How to Make Success Not Just Obtainable but Sustainable

Each of us has a fundamental need to consistently improve our life. Our self satisfaction continues to grow as we feel that we are contributing to the well being of our family members, friends and our community through our influence and actions.

However, it is very easy to become a victim of the materialistic value belief that says the more you own the more power you have to influence others. It is unfortunate that this often becomes the benchmark we use to judge our personal success. Then we become complacent, thinking that once we have everything we our life will be perfect and filled with happiness.

But then there is the “gap effect” part of your subconscious that is always prodding you to strive for the next level. Are you on this “wheel” that that spins on its axle and goes nowhere?

Do I need to add that this is like the computer virus that can bring your computer to a halt? Likewise, this insatiable drive can bring you to a halt both emotionally and/or spiritually.

If you should need further evidence of this, look at the news items relating to the current suicides that take place frequently such as the top fashion models, the immediate family member of international political figures or “fallen” community leaders.

Were you aware that the word “success” comes from Latin and means “to advance” or “to improve”. This implies that success is a continuing process and not a “means to an end”. Stated a different way, success allows you a better quality of life; thus, moving you forward to having a better life experience. This was my lesson for the day.

This brings us to the “sustainable” concept of success.

It is impossible to sustain “inner peace” when you depend on other people or external things to make you happy. The feeling of happiness comes from the enjoyment of external things, things outside of you; and therefore, is temporary. I recommend that you stop and ponder what your feelings would be if other people were suddenly removed from your life and/or you lost your possessions.

Nor can you achieve any level of sustainable success without developing some changes in your attitude. This requires that you honestly examine and listen to your inner feelings. It is imperative that you get acquainted with yourself, i.e., “Know thyself.” And, then, endeavor to accept yourself as you are and to fall in love with that wonderful being.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

What is “Truth” and how does it relate to Self Improvement?

Good Morning and Welcome Back!!

How does one start on the road which leads to Self Improvement? I feel a lot can be said to examine what you believe to be true.

I have also come to the conclusion each of us has our own individual truth. On several occasions, I have read or heard the statement, “We are what we believe.”

What do you believe about yourself, about your immediate family members, your friends, your neighbors, your community, and/or your government? Are your beliefs rigid or do you consciously make an effort to expand the scope of your earlier beliefs?

What is the source of information that has formed [and continues to form] your beliefs? Is it by observation, i.e., people watching and personal experience, continuing education, browsing the Internet, television, movies, etc.?

All of this data, positive and negative, is absorbed into your belief system and directly affects your own version of “truth”; and, ultimately your thoughts and actions. Advertising is a prime example.

This is enough for now. In future blogs, I plan to offer thoughts defining some of the emotions that are the basis of the unwanted stress in our daily lives and how this can propel us onto the Road of Self Improvement.