Comments on: How to Achieve Even While Losing

By: by Mark

by Mark — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:02:06 +0000

@ Agni Parbon — Sometimes, in situations like these, it may be true that the striver did not strive hard enough, and such a feeling, despite its attendant deflation, can be extremely serviceable and instructive in spurring one on to greater excellence.

The flipside, of course, is that sometimes the striver succeeded in all aspects but the one forever beyond his/her control: getting through to a far-from-impartial judiciary. Given this latter circumstance, in the end it all comes down to appraising one’s own efforts honestly and trusting oneself — that is, recognizing one’s own accomplishments and trusting that one is not deceiving oneself.

Thanks for your note. More on this subject on Monday April 19. ~M

By: Agni Parbon

Agni Parbon — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 03:22:05 +0000

So much well-written an article touches the core of a reader and in case of me gave me hope and aspirations.

But what if the “not successful” part gives you a note that you didn’t try hard enough? In many cases, it gives me that feeling!

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:39:43 +0000

@Darcy –- Thanks for the Small Stuff quote. It harmonizes with a passage from the Bhagavad Gita, mentioned on this blog previously, which has been a guiding light to me for years: “Be intent on action, not on the fruits of action; avoid attraction to the fruits and attachment to inaction! Perform actions, firm in discipline, Relinquishing attachment; Be impartial to failure and success – this equanimity is called discipline.” And I like the way you phrase your question: Was there a part of me “who knew the journey of this particular exercise was more important than the prize?” Answer: Most definitely. And when replied to in the affirmative, your question touches the heart of the writer’s life. The “prize,” commonly defined by society in material terms, is never the point. The Work, the Art, and the personal (yes, even spiritual) process it begets is what matters. Cheers. ~M @SueC –- Darcy, prompter than I am, asks the very question I was inclined to. Is success (in its common definition of status and material reward) ever really guaranteed in any scenario –- with art-making being among the least likely to remunerate? I tend to think that the concept of “success” is most salutary when embraced as an infinitely relative one; in other words, success is (and ought to be) defined according to the aspirant’s wholly personal objectives. Of course this is a heck of a challenge for the aspirant (I wrote about this in a Soul Shelter post called “Measures of Success”). I like to think that this blog, in its 16-month lifetime, has sought faithfully (and in fresh ways, hopefully) to address the question you raise. And to that end, please do stop by for next Monday’s post, which shall find its spark in your very relevant comment. With thanks for the inspiration. ~M

By: Darcy

Darcy — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:30:48 +0000

Sue- I am just wondering if there is ever a guarantee of success if you are trying something new or stretching yourself? But of course, it is always nice to be fruitful! LOL!

By: SueC

SueC — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:20:43 +0000

I am just always wondering, why would someone spend so many months of time working and waiting – without a guarantee of success? Maybe I’m cynical, but while it’s good to do your best, it’s also helpful if it’s fruitful, no?

By: Darcy

Darcy — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:37:19 +0000

I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes from the book ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’. It is simply “Hang on Tightly, Let go Loosely”. It reminds us that it is okay to do our best without fear of disappointment. Your story is a great reinforcement to this belief. I am left wondering; however, if there was a part of you who knew the journey of this particular “excercise” was more important than the prize?

Thanks for sharing.

By: by Mark

by Mark — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:13:05 +0000

So good to hear from you, Amy. We’re touched by your kindness, and will continue doing our best to keep your valued readership. Cheers. ~Mark

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:38:51 +0000

I’ve greatly enjoyed reading the many essays faithfully delivered to my inbox over the years, and this is one of my favorites, without a doubt. So it is with the utmost respect that I say… I’ve always had a problem with the phrase “I beg to differ.” Why beg? Why not just differ? I realize that the implication of the phrase is that one is differing and not begging, but that in itself begs the question – why do we feel the need to phrase it as “beg[ing] to differ,” at all?

Just one of my many musings.

Thank you, and all of your guest authors/writers/artists, for all of your wonderful, inspiring essays on life, balance, fulfillment, entrepreneurship and the many forms of personal success and achievement.

They are so very much appreciated.

With Sincerity & Warm Wishes,

Amy