All I Do is Win
Are you only as good as your latest victory?
Deeper than our need for food or air or water is our need for meaning,
our need to know our lives count for something.
-John Ortberg
Does this quote resonate with you? Like me, you may have that persistent voice in the back of your head whispering that achieving the next goal will finally fill that hole you’ve felt on the inside. Here are three common areas that we tend to put on our life scoreboards:
Accumulation - My house is great. It’s just what my family needs. I have a great backyard, and my neighbors are wonderful. [attends a work party at a coworker’s home] I can’t believe the Stedfords have that beautiful pool and outdoor kitchen. I’ve always wanted one, but there’s no way I could afford that!
Looks - I don’t look too bad today! I see less gray, and in just the right light, my wrinkles don’t show up as much. In fact, I look good! [checks Instagram] Wait, how did Sally take another beach vacation, and how does she look so good in that two-piece? And since when did Joe get six-pack abs! He’s like 45. I need to lay off the craft beer and go back to protein shakes and salads!
Achievement - I’m feeling good about where I am at 25. I’ve been promoted twice and am making good money. My boss likes me! [checks LinkedIn] Hey! I graduated with John. How is he a director already? That’s not fair! Maybe I need to start interviewing somewhere else? My job sucks!
No one is immune from comparison. I’m certainly not. My point is that “winning,” as defined by the world around you, won’t fill what’s missing inside. If we are only as good as our latest achievement, we will always feel like we come up short. I’m all for setting goals and reaching for them. I do that myself. I am suggesting that your self-worth is not measured by your latest win. And you certainly shouldn’t use others as a measuring stick for the unique mission you have been put on this earth to achieve.
So, let’s slow things down a bit. What if there was a different way to frame what success looks like? Author Mark Batterson says,
“The true test of greatness isn't measured by your accomplishments. the true test of greatness is measured by the accomplishments of those you surround yourself with, those who come after you.”
This simple reframe turns our attention away from comparison and towards legacy. It can work whether you are young, middle-aged, or highly seasoned, and it manifests itself in a simple action step.
Get busy serving others.
I mean it. This will change your perspective at home, at work, in your business, in your neighborhood, and with your circle of friends. Serving others will change your career as well. Become that person who is indispensable at work because you solve problems for others without being asked. It isn’t a step backward. It’s the only way to move forward and be pleased with the results when reflecting back on your life on your retirement day. I’m reminded of Jesus’ words when he said, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”1
May today be the day that you reframe success and embrace legacy. Your creator made you ON purpose and FOR a great purpose. Make it an impactful week!
Excellent book I’m reading2
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Very wise words. Now if we can only follow them.