The World of Grandpa Don

The Success of Others

There are many times when the success of another has a negative effect on us as an individual. We may feel that we are not as good or we may feel that we are in his shadow and our efforts, even in another field, are not being recognized. But, this is not the fault of the successful one. The success of another does not diminish us. It is only if we see ourselves as being in competition with that person, that we perceive that his gain translates to our loss.

So, competition is the problem. This is because we tend to think that someone must loose in order for there to be a winner. Unfortunately, most competitions reinforce that mind set. This does not need to be so. 

When we think of ourselves as being in competition with ourselves, we can escape this trap. We compete against ourselves when we try to do better than our previous best. When we excel at what we do, we can do so without putting down an opponent. We win because we have a particular talent, usually reinforced by an exceptional effort on our part. And , if we are part of a team, our excellent performance contributes to the overall effort. (Even if we lay down a good bunt when we would have rather swung away.)

When we see someone win or become successful we should be joyful in his accomplishment. We have national pride in our country's Olympic winners and we even have great joy when our home team wins, even though we have had no part in their successes. In the case of a family member, a friend or a team mate, we have, in fact, had a part in the success of that person. Each person he is in contact with has had an effect on him in some way. His values and ambitions have been influenced by others and he has adapted the positive aspects of that influence. 

A truly successful person is an asset to his community and the world. Let us applaud his accomplishments and take pride in being associated with him. Each of us has at least one God given gift to be shared with the world. When we find that gift, and share it, we will be a success too.

Sometimes I have the greatest feeling of success when it is someone I know and love who is getting the glory. 

Don Plefka