I’m not much of a collector (except maybe of sneakers). But lately, I find myself collecting thoughtful definitions of success. Here’s one I’m loving right now:
“Success is not measured by what you do compared to what someone else does. Success is measured by how you do compared to what you could have done with the ability you have.” - Zig Ziglar
This echoes the idea that comparison is the thief of joy, but it adds a layer of personal responsibility. True success is measured by our willingness to develop and express the gifts we’ve been given.
By this definition, someone without much talent—by society’s standards—is a wild success as long as they play full out and show all the way up.
On the other hand, a person dripping with talent who’s phoning it in, offering half-ass commitment, is a failure. (At least, that’s my analysis.)
Ziglar reminds us that success isn’t a matter of luck or even hard work. It’s the product of integrity, self-expression in its fullest.
Are you doing what you can with the ability you have?
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