There come times in the life of great leaders and organizations when satisfaction with the successes they have achieved becomes the impediment to future growth. They say: “I have great success. I accomplished what I had set out to do and be. My goals and purpose are fulfilled.” And with those words, they rest, satisfied and happy with life. And without realizing it, the mediocrity that they abhorred on their journey now quietly embraces them.
Great leaders, however, see successes not as ends, but beginnings… the stepping stones to something more. They are excited to explore the new possibilities that their achievements unfold. They embrace and engage others who share the same aspirations and vision. Their passion is rekindled and its fire burns brightly. They find joy in realizing that their life’s purpose is limitless in its breadth and depth. Their satisfaction is defined George Bernard Shaw’s words: ““Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
Thomas Edison, American inventor, said: “Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.” Let satisfaction be a magnificent reward for your great achievements, and the inspiration and incentive for so many more. Let your eyes be filled with the possibilities your successes open to you, and let your torch burn brightly.
