A Struggle to Find Success Today Might Be the Blessing That Keeps You Moving Toward Your Best Future #perspective #success #failure

Vera Wang tried with everything that was in her, but failed to make the 1968 US Olympic team as a figure skater.  She went on to climb the ladder at Vogue, but could not get the nod as the editor-in-chief and left in 1987.  But Wang went on to create a bridal fashion empire worth more than $1 billion.[1]

I can't tell you how many people I know--many of them I consider friends--who have experienced times of frustration over an apparent lack of success.  These people typically had an idea and timeline of how things would turn out and, for some reason or another, the reality of everything didn't match their vision.  Perhaps you know someone who is living in this kind of situation right now.  You're probably close to them because you wouldn't be aware of their feelings.  Most leaders hide feeling like these.

I want to emphasize two corollaries on success and failure from Wang's experience (and from the experiences of millions who have traveled a similar road).  First, success in one area can keep you from seeing the next mountain you were made to climb.  Second, a struggle to find success today might be the all-important factor that keeps you moving toward your best future.

It is really a matter of perspective to see your current challenges as the blessings that keep you pushing, growing, learning, adjusting, and heading toward the amazing place you are supposed to be!
_______________________
[1] Tommye Fitzpatrick, "Vera Wang Says Keep Your Feet on the Ground and Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself," The Business of Fashion, April 30, 2013,  accessed May 27, 2014, http://www.businessoffashion.com/2013/04/first-person-vera-wang.html.