Winning

Monday Morning Musing #6

Somehow, this concept of "winning" has been grossly misrepresented by our dear friend Charlie Sheen. In recent interviews with various reporters, Mr. Sheen has concisely laid out his concept of "winning". According to him, "winning" is: having tons of beautiful women at your disposal, nice cars and lavish houses, embracing a life where you do exactly what you want with no regard for others and most importantly, pursuing this lifestyle with "violent hatred". He admits that his decision to respond in this matter derives from feeling misused and kicked around.

This comes as no surprise, as most people who are as reckless as he has become are often doing so as a defensive mechanism. In my opinion, Mr. Sheen is not winning. As his ratings raise and his popularity soars, it may appear that he is but  be not deceived.

True Winning
Initially, I planned to title this last Monday Morning Musing "The Power of Failing". After further consideration, I decided that "Winning" was a much better title. My intention is to share my personal formula for winning in contrast to Mr. Sheen.

For me, winning is getting up everyday and pursuing the purpose that has been set before me with extreme vigor, tenacity and tunnel-vision focus. The level of focus that I am referring to requires great sacrifice. It often means laughing a nay-sayers, missing out on events that you would like to attend, losing sleep and even losing some friends in the process. In order to truly win, one has to be CRYSTAL clear about their purpose and calling in this life. This vision then becomes that foundation for everything that you do.

More importantly, for me, winning is realizing that in the life of a believer there is no such thing as failure. Every life experience, failure and success alike, provides valuable lessons from which we can learn life-changing principles.  "Winning" is not about the amount of material treasures one can store up. However, it is about the everyday actions and impacts that create the total sum of a legacy that speaks to future generations. It's about having the relentless passion to pursue a purpose or dream with everything within you. Even Mr. Sheen seems to understand this concept, as he has pursued money and revenge with "violent hatred" (his words not mine). So, what's stopping you?

Are you winning? This week, spend a little time thinking about how you are "winning" or what changes you need to make to "win" in this life. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share them with us by commenting below or Twitter (@lLoveLifeMusings). 

'Til next time...être bien!

When Success Goes Green

Source: The City Fix

Life has provided me with many experiences. My travels have lead me to many people and personalities. Yet, there is one green-eyed character that tends to only visit when "success" (or the appearance of such) is apparent. Mr. or Mrs. Insecurity comes to the party decked in the greenest of fashion with the sole purpose of causing one to second guess their own destiny.

  

It has been my personal experience that success has a way of threatening those who are insecure. Albeit unintentional, the minute that your dreams begin to take form, there will be someone who will straddle the line between friend and foe. Their personal insecurities will be heightened and shaken by your success. Unfortunately, it can be difficult sometimes to identify the foe because they wear the costume of "friend". After all, they were some of your biggest cheerleaders along the way, even if they were cheering from the sidelines.

The truth is, the view from the sideline can be pleasant but it's nothing like being in the game. The players in the game have a different perspective, as they are closely engaged with the activities of victory. In fact, it's highly unlikely that those in the game even notice those on the sidelines, beyond mere glimpses from the peripheral view. Yet, somehow your gumption to pursue victory threatens their hope for success.

If is my belief that Mr. & Mrs. Insecurity show up to the game dressed in the greenest of green, most likely because they feel their status has been challenged. He/She has reserved their place at the top. As a "friend", you were expected to respect their position. And, though they will never admit it, he/she feels as though they lose a piece of themselves in your success.

Secondly, your success is a reminder of the seat they warmed on the sideline instead of getting in the game. While being preoccupied as a cheerleader and spectator, they lost sight of the very vision that God revealed for their own lives. Spectating has its place, as much can be learned from observing others. However, as a hobby it can become a distraction from one's purpose.

Or perhaps it's none of the aforementioned. Maybe, Mr. or Mrs. Insecurity has yet to find their unique place in this world. They may be unaware that what they bring to the game is wonderfully and perfectly engineered to compliment a specific season and purpose. One's talent can never be threatened or duplicated as it holds infinite and unique quality.

Whatever the case, you should never allow the insecurities of others to affect your success and joy. The journey that you have been assigned has been carefully designed for you, as has the journey of Mr. and Mrs. Insecurity. As unfortunate as it may be, we are often placed in the lives of others as an example of the infinite power of the Creator. If they chose to see (and wear) green instead it will certainly be their personal loss.

Let us decide to genuinely celebrate the successes of others. It is a reminder of the undying grace presented to us each day.

'Til next time... être bien!