Will America Survive Success?

Nothing can erase from our memories the devastation that took place in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

The world will never be the same. Our lives haves been shaken, but our spirit has emerged with a newfound strength and appreciation of our sacred freedoms to which we  must cling.

We are a nation of achievers; a country of dreamers; a people of action. Our success as the Superpower of the world has led to the masterminding of destructive acts of hatred by a network of jealous and tyrannical individuals. Should we cower in the face of opposition? Should we conceal our greatness from the rest of the world? Should we be ashamed of our success?

The opportunity for success and achievement is the birthright of every American. We are a persistent people who know that the main ingredients to continued success are an unshakable belief in ourselves and dogged persistence in the face of domestic and global challenges.

The following are a few ways that we, as Americans, can cope with the unfolding events, and survive success:

CONFRONT YOUR FEARS

Eleanor Roosevelt said: “Fear is the most devastating emotion on Earth.” She fought it and conquered it by doing the very thing she feared, until she compiled a record of successful experiences. Her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, soothed the hearts of an aching nation by declaring, “The only thing we have to fear is FEAR itself.” These words remind us that fear is an internal force that can erode our sense of well-being, unless we put fear in perspective by distancing ourselves from the chaos, and cultivating peace of mind.

AVOID COMPLACENCY

Now, more than ever before, we must realize that our past success is no guarantee of future success – as a country or as individuals. We must never take our skills and resources for granted. In the blinking of an eye, these can vanish from our lives. We have witnessed the enduring truth of the words inscribed at the national Korean War Memorial: “Freedom is not free.”

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN GIVE

After 9/11, Americans donated millions of dollars and countless pints of blood to aid the disaster relief efforts. In times of crisis as well as peace, we need to focus on what we can do to help, instead of asking the well-worn question, “What’s in it for me?”

ALWAYS HAVE ANOTHER GOAL IN MIND

What keeps the engine of our humanity going is our ability to brainstorm for new goals and objectives, and to explore creative ways to implement them. Running out of goals means running out of ideas that fuel our purpose. Once we lose our sense of imagination, we limit our potential for greatness.

SHARE YOUR SUCCESS WITH OTHERS

Nothing brings greater pleasure and satisfaction than mentoring others who follow in your footsteps. Those who enjoy their success the most are those who freely share their wisdom and experience with others. Brighten the path for someone else who is looking for direction. Set the standard for others to follow!