How Much Of A Success Are You?

On a program in Newcastle last week, the participants were scheduled to tell the group their life story and leadership challenges. They were all quite remarkable. One story stands out. This woman revealed she has six children (the last one was conceived through four IVF attempts), fosters children in addition to her own brood, works as a nurse in emergency, is a local city councillor, has two internet marketing businesses with her husband on how to manage a family budget on a shoestring, and has written a book waiting for publication. Gob-smacking, I am sure you will agree! Where does she find the time and the energy? As someone asked her this question, she proceeded to cut down her achievements: she 'only' works two days per week, it's easy to bring other kids in to a home full of kids, the councillor role fits around her family duties, and the internet projects are really quite simple and straightforward. Yeah, sure. None of us were buying into this self-effacement. When it was time for a 360 feedback session, this woman was lashed with praise and appreciation for her untold talent, energy, and passion. She was overwhelmed by the support and positivity. It occurred to me that she is not alone in undervalueing her achievements and talent. When we look at others and marvel at their accomplishments and find ourselves wanting, it is only because we have forgotten how remarkable our own journeys are. There are two things that are important for you here: 1. Next time someone praises you, stop and savour the compliment. Don't make excuses for your success. Be gracious – you have inspired someone else's appreciation, so chances are it IS worth noting. 2. Look to your own life first. If you feel slack next to someone else's list of achievements, instead of berating yourself for coming up short in the success department, take another look at your own life and acknowledge what you have achieved on YOUR journey. Next, find inspiration from the person you are admiring and allow it to call you forward to be your best. There is no one list of achievements that means you've made it, you're a success. Everyone has their own list, their own adventures, and this is the completely marvellous! Lastly, you are ALREADY a success. If you don't feel like it, you haven't been noticing. Look more closely – you'll see it!