I was recently asked that question while flying to my niece’s wedding. The gentleman sitting next to me on the plane travels often and said he asks everyone he sits next to that question.
Before I answered him, I thought, “I wonder why he thinks I’m successful?” 🤔
And then, I answered the first word that popped into my head, perseverance—the ability to keep going when you get knocked down. I often feel like I’m failing, and I continue to keep going anyway. Most days, I feel like one of the wobbling weebles that gets blown over and pops back up!
Interestingly enough, he was surprised at my answer.
He said most people tell him they are successful because they out-work everyone else or because they have a great business partner, but primarily because they work themselves to the bone to make something happen.
I said, absolutely not for me. That is the OLD way. That is the OLD world. That is the OLD me. The one who worked and volunteered, ignoring every one of my needs while running my health and relationships in the ground until I was so sick I couldn’t get out of bed.
He, again, was surprised at my answer. In all his years, no one had ever told him what I said.
I clearly explained to him that my work is my life’s purpose but never at the expense of my health or relationships. I have been there and done that. I’m thankful and blessed to say I am still alive to do things differently. For me, there must be a harmonious blend.
And, I ask you, how would you answer, “What makes you successful?”