Success In Not What You Think It Is!
by Hannah Keeley
I’ve asked a LOT of people what they think “success” is, and I always get the same type of answer. It always seems to be marked by some finish line. Success may be earning a six-figure income for some. For others, it could be raising independent kids. Whatever face success takes, it always seems to be marked by some finish line. We like to sit back and imagine, “Hmm…what is it going to feel like when I finally reach that point?”
I’ve heard of people who finally pay off their last debt and then go around town, blowing their horn, and screaming at the top of their lungs, “We’re debt free! We’re debt free!” Or throwing a huge party for all their friends to celebrate their “debt demolition.” But, here’s the truth about success, and to be honest, you may not like it…
Success isn’t a finish line. When you come back from driving around town, blowing your horn and screaming, you will still have dishes to wash and clothes to fold. When you hit six figures in income, you’ll still have bills to pay and meals to make. Success doesn’t feel like you think it’s going to feel. When you hit certain milestones in your success walk, you really don’t feel any different. You take it in for a while, get on the phone and tell a few people who are close to you, and then (and every single successful person I know can attest to this) you get right back into the game and keep playing.
My son, Karis, had a huge success this past week. His first book was published! He was contracted to illustrate a children’s book, and the first batch arrived at our home for him to sign. So, he opened up the boxes, signed all the copies, and then sealed them back up. After he finished signing his last book, he looked up and said, “Well, that was cool,” and then went back to his room to finish up his homework before dinner.
Success is a daily habit. It’s not the end of the road, but a choice in every single step you take.
I keep a vision board on my office wall, and at the very top of it, is this verse:
“Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may be able to read it easily and quickly as he hastens by.” Habakkuk 2:2
The exhilaration doesn’t happen when the vision is manifested, but instead happens when you do the hastening! When you spend every day focused on your vision and taking the steps you need to get there, you will find that your joy increases, your fear decreases, and your sense of accomplishment skyrockets!
I want to encourage you today. Get that vision! Establish it clearly in your head (and maybe even create a vision board like I have done). And then get after it! The feeling of success will come in tiny little increments every single day, with every single step you take toward your goal. There’s not some mysterious feeling waiting for you at the finish line. It’s actually right around the corner. The end is not nearly as fulfilling as the progress you take to get there!
So, what is your vision? Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years? Ten years? Please share your vision with me below and tell me what you are doing to get there. I want to come alongside you and pray over this area of your life, so share it with me today! I love you and I am believing that the best is still to come!
-Hannah
Hannah Keeley was once in overwhelmed mom living in a cluttered house, deep in debt, out of shape, and barely hanging on. But one day, after finding herself sobbing uncontrollably into a pile of clean laundry, she realized God has bigger and better plans for her (just like He does for each one of His children). Beginning that day, she began making changes in her life that took her from overwhelmed to overjoyed. Today, she’s helping moms do the same. Hannah, her husband, Blair, and their seven children live in Richmond, Virginia, and are having the time of their lives!
Check out Hannah’s Website Here!
