by Jen Oswald, Adventure 212 Fitness
As I opened up the first few pages of the book “Start Something That Matters” by Blake Makoskie, I wasn’t expecting to be challenged before I even hit chapter 1. I had picked up the book from Barnes and Noble the night before, as it caught my eye on my way to the checkout. I knew of Blake’s story and had a similar stirring in me to “start something that matters”, so to the checkout I went.
For those who don’t know Blake’s story, he is the founder of a company called TOM’S Shoes, a company that sells shoes in the United States and gives a pair to the needy for every one sold; a true 1:1 business model. He was told it would never work. He was told too much philanthropy would sink his ship. Want to know how the story ends? Look him up. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that ethical business run by a solid, unwavering set of corporate values can be successful, profitable, even lucrative.
Back to page 1. Blake opens up his book with a quote that struck me as especially profound. It got me thinking and asking myself a question we should all be asking ourselves. What does success look like to me?
Success
To laugh often and love much
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
Endure the betrayal of false friends
To appreciate beauty
To find the best in others
To leave the world a bit better
Whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived
This is to have succeeded.
(Attributed to Elisabeth-Anne Anderson Stanley)
It begs the question, doesn’t it? What does success look like for you? After all, if you have no end in mind, the journey is without direction and without purpose. You can apply this question to whatever it is you are applying yourself to; your career, health goals, family, relationships, volunteer efforts. What is it you put your energy into and how is it reflecting the success you wish to see in your world?
This question and its answers will likely lead to change, which can be scary. You may find yourself needing to take some commitments off of your plate. You may find there is a relationship that needs to end, or maybe a new one needs to be developed. Now is the time to give YOU the permission to chase after that which you find most important and align yourself with activities, people and challenges that will get you to your definition of success, whatever that may be.
Does the challenge sound overwhelming? Do you feel butterflies in the stomach just thinking about it? Do you feel like doing this would be to go against the grain? Consider this: “If your vision for your life doesn’t scare you, it is probably insulting to God” – Erwin McManus
Dream big. Don’t play small. And grab your definition of success and run with it. You’ll be astounded at what you find!
