WHAT'S SUCCESS ALL ABOUT ANYWAY?

Being successful means moving on, no matter what circumstances arise. It means being a fighter, the kind of fighter that never gives up hope. We can envision what we want the future to hold. Then we must go out into the world and make it happen. Mistakes are an option, but complete failure is not. Learning from our mistakes and moving forward is productive. We need to understand that the world isn’t going to change to accommodate out self-pity. Anything we get, we must pursue with diligence. This is what persistence is all about. It is a wonderful character trait. Persistent people are continuously knocking on the door of change. They want things to be better for themselves and others. They refuse to give in to problems and difficulties that surround them. Persistence is the quality that keeps you going when you don’t feel like trying anymore. You refuse to let obstacles stand in the way of successful living.

Many people define successful living as having the right car, living in the right neighborhood, and having the right job. Success for many is defined by the amount of money one makes. Many people have had all of these things and have watched them fade away in a moments notice. What sustains you when the American dream is no longer a reality? When you are no longer around, will you be known for you professional talent? How about your ability to make a lot of money? How about the way you look? We must think about the character traits we want to leave as our legacy.

Being a successful, fully functioning individual is about being true to whom you are and letting things be the way they are. Many of us spend an inordinate amount of time trying to change our lives and reality to fit a preconceived notion that we have about life. We try to manipulate life as a way of functioning, avoiding any anguish that accompanies current awareness. By living in the rear view mirror, we cheat ourselves out of all that life has for us in the present and future. Live in the moment, let go of the past, and don’t try to anticipate the future. Move into the future with the conviction that all will work out. Your convictions will bring positive energy into the future and will help you realize your dreams. Believe that everything is possible. Nothing is out of your range of success. Your perception of events determines the kind of thinking that you will create. Reframe negative thoughts and circumstances so that things will move in a positive direction for you. Success is a choice involving your character and behavior, not a lifestyle.

James P. Krehbiel is an author, contributing writer, and cognitive-behavioral therapist practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona. He recently released a book entitled, Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy. James can be reached at http://www.krehbielcounseling.com/.py. His book is available at http://www.booklocker.com/books/2242.html.