Friday, November 20, 2009

Fame, Success or Excellence: which is best?

Christopher Parkening, the world famous classical guitarist who was personally mentored by Segovia, teaches young people that if you want to be successful, seek Excellence, not Fame or even Success, per se. When you are dedicated like a knight to a mission focused on being as excellent as you can be, success is well within your reach. You may also achieve fame, but no matter what you succeeded at being excellent through dedication, perseverance and commitment.

After working for various employers in various jobs to earn a living for many years, do you feel you have 'failed' to succeed? How does where you are now measure up with where you dreamed of being years and years ago? In my case, it has taken me
the majority of my life to see that I've been aiming at the 'wrong' goal. I wasn't seeking excellence. I was seeking success.

You've probably heard this, but just in case not, consider this 'til next time. Yes, you can bloom where you're planted, but if you've ever wanted to be your own boss in your own business, it's more likely that focusing on being excellent there will produce more peace and joy and...financial freedom in the long run!

4 comments:

  1. Well said....i think we often grow up with a skewed sense of success. I agree whole heartedly that if we strive for excellence, and realize that excellence is the best that WE can do..not someone else's benchmark...then we have succeeded and we are successful by definition, and (usually) way more happy and peaceful...which to me is the ulitmate in excellence and success. Excellence is a journey, and there is always room for improvement, but I think understanding that you are working towards that goal is quite freeing and allows for a better outlook, and the opportunity to have that joy and peace. :)

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  2. Thank you, Lady Gretchen! You truly 'got it,' and I'm grateful for your comments which may very well lift us up into the realm of a dialog with others yet to comment :-)

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  4. This comment and the previous one by Anonymous were tests of the commenting process. Thanks!

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