If you’re in business, you’ve probably encountered legions of coaches all offering to help you succeed.
Or those who trigger our desire for fortune or for fame.
For some, success is a matter of paying the bills.
For others, it’s prestige, ego, fortune or fame.
Fortune and fame? Something I know a bit about, since I have lived in Silicon Valley for decades.
So what about success?
A few years ago I heard spiritual teacher Suzanne Giesemann talk. She was channeling her spirit guides. This was all the more amazing because she had been a senior military officer and aide to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Talk about two ends of a continuum.
Her guides said something that stuck with me and I’m going to leave it with you today:
“Most humans miss the point,” they said. “The point is not to succeed or fail. The joy comes in be-ing and growing, and often growth results simply from trying….pass or fail. Do you see? Do you understand? Are you up to the task?
“You are loved no matter what. What a joyous discovery!”
I think that point is hard to remember in a capitalist dog eat dog society, where status equals winning. If you aren’t raised with those values it usually take something eye opening to shift your perception.
Yes, that is very true.
That’s what I keep telling myself as I work on my webcomic. I make the comic that I want to read and enjoy because it’s about the joy of creation.
In the end, that is what counts.However, interim survival can be..challenging!
I am learning this, this very week. While I was writing my book, I hoped it would be a success and make money (and of course, I still hope that!) But when I finally hit publish on that book, it was such a wonderful feeling knowing that I finally did it, especially after such a long time, that I’m ok just knowing that it’s out there. Success or failure of the book can’t take away the feeling of joy at having published it in the first place.
I am always this way with my own essay writing. Just the fact of writing something I think is good is enough for me most of the time.
I think we can all get a little too tied up on the end goal and miss the important stuff about the journey to get there!
You are exactly right: the journey.
I couldn’t agree more. I grew up in a family that thought money was the end all. My father and I were different. I would much rather be happy than rich.
Rich in happiness … and I like that!
This is a great message for the new year when I have been inundated with lots of coaching programs exhorting their programs for a successful year.
Your calming wisdom is always appreciated.
Thanks
Aww, thanks, Irene. I love the pass/fail thing. I just get triggered when I see coaches with photos of Rolexes and other luxury goods that are supposed to be aspirational. It’s just not helpful!
I remember hearing her several years ago here in St. Petersburg. I think her message appears to have evolved even more fully, given the quote that you share. Thanks for reminding us.
Yes, she really is amazing. I saw her a couple years ago at a conference and have followed her since.