The Illusion of Success

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

If I were to ask you, “what does success look like?”, what would you picture? A large stately house? Luxury vehicles? Perhaps a certain amount of cash reserves in the bank? Perhaps it is not a material object but a landmark in life: a certain diploma or degree, a job title or position. I would suspect that most respondents to the question would answer with one of the above listed options. However, I would challenge you (and others) on that very definition.

The items/things listed as contenders for the definition of success are all fine and good, but do they actually define success? Those items are wonderful accomplishments, for sure. Yet they are just that, accomplishments. The world is full of people with accomplishments but who are not successful. They are not successful because they have either squandered their position/earnings after reaching it, or have stopped striving for the next goal. They have stopped growing, improving, striving.

Let me explain:

The best definition of success I could find was stated by Earl Nightingale. In 1957, Earl Nightingale released his record breaking audio of “The Strangest Secret“. This effectively launched the self-help movement in the US. In his oratory discourse, Nightingale defined success as, “the progressive realization of a worthy ideal”. As he narrates, “This means that any person who knows what they are doing and where they are going is a success. Any person with a goal towards which they are working is a successful person.” The term progressive realization means that success is a process (it is progressive), not a destination. It connotates a continual process of learning, of achieving, or maturing. If that process ends with a milestone, you are robbing yourself short. You are believing in the illusion of success.

I find Nightingale’s definition of success to be accurate, comprehensive, and historically correct. From ancient philosophers to modern day motivational leaders, all describe success as a process rather than a final destination. Don’t get me wrong, attaining a wonderful degree after years of academic study, obtaining a large salary after years of toil or endeavor, or the beautiful 10,000 square-foot house are all wonderful things that everyone should be proud of, agreed. But they are just things. They do not define the person as successful. That indeed is the illusion of success.

A MEDICAL ANALOGY

In medical school I was taught an interesting fact about the body’s biochemistry: “All enzymes are proteins, but not all proteins are enzymes”. In the same way, all successful people have accomplishments but accomplishments alone do not make a person successful. Get it?

ASPIRATION OVER AMBITION

This is a great time to make the distinction between ambition and aspiration. Now hang in there with me, it will be worth it, I promise. Ambition can be defined as an ardent desire for your future goal in life or an ardent desire for rank, fame, or power. Ambition is a burning desire to attain a goal, it is passion. Without a doubt, a burning desire to attain a landmark of life is a powerful and desired tool. Such “burning desire” is a chief trait described in famed author Napoleon Hill’s best selling book, Think and Grow Rich. Ambition definitely is a trait that should be sought after and nurtured. Ambition is good! It is powerful! However, ambition that ends when a set target/goal is achieved is wasted energy. As the start of this essay reads, “Success is not final” (NOTE: although that particular quote is often attributed to Winston Churchill, its true origin is debated). Ambition that is quickly cut off after reaching a goal or life destination can leave you unfulfilled. Your drive should not stop after reaching a goal.

Aspiration, on the other hand, pushes the individual from one achievement/accomplishment to the next. It is the ever longing push to yet another- a higher- goal. Remember, success is not final. Never be content with a goal reached! Enjoy the milestone. Relish in the victory, but do it temporarily. NEVER CHOOSE COMPLACENCY OVER GROWTH. Keep the aspiration for the next goal, the next mark, the next target. That is why ambition is fine, but aspiration is better.

As a last personal note, I am thankful for my past experiences. I graduated college early from the University of Texas, did well in medical school earning my degree as a medical doctor, trained at one of the top residencies for ObGyn, and I’m thankful to be part of the academic/clinical faculty at a world renowned university. By common definitions, that would seem that I have reached “success“.

But that is an illusion.

Within my mind and spirit, I know I still have future projects ahead of me. My goal is not to hang a diploma on the wall, but to leave a legacy. Those things I have had the privilege and honor of accomplishing are just that… accomplishments. They alone do not define my success.

My success is defined as my progressive realization of being a good husband, a good father, a worthy provider, a professional, and a few more things that I will keep to myself for now!

You see, I am a success not because of those things listed, but because I have elected for myself aspiration over ambition.

Choose wisely.