Success vs. Significance

As men, we are generally taught to pursue success over significance. If you don't believe me, just ask the average high school-aged, male student,"What do you want to be when you graduate?", more than likely he (like most of us) would be a little unsure of his answer. However, if you re-framed the question to ask, "What do you want out of life?" He will more than likely say, "...to be successful."

Here lies the dilemma. Because if you asked him "What IS success?" What do you think his response would be? I believe his response would be the same response that most men would give if describing a successful man. He would describe "success" in terms of what a man owns (i.e., material possessions, accomplishments, etc.), a position he holds (i.e., status), how much money he earns (or has), or how well known he is (i.e., fame and prestige).

My challenge for you this month is to get you to pursue "significance" instead of "success." What is significance? It's living a life that makes the world a better place because YOU lived. There's nothing wrong with attaining possessions, power, prestige, and/or profits. But when all is said in done, the real questions will be "How many lives did you touch? How many people did you help? How many others did you reach?"

As you "succeed" in life, you will naturally accumulate things, but don't ever forget to use those "things" to positively impact and influence other human beings. Someone once said, "God doesn't mind us having 'things,' He just doesn't want 'things' having us." Never let the "things" of success distract you from the real purpose of success...which is to serve others.

So I want you to do a self inventory. Ask yourself, are you pursuing "success"or "significance"? Then let your life reflect what is most important to you by the choices you make and the actions you take. Stay strong my brothers and live with purpose.