Beyond Winning: Why Succeeding is a More Fulfilling and Sustainable Approach to Life
Are we winning or succeeding? It's a question I have thought about throughout my career.
Some may argue that they are one and the same, but I offer that there is a distinct difference between the two. Winning is often associated with competition, while succeeding can be related to personal growth and achieving one's goals. In this blog post, I'd like to explore the nuances between these two concepts and why succeeding may be a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to life.
Winning, by definition, implies that there are winners and losers. It suggests that there is a competition or game with a clear outcome in which one side prevails. Winning can be exhilarating and provide a sense of accomplishment, especially if it results from hard work and dedication. However, the euphoria of winning is often temporary. It can quickly dissipate once the event is over or another challenge arises. Winning is often tied to external validation, as it requires the approval and recognition of others to be considered a victory.
Succeeding, on the other hand, is less about competition and more about personal growth and achievement. It is a journey focusing on progress rather than a specific outcome. Succeeding is about reaching personal goals and fulfilling one's potential, regardless of what others think. It is more sustainable than winning, as the satisfaction from succeeding is not based on external validation but on personal growth and progress. Succeeding is also more flexible than winning, as success can take many forms and be achieved through various paths.
Stephen Covey explores the concept of success in his book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," where he argues that there are two types of success: primary and secondary. Primary success is often tied to winning, based on achieving a specific goal or outcome. Secondary success, on the other hand, is focused on personal growth and development. Covey writes that "secondary success is not a destination; it is a journey. It is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. It is the process of fulfilling our potential." (Covey, 1989)
Another essential element to consider is that of well-being. Winning can be motivating, but it can also be a double-edged sword in terms of our well-being. In addition to it leading to a focus on external validation, a focus on winning can also lead to a fear of failure, as losing is often seen as a negative outcome. The concept of succeeding offers us a more fulfilling and sustainable experience. Pursuing success is not about avoiding failure but embracing it as a learning opportunity. By focusing on progress and growth, one can cultivate a growth mindset that allows us to see setbacks and failures as opportunities for learning and development. This mindset can be empowering and help individuals to persevere through challenges and obstacles.
While succeeding may not always come with the recognition and validation that winning can provide, it might be a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to life. The pursuit of success is not about impressing others or achieving a specific outcome, but about personal growth and development. It is about the journey, not just the destination. Miguel de Cervantes, a Spanish writer and author of the famous novel Don Quixote, captures this in his quote: "The journey is better than the inn."
Another example of the difference between winning and succeeding can be seen in the world of sports. Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has spoken about how she views success. She says, "I think success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." (Williams, 2017)
Williams' approach to tennis is a great example of succeeding. While she has won numerous Grand Slam titles and Olympic medals, she has always focused on personal growth and development. She has worked tirelessly to improve her game, both on and off the court, and has used setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
To sum up, in a world that often values winning and external validation, embracing the pursuit of success can be challenging. Both measures, winning and succeeding, may have their place in certain situations, but I believe that pursuing success is a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to life. By focusing on personal growth and development, we can cultivate a mindset that allows us to persevere through challenges and obstacles, and achieve our full potential.
Success is not about winning at all costs but about living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
#winning #succeeding
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