and where I am, but I'm having a great time pursuing my musical dreams. I played like crazy until I was in my early 20s and then just quit. I didn't take up the guitar seriously again until I was 44 years old and decided to start a band. Already I have gone so far beyond what I would have expected that if I stopped now I would have no regrets. But why stop? Life can be full of surprises, and it's been a wonderful ride so far.

April 17th, 2006, 02:30 PM	#21 (permalink)
neocaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chester County, PA Age: 35 Posts: 3,529 11 Photos	Success isn't about achieving Success is the consistent progression toward a worthy goal. It goes without saying that people who are consistently successful achieve those goals. The success isn't in the achivement, though. It is in the progression. I am still pretty young (33), and have suffered numerous self-inflicted setbacks. With the help of a phenomenal coach, I've set some goals and am moving toward them at a rate that still astounds me. I understand your frustration. I would call you quite successful, as that list sounds like dozens of worthy goals were met. You may have noticed that your seeming successful to me doesn't do much for you. I encourage you to aks yourself what your goals were. I bet you achieved them. Then ask yourself what your goals are, and what you can do today to move toward them. __________________ "...You don't need faith if you know it's gonna work!" "The views expressed here are mine and do not reflect the official opinion of my employer or the organization through which the Internet was accessed."