My Grand Nephen Jason asked my defition of success...here is my answer:
Jason you asked a couple of questions about my definition of success. Well here goes:
a. My actual idea of what success is revolves around my faith and my family. Most importantly I want there to be no empty chairs when the judgment is completed. That means not only my children, but their spouses and their children.
b. I know that sounds trite, so let me expound.
c. To attain that goal I must “teach correct principles and let them govern themselves”
d. Julie and I have differing views and both are based in truth. She wants to shield all of them from any pain, anguish, humiliation, and failure.
e. I want them to have all of the above, not as a masochist, but I have learned by sad experience that the best learning comes from discomfort.
f. My father had a saying “Root Hog or die” Simply stated work it through yourself, solve your problem yourself or plan on dying.
g. Hence I want foremost for my offspring to have an unyielding testimony of the gospel and live by its principles and adhere to the commandments.
h. Secondly and in conjunction with that I want them to couple that knowledge with success in life.
i. My father never graduated from High School, Never made more than 10k a year, and yet he has 54 (approximate) grandchildren all active in the church. They are all self sufficient and have learned and are learning life’s lessons through adversity and trials. I know they will ultimately succeed.
j. I want to serve where the Lord wants me to serve. I used to think that was as a couples missionary. I have over time concluded that means actually to bloom where I am planted.
Now for the “business success” that I think you were asking about. (not to detract in any way from my definition above)
a. I want to be aware of my strengths and weaknesses and use them both to succeed in business.
b. I want to help others reach their full potential. Family, friends and associates.
c. I always want to be in the top echelon in my chosen field.
d. I want to make earnings sufficient for my needs (Personally I expect to much, but am truly serious about sufficiency being enough)
I could go on but that encapsulates my general feelings.
Good luck in your quest to achieve your desired success. (editorial comment, you note how family is the key, and you can’t have a family till you make that eternal commitment…hence pressure from an uncle…make that decision fast when you find the right one) Love Uncle Jerry
