“Sometimes we may ask God for success, and He gives us physical and mental stamina. We might plead for prosperity, and we receive enlarged perspective and increased patience, or we petition for growth and are blessed with the gift of grace. He may bestow upon us conviction and confidence as we strive to achieve worthy goals.”
–David A. Bednar
When we consider “success”, we sometimes have to consider the path we have traveled/are traveling. One who desires to be extraordinary may need to accept being (extra)ordinary. Few in life achieve shallow success—i.e., wealth and fame. Greater, however, is the value and opportunity that comes from being great at the ordinary—i.e., have real and lasting influence.
As we consider our path, we should not expend excess energy on what we don’t have. Rather, our energy should go into developing and sharing what we do have. Gratitude should be valued over greatness. Influence is greater than power.
“Success” is an ambiguous word. We tend to think we know what it is (or should be), but we never seem to find it. Perhaps, this is because we are grasping at air. If we want success—i.e., to be (extra)ordinary—we need to look beyond self and see that “Success” is in pursuing one’s Purpose. Conversely, that which we call “success” is nothing but a distraction from one’s Purpose.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!