Brigitte Raath

What is your most valuable asset and the most important thing in your life? A group of people recently had to answer the question for me. There were several answers, all of which are true to some extent.

“Probably my car because I am not up for public transport and the most important thing is good health.” “My family is most valuable and irreplaceable and my photos of them are my most treasured possession. Everything I do in life is for me and my children.” “My health and my relationship with people.” “My two grandchildren, my husband, the ducks in my pond; without these there is not asset for me.”

What would your answer be?

I recently read an article where a petrol attendant answered the following to the same question: “Of course, my life! If I lose all other things, I can get it back, but if I lose my life, I can never get those things back!” His answer to the question about what his definition of success is, follows: “I do not have a lot of money and definitely not a fancy job, but I am happy, grateful and give my best every day. That makes me successful.”

In every person’s innermost being lies the hunger to be successful. Humans are genetically programmed to succeed and achieve success but the reality around us tell a different story. Failures, mistakes, bankruptcy, lost chances are the sadness we are confronted with everyday in the world we live. On top of it all the business world and the world of work is extremely competitive. Therefore, you must make sure that you have the necessary skills and qualities to be successful in your occupation. How will you know if you have the necessary qualities to be successful in your specific occupation? Here are a few tips:

1. Set a goal for yourself that will give you more satisfaction than wealth and possessions.

A materialistic lifestyle does not guarantee satisfaction. In fact, it often has the opposite effect. “People who regard money as the most important thing, tend to be more anxious and depressed than those who value strong relationships with other,” wrote Dr Jean M. Twenge in her book titled, Generation Me. She adds that research repeatedly shown that money cannot buy happiness – when you earn enough to make an existence your income does not necessarily relate to your satisfaction in life.

2. Be modest rather than seeking popularity.

Ambition and arrogance will not help you find true success. In fact, the book, Good to Great says that company leaders who achieves long term success “show modesty, do not want to be in the spotlight and do not emphasize their role.” In comparison to this, two thirds of the comparative company’s leaders with a high opinion of themselves, contributed to the company’s downfall or below average performance. What is the lesson? If you think too much of yourself, it will probably lead to failure rather than success.

3. Work hard to become proficient in your work and do not throw in the towel when you face obstacles.

If you develop a good work ethic you will probably enjoy your work more. In her book Teach Your Children Well, Dr Madeline Levine writes: “To do something successfully, entails that you can do it well and to do something well requires a lot of effort and perseverance.” This includes resilience to process setbacks you face every now and then.

4. Take care of yourself. Rest properly. There is no benefit in being a workaholic who offers everything – health, family and friendships – to false success.

Work must be a part of your life but not your whole life. How successful would you be if you reach the top of your career, but you lose your health or the respect of your family? People who are truly successful strive to maintain the right balance in their work, health and family life.

Always keep in mind that your life is placed in your hands and that you are your most valuable asset. The one you overlooked when you put your work, church, time, family, husband, children and grandchildren above your own worth. You do not have to be rich in material possessions to be successful, all you need is a little confidence, sacrifice and the desire to be successful. You are the most valuable possession placed in your personal care – for life!

Success without honour is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste good. – Joe Paterno

Throw him into the river and he will come up with a fish in his mouth. – Arabian Proverb