Being successful is not like playing
the lottery. Success results from steps that lead to self-actualisation. Overcoming hurdles, obstacles and challenges of
life is possible and the experiences of some successful people have reaffirmed
this.
The word ‘success’ is subjective. It
means different things to different people. Drake Baer refers to some
definitions of success by some successful people:
·
Merriam-Webster - “the fact of
getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame".
· Legendary Basket Ball
Coach, John Wooden - "Success is peace of mind,
which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to
become the best you are capable of becoming".
·
Acclaimed author, Maya Angelou - "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how
you do it".
·
Winston
Churchill - "Success is going from failure to failure without losing
enthusiasm".
·
Virgin Group Founder, Richard Branson -
"The more you're actively and
practically engaged, the more successful you will feel".
I will however, use former Tanzanian marathon
runner, John Stephen Akhwari’s experience at the 1968 Olympic marathon to
define success. Akhwari was badly injured while running a 42km race. All 57 of
his competitors had completed the race. Though badly injured, he continued the
race hopping and resting at intervals. The stadium was virtually empty when he
reached the finished line. He was later interviewed and was asked why he
continued running, he replied, "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to
start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race."
Today we remember John Stephen Akhwari but may
have probably forgotten the name of the winner of that tournament.
I see success as ‘completing what you started’.
What does SUCCESS mean to you?
