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Success Or Failure Can't Be Judged In The Moment

I received an email from Craig Schiller on Wednesday morning. What a shining example of what ActiveRain is all about. His email was so honest and moving and well written, that I had a very difficult time responding to it. Each time I tried, I felt like my response was inadequate. He shared so openly his career ups and downs and his desires for the future. It was a breath of fresh air that left me breathless.

In the midst of attempting to respond, a few thoughts kept getting in the way. I just could not shake them. I had to stop and write them down. He caused me to reflect on my own stops and starts, my own failures and successes. I sent what I wrote to Craig and I asked him if I could share the words that he drew out of me. He obviously said, "yes." Here is what I wrote.

_______________

I have had many pinnacle moments in my life. I've had many low moments in my life. I've done good. I've done bad. I've had millions in the bank. I've had debt up to my ears. I've been applauded. I've been denounced.

Every time I allowed myself to think I had arrived, I hadn't. Every time I called myself a failure, I wasn't.

Every moment - each high and each low - was simply a step on the path to this moment.

Period.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

True success can't be defined by a moment. Neither can failure.

Success. Failure. It's all just part of the journey. Where I find myself today doesn't really matter in the big picture.

I can't linger in success and I shouldn't wallow in failure.

Every moment is simply a lesson. I can learn things from the moments of success that I can't learn from the moments of failure. And vice versa. I enjoy the moment or I endure the moment. But I know this - no moment is permanent. The moment moves on and so must I.

Feeling like a success today? Enjoy it. Learn the lesson. Move on.

Feeling like a failure today? Endure it. Learn the lesson. Move on.

Jeff Turner aka respres

Posted by Jeff Turner on 12/14/2006 09:56 PM

Comments (59)

success, failure, jeff turner, activerain

Originally posted at: Turner's Perspective: Success Or Failure Can't Be Judged In The Moment

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59 Comments on Success Or Failure Can't Be Judged In The Moment

DEC

2006

That ones getting printed. It's fabulous. Thanks for sharing (and for inspiring Craig)

Jay and Francy, I'm obviously happy Craig was inspired to write his email. I am thankful that his email was such an inspiration for me and forced me to look at my own success and failure. Thank you.

Jeff,

Thanks for sharing. It reminds of something I heard someone say: Everyone acts the the best way they know how taking into consideration everything that has led them to this moment in time. If you understand and accept this you can make sense out of things that seem to make no sense.

DEC

2006

WOW, thanks for sharing that. You are truly an inspiration.

I love the last 2 lines: very buddhist!

Tim... "Everyone acts the best way they know how taking into considering everything that has led them to this moment in time." It certainly explains the wild variation of reactions to any single event. Each of us acts in response to it based on all that has led us to that moment. My action comes from my experience, not just of that moment, but the cumulation of my experience. Makes total sense.

Jessica... I wasn't trying to be Buddhist, but when I go back a read the lines I can see your point. Thank you.

One of the things our children tell us they appreciate is that while growing up, they experiened our successes and our failures. Tami used to talk about past events and might add "That was in one of our rich years" or "That was in one of our poor years". They saw us try and succeed, try and fail, and learned that you didn't give up with a failure, you picked yourself up and started something else and you could be a shining star again. So they learned about outside trappings, and inner values.

Excellent post! one of the most honest posts I've read lately.

Absolutely agree with your statement that neither success nor failure can't be defined by the moment.

HI Jeff, My road through life (so far) has always been very much a winding and hilly path. I like it that way. I am a firm beleiver in forward motion. I try to enjoy the down times as much as I enjoy the up times. It's all just another step in my journey and I can't wait to see where it ends.

Jeff... I think you missed a calling in life. Your wisdom is truth and your truth... wisdom. THANKS AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Jeff, this post is so true and inspiring. Thanks

Wow Jeff!

What an incredible post and what an insight into the red nosed Craig Schiller! I'm glad he let you share this with us. People don't always show their true selves and it's a pleasure to see Craig.

This past year has had many ups and downs for my family, and I have been reading many more insperational articles, and this one hits home. Great post, thanks for sharing.

Wow! what a wonderful set of phrases and ideas... truly insprirational.
Two of them in particular I'll be sure to remember in every step of my life:
"Every time I allowed myself to think I had arrived, I hadn't. Every time I called myself a failure, I wasn't.
Every moment - each high and each low - was simply a step on the path to this moment."

So many times we feel like everything is perfect and we wished it stayed like that forever, and other times we feel like everything goes wrong, and your words illustarte that life isn't still and we can feel at the top one day and at the bottom the next, so we should keep in mind that it is all part of the journey and whatever doesn't kill you just makes you stronger....

Thanks for your post. It is a good reminder that we all need to keep going and keep working. We only fail if we quit.

Everyone... thank you for your comments. I've been in meetings (feeling like a success today, by the way) and I've been unable to login. It's wonderful to hear that the words resonated with you. It's comforting, for me at least, to recognize that good or bad, I have an obligation to keep going, keep growing, keep keeping on. I used to only think about this in relation to picking myself up from failure. I know from experience that success can be as crippling, if handled improperly. Lessons are everywhere!

Thank you Jeff that was simply awesome and a keeper

Monika

Two very important words whether the reason is good or bad "Moving On" super post.

Finally something refreshing to read today! Thanks for inspiration, its always a nice way to end the work week.

Life is a journey and you spoke so beautifully from within....you have true sense of the world you live in and more importantly who you are and where your place is in this world. Glad you shared it with us. We really like that about you Jeff.

DEC

2006

Monika, Betsy, Jennifer and Michele.. your comments are a great way to end my day! Thank you.

Thank you.

"Jeff"

If we measure our life by moments then all is lost. You, Craig and many others understand we can't do that. It's very bad for the soul.

We must all take one day at a time and look at the big picture. To succeed and to fail are the balances of life. Our failures teach us as much as our successes do.

I have shared the following on another post this morning I would also like to share it with you, Craig and anyone else that cares. :)

S...Self acceptance and self love.
U...Unlimited happiness and fulfillment.
C...Contribution and service to others.
C...Commitment to relationships.
E...Energy and Enthusiasm for life.
S...Self determination.
S...Spiritual Growth.

I don't know where this came from. I wrote it on a piece of paper many years ago. :)

TLW "The Lovely Wife"...Okay. So Now You Know That I Do Have Moments When I Am Not LOL. :) ROAR!

Jeff T.... awesome post with some great phrases. Things to remember and keep close to your heart. And I even liked what Brian Brady had to say.

With everything said, it also makes you feel that you aren't the only one that goes through this. You can be good or great at what you do, but you can always find failure as part of this. It could have been poor planning, bad luck, or a few other things. Thanks for the eye opener and reminder.

What a treat to hear you talking about values in the way that you do. I am sure that many of us have benefitted from your words. It is refreshing to hear everyone talking about real values not slogans. I appreciate your sharing.

Yes, I remember some highs and lows.... What a beautiful journey we call life. I look at lows at opportunities of growth. It's in the valley that I grow. For the good times, enjoy the moment.

TLW... good stuff as always!

Jeff... we are all in the same boat. That's comforting for me as well.

James & Lorena... Thank you!

Ok Jeff.. once again a great post. Short and sweet. Simple and powerful.

look forward to reading more posts. you are my resource for those times where 'thinking' is required. :)

DEC

2006

Nick, thank you. I love the photo on your personal profile, by the way!

DEC

2006

Jeff, I've read most of the posts in your blog tonight...what a collection. You have great depth and breadth.

But, I'm especially touched by this post. You know how to write from the heart, without reservation. I've also had many ups and downs and learned sooo much from each of them. I've felt like a huge boulder pushed down a hill that tumbles, rolls, and is shaped from each obstacle it encounters. Who knows what I'll be next year. I'm finally trying to take more control of that path.

Thanks again, you enlightened me.

Keith, thank you. I'm always touched by comments like yours. I think we all share that common bond. We have so much to learn, each of us. Each up and each down teach us something, if we're open to the learning. I'm grateful you've enjoyed some of my writing! Thank you again!

DEC

2006

Speaking of Craig...I haven't seen him around the past few days. I miss him.

I've also been reading your past blogs tonight. GREAT stuff!

Linda, thanks! You're right. Craig has been strangely absent. His last blog post was on 12/22. Craig! Are you out there?

JAN

2007

Back in my younger years, when "Give me one moment in time when, I knew I was all I could be..." really meant something, I had such a moment.

Some guy challenged me to a drinking match of some kind. Shot glasses lined up. He was a beer drinker and I was a Banker...so, of course, I drank Scotch. I got to pick the drink and the bartender filled the shot glasses with Dewars.

I drank all of mine down in a row...walked over the the dartboard. Threw one dart and got a bullseye (my only ever in my life) went back to the bar and they were picking the guy off the floor and carrying him to the men's room.

Some perfect moments have no real meaning...except to be a lasting memory of a perfect moment.

OCT

2007

Ardell... I can't believe I've missed your comment for the last 9 months! Wow. This is a great story!

We need to cherish the moments but not live in them. My moments take me from high to low all in one day - it's good we have new beginings each day.

Thanks for the wisdom

Becky

One of my teachers was a brilliant man who gave of himself totally to help others. He was such an inspiration to so many people that when he died his funeral was one of the most profound and deeply moving ceremonies I had ever experienced. In the middle of my grief, I was suddenly lifted in spirit from deep sadness to profound joy because I realized that this teacher had lived a most meaningful life because of how he had helped others. And I knew that his work would continue through those that he touched because they would be inspired to go out and help others. In the end, isn't that what we truly value-not money, not power, not possessions, or status but how much we have loved and helped others.

Although I only know you through the Active Rain, I feel like you are that type of person. You have certainly freely and graciously helped me more than you can know. So one day, I hope to get to meet you and personally thank you for all the help and wisdom you have shared with me.

Becky... dwelling in a moment that is no longer here is what gets us into trouble, in my opinion. Good or bad, that moment is gone. This moment is the one that needs our attention.

James... I couldn't agree more. And I hope that I am that kind of person. I believe we'll meet one day, James. I'm going to look forward to that day.

Jeff, what a great post to read. It is wonderful to read these kind of things from people you hold in high regard. You are so right. Nothing in life can be judged in a moment. My own life has taught me, things can change quickly in a moment.

My husband and I have a saying "Life is a marathon, not a sprint" I don't know where it came from but we use a lot to keep us grounded. It works in the high moments as well as the low.

Thanks for sharing

Joelle... life is a marathon. No question. In my opinion, one without a finish line. :)

Indeed! Just a legacy....

I don't remember who it was that said this- "Failure is the compost for my success". Great post.

Great post... I will be printing this blog and keep it on my desk...

Any time I fail, I'll be re-reading this blog...

Thank you Jeff

Met Dilsiz
www.fnd.net

This is definitely a RE-readable...the kind of post you bookmark, mull over, rediscover, pass on and dig deeper into from time to time. Is re-readable a word...oh well. :)

Jeff, almost a year later and my perception of this reveals many more layers.
today i read it after printing it out and making a dash for an appt..,
so today's stop at the gas station on the florida turnpike was more enlightening than normal.
pumping gas and going over this post.

i hope it reveals more next time i read it..

Thank you for sharing this, Jeff.

Thank you for writing this, Craig.

Although many of us know, in theory, that life is a journey full of ups and downs......many days we must be reminded of this. I'm grateful that this is here to remind me today.

Julia

OCT

2007

Vincent... thanks for the quote.

Mehmet... thank you.

Lola... coming from you, quite a compliment!

Nick... i hope so as well!

Julia... thank you for making the time to read it!

Well Jeff,

I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said.

Thank you for your inspirations that keep us going.

Jeff,

This was very moving. Thank you for sharing. I really needed it today.

Wow, this says a LOT!!! Thanks for the uplifting perspective!!!

Jeff, loved your take on success and failure. Something to learn and live by. Betty

OCT

2007

Wow.. absolutely awesome post. I tried to say something like this in my last one, but this one says it all. Thank you for putting it into your words of wisdom and giving us those words to live by.

Jeff, Had to come back to this post this morning! I saw some of your photos on Flickr and knew you were with your family. Talk about a MOMENT! Glad to hear you are all safe.

Jacqueline... my pleasure.

Anthea... I may need it today. Feeling a bit "oofy."

Emily, Betty and Lori... thank you!

Karen... :) Yes, a moment indeed. They help you focus on what is truly important, that's for sure.

OCT

2007

You know when the stars are aligned...

I haven't been actively raining this week. This was my week to feel ENORMOUSLY Unsuccessful. Pulling my hair out over kids schedules, parental issues (my parents, not me), hubby working all hours of the day and night, having to put off any type of follow up marketing to a few good leads last week...I felt insignificant behind the mother/wife/daughter barrier that goes up every now and then when tasks, not intentions, need to be addressed.

Then today, I just decide to log on finally, check out AR, and what? go to page two of the Stage it Forward list...I never do that. If it isn't on the first page, I usually just decide not to venture further back. But I do, then I read your post, love the feeling of no longer being isolated and truly believing I might throw in the towel, and sigh - finally remembering why I chose my betrothed, to have three lovely children, and to always honor mom and dad. Every thing aligned for me to find this uplifting verse and to hopefully, pass it on through my hands and my heart. Thank you,

Maggie

NO WAY - Bramble is my word...isn't that what the Prince had to CUT THROUGH to finally make it to his divine? Here's to pushing away the bramble and freeing the way...

Maggie... you are who this post was written for then. I found a quote this morning while drifting around online. I put it up at JustDugUp.com, but here it is: "Simplify. Clear away the dead wood in your life. Look for the heartwood and give it the first call on your time, the best of your energy." I put it up as a reminder for me, but it's a good reminder for us all.

I'm so glad you made it to page two, and by doing so, pushed it to page one for others to find. :)

FEB

2010

I especially like the statement that "Every time I allowed myself to think I had arrived, I hadn't. Every time I called myself a failure, I wasn't." because EVERYTIME I thought either way, I wasn't.

Wow, this is blast from the past. :)

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Jeff Turner

Santa Clarita, CA

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Real Estate Shows

Office Phone: (661) 244-5812

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Jeff Turner helps people grow their business through the effective use of emerging technologies. I am the President of Zeek Interactive and Founder of RealEstateShows.com. Father of 6. Husband of 1.

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