How to Correct a Wrong Definition of Success

Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. In Knoxville, due to winter weather, we have enjoyed an unexpected week off from school. My family has done a little vehicle shopping and lots of lazing around. I have been able to use this time to catch up on other work and do some writing on a new project. Whatever you have going on, I hope you enjoy it.

Quote of the week: “There is nothing more tragic than to find an individual bogged down in the length of life, devoid of breadth.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Movie of the week: The movie I want to recommend this week is a classic from 1939: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, starring Jimmy Stewart. It’s about an honest man, Jefferson Smith, who gets tricked into becoming a junior senator for his state to help deflect attention from the misbehavings going on in Washington, D.C. At first, the lawmakers welcome Mr. Smith and make a fuss over him. But when he is given a task to “get him out of the way” so that scheming senators can pass their shady appropriations bill, Mr. Smith gives them a surprise of his own. Once vilified, he must clear his name and stop the bill the senators are trying to push through. But will he succeed?

Joke of the week: Where do snowmen put their money? In snowbanks.

Nugget of Wisdom for the week: The theme for this week is overcoming a wrong definition of success. I have felt many times in my life that I don’t do much that is impactful to others. That’s crazy, right? I have children and a husband, so I know I do things that are important to them. I have mentioned before about writing books. While I am fairly certain I will never be as popular as Agatha Christie or Nora Roberts, I write stories from my heart about topics people need to read about. You are probably wondering what all of this has to do with success. I’ll tell you. Though I haven’t sold many books (yet), I have had several people tell me, “I normally don’t like to read, but I started reading your book and couldn’t put it down.” Hearing that my story is read and appreciated brings me a feeling of success. Even if, like me, you see areas where you feel like you are failing, be sure to acknowledge your success and not just your failures.

Podcast of the week: This week, Rhonda Sciortino and Jenny Christiansen talk about how to find REAL success. Click here to listen as Rhonda and Jenny break down the differences between what the world calls successful and what success looks like for you. Learn to uncover and embrace your authentic identity, discover the good character traits developed throughout your life experiences, empower your resilience, and create actionable steps for living out the life assignments that are integral to your purpose.

Have a great week. Remember, you are most awesome and YOU ROCK!

Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.

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