What Is Success To You?

Outcomes, outcomes, outcomes!

How did the event turn out? How many people came? How much money did you raise?

One reason people ask us about outcomes is to hear if we achieved what we set out for. If we did accomplish our goal, we call ourselves successful. If we didn’t, we call ourselves failures. What if our success or failure is determined by more than outcomes?

Hall of Fame college football coach Nick Saban calls outcomes a distraction. What he says is more important is focusing on the process. It’s in the process where we do what’s needed to achieve the outcome.

I like this mindset because I know what it’s like to be disappointed when my efforts do not produce the outcome I want. Do you know anything about this? There were times I was so disappointed by poor outcomes that I pulled back from the process. I was less focused and didn’t work as hard because I was convinced, I had failed. However, I’m learning that outcomes don’t tell the whole story of success or failure.

As we plant Peacemakers Church, my perspectives on process and outcomes have evolved. For example, not long ago I was leaving my volunteer shift at Ritenour Middle School when I expressed gratitude for the church and community work I get to do. In an instant it was as if the Holy Spirit said, “Hold up, wait a minute. Listen to what you just said. Is that not success?” I couldn’t disagree.

“…moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.” Ecclesiastes 3:13

To be clear, I want every project I’m working on to have good outcomes. At the same time, I’m learning that success in God’s eyes isn’t all about the outcomes I produce. What’s more important is doing work that gives me meaningful pleasure and helps me become more like Jesus Christ.

Here are some questions I’ve been asking myself lately to gauge my success:

1. Do my actions and internal conversations reflect trust in God?

2. Am I showing up daily to work my process?

3. Am I taking steps forward even when I am afraid?

How are you gauging your success?

Peace,

Aaron