Success

From the time we are small, we hear about what we need to do to be successful. The chatter is all around us, in schools, in sports, in corporate (and nonprofit!) boardrooms and in the media. Consultants, perhaps especially, offer high-priced advice on what it will take to become a successful enterprise or individual.

What does it mean to succeed?

Many hold that success is measured by money: The more you have, the more successful you are. Do you buy that? I don’t.

Others believe that success is measured by the title you bear: VP Sales, North America is impressive, no doubt a high stress position with a high level of responsibility. But is this a sure sign of success?

Still others dazzle us with the company they work for: I work for Google, for example, always elicits an approving nod, a smile and “Congratulations!” or “Way to go!” and we immediately credit the person with being smart and savvy.

Very early in my career I had a perceptive boss who broadened my fledgling perspective. Success, he said, is accomplishing something you didn’t think you could do.

That changed everything for me. Over time I developed an ability to take more risks, which led me onto previously unforeseen paths both professionally and personally.

I used to think that people who jumped out of a solid career, went back to school and found a completely new vocation were – well – completely off their rocker. Until I did it. The experience revitalized my entire world outlook, and I found my calling.

We’re almost never “ready” to take the next big step. So take baby steps to start. The truth is, even baby steps can appear daunting when you’re on the outside looking in. Especially if you come from humble beginnings with few opportunities and little encouragement to better yourself.

But, what if you become intrinsically motivated by that trepidation? Actor Robert Downy Jr. doubled down against significant odds to overcome circumstances within his nuclear family and win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer. Recall his 2024 acceptance speech, in part: “…I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order…”

Toastmasters, what is the next learning/service opportunity for you? What will it take for you to push through your barriers to success? Submit your proposal to the Call for Presenters for CLCON2024? Step into an Officer’s role in your Club? Commit to being a Mentor to a fellow Toastmaster? I encourage you to do something for someone else that challenges you to the core.

Then watch yourself grow into the kind of successful person you would want in your own inner circle.

The joy is in the journey. — John Bingham