Make it Happen Monday: Definition of Success
Do you have a personal definition for success? You know, a way of measuring if you’re achieving all you strive to be in life or if you’re making the kind of impact you want to leave on our World.
There are countless definitions for success out there, but my favorite has always been this one by Bob Dylan. I’m not some sort of Dylan music fanatic, but I sure do love what he has to say about this:
If I can get up, spend quality time with my Family, get out for a great ride on my bike, laugh, and do all the other things I enjoy before jumping back in bed for the night…..then it’s been a totally successful day to me.
When it comes to cycling or other sports, I would define success as performing at a level that I expect myself to achieve….or higher. It’s been years since I have went out golfing, but whenever I get out for a game, I call it a success as long as my strokes feel good and I’m enjoying myself. Of course when it comes to cycling, I’m always Loving the Bike….but my ride is a true success if I pushed myself to a level that I feel proud of and I get back home feeling a strong sense of accomplishment.
What is your definition of success….for Life, Cycling, or anything else? Have a Make it Happen Day.
very similar – I think success is “Being able to do what you want, when you want to do it.”
although we may not be there yet, try to take 1 step closer to your dreams every day – sow the seeds of success and you will be successful.
I’ve been fired from a commission only sales job,
I’ve seen the inside of a courtroom for divorce and bankruptcy, my student loan
has been in forbearance so long the interest accrued is greater than the
original loan amount. If learning from mistakes creates wisdom, then
brother I am one of the wisest men you will ever meet. I can honestly
say, to this point, I have accomplished a life full of failure. I don’t
look to place blame and I am not bitter. In fact, I believe I am poised
perfectly for success beyond my wildest dreams.
It took me 44yrs to realize this, and I firmly
believe it’s because I was reaching for someone else’s idea for success.
I got so wrapped up in making money and having “things”, that I
ignored and eventually forgot what I was passionate about. When that
passion was gone I looked to fill the void it created. Drinking and
smoking too much, unhealthy diet and lifestyle were what I used. Fat and
numb, I didn’t realize what I had really done was sold my soul. I traded
my dreams for artificial happiness in a box. Once this box crumbled
around me, I foolishly tried to fix it, but nothing seemed to work. You
talk about it all the time here on MIHM, passion is the essence of life.
Once passion is gone however, life becomes mundane. Without passion you
can’t dream, without passion and dreams you can’t find success.
Going through what I did stripped me of everything
but my fears, and I realized what I feared the most was success. How crazy is that? Makes sense though, I had no dreams or
passion. It was hoping back on my bike
though, that I learned to dream again and rediscovered my passion. My passion is making people smile and my
dream is to do this by inspiring them to ride a bike. I know it sounds kind of simple, but it’s the
simple things in life that bring the biggest rewards. Success can be defined so many ways, and it’s
different for everyone…I define it one smile and one mile at a time.
Happy Riding…..
Nice on, Joel. Success is definitely different to each of us….and our definition can definitely change as we go through our lives. Keep on smiling, and racking up the miles.
Success is waking up in the morning, enjoying a great cup of coffee, and reading the “lovingthebike” webpage! An internal feeling of satisfaction, and a positive start to what can only be a day of continued success. Yup, I “made it”!
Awe, thanks Rik. I appreciate the kindness and always love hearing your thoughts.
The Dylan quote is brilliant. I too feel a success when I have spent my day living by my rules and feel grateful for every day I spend like this. Every day I am on by bike is a true success to me.
Yeah, it’s been a favorite of mine for a while now. I agree with all days on a bike being a success as well.
My definition of success is raising children who are good people. One down, two to go.
That is a great way to measure a life, Ann. I’m pretty sure the other two will be a success as well.
I couldn’t wait for success, so I went ahead without it.
Jonathan Winters
I’ve always liked that quote and now I can add the one from Bob Dylan as well.
Same here…..love that one, Tim. Thanks for sharing it.