Success is Not Measured by Our Achievements, But From the Lives We Touch
By Stu Crum
The conventional definition of success often revolves around personal accomplishments, accolades, and material wealth. However, a deeper, more fulfilling understanding of success lies in the impact we have on others’ lives. The notion that “success is not measured by our achievements, but from the lives we touch” prompts us to reflect on the true meaning of success and challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities.
The Shift in Perspective
Traditionally, success has been equated with individual accomplishments: high salaries, prestigious job titles, and academic degrees. While these milestones are significant, they do not encompass the entirety of what it means to be successful. In contrast, focusing on the lives we touch encourages a shift in perspective, one that values empathy, compassion, and community service over mere personal gain. It invites us to consider the legacy we leave behind—one that can be measured by kindness, mentorship, and the positive changes we inspire in others.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
When we think about the lives we touch, we must recognize the ripple effect of our actions. A single act of kindness can significantly alter someone’s trajectory. For instance, a mentor who invests time in guiding a young professional may help shape that individual’s future, fostering their growth and encouraging them to give back in return. This creates a chain reaction of positivity, where each person inspired goes on to uplift others.
Consider my mother who was a first-grade teacher who dedicated extra hours to help struggling students and even brought food and clothing to school to help under-privileged children. The knowledge and support she provided can stay with those students for a lifetime. Many of them may go on to achieve great things, all while attributing a portion of their success to my mother’s unwavering belief in them. This illustrates how the true influence of our actions can reverberate endlessly through generations, underscoring the idea that touching lives extends far beyond personal achievements.
Redefining Success in Communities
Communities thrive when individuals prioritize collective well-being over self-interest. Successful communities are often those where members actively contribute to each other’s lives, fostering an environment of support and collaboration. When businesses adopt this mindset, they create a culture that not only drives profits but also enhances the quality of life for employees, customers, and local residents.
Companies that engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) exemplify this principle. By addressing social issues and investing in community development, these organizations transcend traditional measures of success. Their impact can be seen in better education, improved healthcare, and more sustainable practices. In this context, success becomes synonymous with societal impact rather than solely financial gain.
The Role of Empathy and Connection
At the heart of touching lives is the ability to empathize and connect with others. Empathy allows us to understand the experiences and emotions of those around us. When we approach interactions with genuine concern and compassion, we foster meaningful connections that enrich both our lives and the lives of those we encounter. In the workplace, leaders who practice empathy can create environments where employees feel valued and understood, leading to enhanced collaboration, innovation, and retention. An organization that prioritizes connection over competition not only improves employee morale but also cultivates a culture of loyalty and mutual support. This ultimately translates into higher productivity and a stronger organizational identity.
Personal Stories of Impact
Personal narratives often illuminate the profound effects we can have on others. Take, for example, the story of my father-in-law who for 50 years dedicated his life to the homeless and unwanted in the inner city of Kansas City, he dedicated his life to helping those less fortunate. As a volunteer, whether it’s serving meals at a homeless shelter or tutoring children after school, these individuals embody the essence of success as they positively affect countless lives. Similarly, consider the healthcare professionals who spend long hours caring for patients. Their commitment to healing and supporting individuals through challenging times exemplifies how success is intertwined with compassion. The gratitude expressed by patients and families illustrates the profound significance of their work, reinforcing the idea that true success transcends personal accolades.
The Legacy We Leave Behind
Ultimately, the measure of success is deeply rooted in the legacy we leave behind. When we reflect on our lives at the end of our journeys, it is unlikely that we will count the number of awards we received or the positions we held. Instead, we will remember the relationships we built, the people we helped, and the love we shared. As we strive for personal ambitions, we must remind ourselves of the importance of lifting others along the way. Every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference. Whether it’s through mentoring, volunteering, or simply being there for a friend in need, our choices today shape the lives of those we touch—and ultimately define our success.
The assertion that “success is not measured by our achievements, but from the lives we touch” serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters. It calls us to embrace a broader understanding of success that values empathy, connection, and community impact over individual accolades. By focusing on uplifting others, we not only enrich their lives but also find fulfillment in ours.
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Stu Crum’s college football heroics put him on the national radar as a model student-athlete. Tagged as a winner with a natural gift for leadership, he made his name internationally in key positions with Texaco, Shell Oil, Jiffy Lube, and Bridgestone, wrangling deals with the likes of activist investor Carl Icahn and other heavy hitters. Developing a simple, dynamic game plan that he calls intentional living, Crum lays out his playbook for success in faith, family, and business in his new book, AIM FOR THE UPRIGHTS The Intentional Playbook for Success in Faith, Family, and Business (July 9, 2024). Learn more at www.stucrum.com.