Success

According to  the Oxford Dictionary, Success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose, the attainment of fame, wealth, or social status, a person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains fame, wealth, etc.  Accomplishment is something that has been achieved successfully, an activity that a person can do well, typically as a result of study or practice, and the successful achievement of a task. Achievement is a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill, the process or fact of achieving something.  (Oxford Dictionaries, 2021)

Successful people work hard to achieve success.  It is not fast food or microwaved!  It is a slow cooker meal. One that has lots of ingredients, spices, liquids and needs time to cook into the perfect combination of a delicious meal.

The words highlighted in the above definition state that success has to be achieved through study, practice or an activity with effort, courage, grit or skill and that it is a process or journey.

It takes time, hard work, blood, sweat and tears.  It takes failing, being knocked down and getting up every time.  It takes being homeless, jobless and powerless.  It takes learning from mistakes over and over.  It takes sacrifice of one’s time, money and relationships.  It is hard, but achievable over time.

There are people who criticize successful people. SHOCKER, I know!  Bullies who aren’t successful yet, that want to make themselves feel better by making you feel bad about your success. This is not cool.  They will ask you,  “What did you do to be successful?  How did you do it?  How can I do it?” So you tell them and they become disinterested because the process is long and hard, not easy and instant.  They call you names and try to extinguish your flame. But don’t let them.  They aren’t as strong as you and they don’t want it as bad.  But they do want you to feel bad about it.

One friend responds this way:  “Not cocky, just enjoying life!  Work smart, not hard and reap the benefits.  You can do it! Faith, focus and consistency!” (Demetrius Farrior, Owner at DFIT Institute for Transformation)

The Bible states in  Exodus 20:17-NIV not to Covet.  It is one of the 10 Commandments:

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

The commandment not to covet is designed to remind us first to be happy with what we have. It also reminds us to trust in God that He will provide. Yet when we covet we have a greedy desire that goes well beyond a simple want. www.learnreligions.com/10-commandments-dont-covet-what-you-dont-have-712186

Bullies Covet.  They want what they aren’t willing to work for.  Then they blame you for being successful. Be successful anyway!  Keep your circles small.  Post your successes for those who will truly learn from you, want what’s best for you and will congratulate you!  Keep them close.  

Once success is achieved, it will also be maintained.  You’ve learned, taught and will remain successful with continued hard work and time. Those wanting success will have to learn to do the same.