I’ve been thinking about this word a lot over the last few days... In fact, it’s a hard word to think about – it’s a word that has kept me awake at night several times this week...
I have had many successes in my life – successful; however, I am not... I once heard a wise entrepreneur once say, “successful” is a fruitless word... no one can ever be “full” of success, but rather one may have gained many successes, often overshadowing the many failures experienced...
I have had many failures in my life as well... academically, I feel I have failed my potential many times – I feel, I have often taken the path of “least resistance” & yet only resulted in mediocre results compared to my peers or my abilities. I have failed at many relationships as well... often lying to myself about their true meaning, assigning greater significance when there has been none; losing ties and taking for granted friendships that were once significant.
And my inability to forgive. Which is likely my greatest failure in life. Forgiveness of Self. Forgiveness of Others. ... which is why it made it to my #1 New Year’s Resolutions for 2011..
But I guess it all really hit home, when I received an email today, regarding “success”. It stated the following:
1. Marry the right person. This is one decision that will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.
• This is a decision I have yet to make, and have had significant difficult even comprehending... I have not met the “right person”, nor do I even feel compelled to do such things... Yet, having realized in Paris – that to grow old by yourself, is likely one of the greatest regrets anyone will ever have...
2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.
• I do work at things I enjoy, and it is proof in the pudding from the drive, dedication & determination that I bring to each such activity that I “work” on... however, if it is worthy of my time and talent – that is a whole other question that I am not sure I have the answer to..
3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
• Check – can’t say I don’t...
4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
• Other than my father, I can’t speak of a better role model..
5. Be forgiving of yourself and other.
• ... as I mentioned, not one of my strongest suits – but that’s what # 11 is all about
6. Be generous
• When I can, everything I have is yours...
7. Have a grateful heart
• I believe there are some feats, that are just ingrained in our values... this would be one of them.
8. Persistence, persistence, persistence
• Persistently... Never give-up, not even when you’re done!!
9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary
• Not a worry, as I often save & risk money on even a not so modest salary... It has always been my philosophy, to live on the avails of a minimum salary; and nearly 75% of my salary goes into debt relief, savings or investments... the other 25% I hustle it out ;-) #8, should be partly: Hustle, hustle, hustle (if you know me well) ;P Hustle, legitimately, though!! At least now that I’ve grown up... that street knowledge from Scarborough, has constantly taught me how to hold my own growing up..
10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated
• True... but don’t expect them to treat you the same way... and when it fails, please refer to #5
11. Commit yourself to constant improvement
• Each & Every Day... now if I could only get #5 under wraps, I would be good...
12. Commit yourself to quality.
• I’ve had quantity, and the search for quality is always the key goal on the agenda. Food, Alcohol, and Women... probably the 3 strongest addictions in my life... (in my *past* life that is, as they all seem under control these days – and hopefully for the better...)
13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on the relationships with people you love and respect.
• Can’t say that I have honestly understood this... possessions – check. Power or prestige, I can’t honestly say these are not feats I pursue. Understanding relationships with people I love and respect?! ... as mentioned above, likely one of my greatest failures.
14. Be loyal
15. Be honest
16. Be a self-starter
• Yes, to each! Loyal, Honest – and I only have myself to start anything...
17. Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.
• I stick by my guns... so I’m good ;P
18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
• This wouldn’t be so bad... if again, I could get over #5
19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
• Balls to the Walls, as my friend Rob would say... or was it “Balls Deep?” lol. But Balls to the Walls!! No regrets there...
20. Take good care of those you love.
• Since family, and close friends are the closest to what I love; I hope I have taken good care of this... but I guess only time would tell.
21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.
• Oops... may have kind of missed the memo on this one... Let’s just hope “Mom” doesn’t find out all the mistakes I’ve made ;P
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