An accomplished businesswoman and acquaintance of mine commented recently about how her husband relished in her success. As many people would describe success as the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like; I asked how she defined success. Her answer surprised me.
Without hesitation my friend replied that the success quote attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson was her mantra. Emerson’s quote is reproduced below.
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.
I have a new found respect for my friend. Could career success be a byproduct of ascribing to Emerson’s wise advice?
Neil Berman | President & CEO
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