Encouragement: Driven To Succeed

Okay~

So I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Partly due to today's events and the path my life is on right now. What's the meaning of success? I mean, really? Is it money? Power? Fame? Influence? Or is it simply living your own dream and doing something to make a difference in this world.

That's my definition of success and many people would agree with me. But don't take my word for it. On a recent syndicated episode of Dr. Phil called " Driven To Succeed" he explores what it takes to succeed in today's world. Among the guests was Sean Payton, head coach of the New Orleans saints. At a time where New Orleans was trying to rebuild itself after a natural disaster, Payton and his team served as a source of hope to the community. Another guest points out questions her granddaughter's involvement in sports. He says this is where a lot of balance comes into play.

"A lot of it is driven by her [the granddaughter]," Payton says.

A problem surfaces when it comes a parent's dream for their child to succeed in something . When that happens, the children sometimes feel forced into accomplishing the parents' dream instead of their own.

But it was the story of Brett's story that really intrigued me most of all. He was born with the rare condition that caused his arms do not form properly. But has that stopped him from living his life? No way. Growing up, he participated on basketball and football teams. His long-term goal being that he wants to play college football.

"I'm driven to succeed because I don't like people looking down on me. I know what it feels like to have people look down on me when I was younger," he says.

Does he view his disability as a excuse?

"I was born this way so I never knew any different. So I always just jumped in," says Brett.

Food for thought.

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Citation for TV program: "Driven To Succeed "Fox 5 Channel 5 WTTG 13 July 2010 (original air date:9/16/2002)