How Success-Full Are You?

You work long hours and can barely cover your electric bill. Now you’ve learned that Bob got the promotion you’d been hoping for. Aren’t you happy for Bob?

Sort of.

Sorry, can’t hear you.

YES. You’re totally happy for dear, sweet, deserving Bob. You feel all warm and fuzzy inside and will run up and give Bob a big hug when you see him. Because you know that when you are genuinely thrilled by someone else's success, you’re contributing to your own.

You know that success is not about the money or the stuff or accomplishing this or that, but about the amount of joy you feel. And that if there was such a thing as a success jar, then each time you felt genuine joy—like when you sacrificed your time or helped someone in need—that jar would get fuller.

And the fuller the jar became, the more success-full you would be. Easier said than done sometimes, sure. But try being glad for the success of those around you, especially those you love. Finding your own way won’t be any easier if you’re consumed with jealousy or negative feelings. Be overjoyed for your friends and cohorts when they do well. It will come back to you eventually!