A new definition of success

It is just human nature to want to be successful, even outstanding, in whatever we attempt to do, including having a successful life. I have an interesting concept to share with you today that will not apply to every reader, but it is still worth thinking about.

I want to share a new definition for success. This definition is very simple, and you will have to determine if it applies to you. If you happen to be married and have children, you will be successful people if all of your children turn out to be good people. Now, that is simple, but still very important, especially in today’s times. Now here, to make sure we are on the same page, let me define what I mean when I say, “good people.” To my way of thinking, a “good” person is one who has great character values, is willing to earn their way in life, and treats others with dignity and respect.

I am pleased to say that all of my four children, and the same is true of Janis, including one of her two sons who passed away, are or were all good people. When we get right down to it, regardless of the fame or wealth they have accumulated, if they are not good, honest, and decent people, we have missed the mark. But here is the rub. When speaking of children, it is often said that the “fruit does not fall far from the tree.” What this little metaphor is saying is that children often take on the characteristics of their parents, they emulate them by talking like them, acting like them, and being like them.

Now, this can be good, or this can be bad, de-

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Jim Davidson Common Ground DAVIDSON

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pending on the two people they emulate and love the most. Children who come from a two-parent home with Godly parents who model and teach them about Jesus and instill character values in them are truly blessed. What I am going to say in this column is not meant to judge anyone, as that is left to God, as He is the only one who really counts.

The great thing about what I am saying is that we can all learn from each other again. I am sure of it. And I hope you believe this as well.

Along this line, sometime back I ran across a little survey titled, “My relations with others” that is very telling. I would like to share it with you. Please take the survey and see what you think: 1. When you make a promise, do you always keep it?

2. If someone – a friend, co-worker, or member of your family – needs help, do you give that help cheerfully?

3. Are you frequently witty in a sarcastic way?

4. Do you tend to gain attention by “topping” the remark made by the previous speaker in a conversation?

5. Are you usually ill at ease with strangers?

6. Are you critical of others when you feel they are at fault?

7. Can you usually avoid being bossy?

8. Are you able to avoid ridiculing other people when they are not present?

9. Do you frequently laugh at the mistakes of others?

10. When others make mistakes, (in fact, in grammar, in pronunciation) do you correct them?

11. Do you smile easily?

12. Are you able to praise and compliment other people easily? 13. Do you avoid gossip? Just something to think about.

Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist, and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in the Log Cabin Democrat in 1995, Jim’s column has been self- syndicated in over 375 newspapers in 35 states.