“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.”–Reba McEntire
Success in life is, first, a rather relative concept. If our perception of success is someone else, we are missing the point of life. Real success can only be measured against our individual potential. We are not called to be “the best” (maybe we can be the best at something or maybe not). We are called to be our best. We are called to be (extra)ordinary in our own way.
Reba suggests we need three things to be successful in life:
A wishbone. We need to have a dream. We need to have a passionate desire to be something. Having a wishbone is not, however, a reliance on chance or good fortune. There is no magic in the clavicle of some edible fowl. Nor are there leprechauns, fairy godmothers, wishing well, etc. Success requires effort. The wishbone to which Reba refers is really just a goal-oriented mindset.
A backbone. To have a backbone is to be able to stand. Likewise, it is the ability to withstand. Life is not easy. We will be challenged. We will be opposed. We will be told we “can’t”. To have a backbone is to say, “I can!” and “I will!” To have a backbone is to know that one is entitled only to what he or she earns.
A funny bone. Nothing is more important than the funny bone. As we pursue success, we will have to confront failure—missing the mark. To be successful, we have to first be able to laugh at ourselves. We must not be so serious all the time. We have to work hard, but we have to have fun in the process. Life it to short not to be so stern all the time.
Success is not as hard as we tend to think. If it seems so, then, perhaps we are seeking the wrong person’s success.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow! (This is success.)
Carpe momento!