What Is Success?

I'm the first to admit sometimes we all get a little too caught up in day-to-day life.  We rush to work, run errands on lunch, get stressed trying to accomplish too much in too little time, barrel down grocery-store aisles after driving through rush hour, attempt to spend time with friends, and pray for the weekend.  The weekend comes and then it goes, leaving many feeling as though they've accomplished far less than they'd hoped.

But, really, does it matter?  Lately I prescribe to the philosophy that every little daily accomplishment is a win.  We need to give ourselves more credit for the little feats in life.  They lead to bigger accomplishments, and ultimately, to success.

So, what is success?  Ralph Waldo Emerson had the answer in the 1800s.  It's about time we all started listening to him.

What Is Success?

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.