Success Includes the People You Take With You

It's easy to think of success as a solo journey, isn't it? We often picture one person, standing alone at the top of a mountain, looking out over everything they've achieved. We imagine the hard work we put in, the late nights we spent, the sacrifices we made. And those things are true; they are part of success. But I've learned that true, lasting success, the kind that fills your life with meaning, is rarely, if ever, a journey you take all by yourself.

Joseph's Thought

When we talk about 'success,' what do we really mean? For many, it's about reaching goals – maybe it's a certain job, a particular amount of money, a specific achievement, or even a feeling of peace. These are good things to aim for. But I think sometimes we get so focused on the what of success that we forget the who.

Think about the best moments in your life. Were you truly alone? Or were they moments you shared with others? A celebration, a victory, a hard-won battle – they often feel so much sweeter when you have someone to share them with, don't they? And even in the tough times, the ones that challenge us and help us grow, having someone by our side makes all the difference.

I’ve seen people achieve great things, by the world's standards, but they did it alone. They pushed everyone away, focused only on their own ambition, and reached the top only to find it a lonely place. Is that true success? Or is it something else entirely? I believe success that truly matters, the kind that leaves a lasting positive mark on the world and in our own hearts, is always connected to other people. It's about how we build, how we serve, how we lift others up, and how we journey together.

God's Word

The Bible has a lot to say about walking together, supporting each other, and sharing our burdens and our joys. It shows us that we are not meant to be alone.

One very clear verse comes from the book of Ecclesiastes. It says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). This isn't just about hard work; it's about life. When we have someone with us, our work is better, and when things get tough, we have help. It's a simple truth, but a very powerful one.

Another beautiful picture is in Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This tells us that when we are with others, especially those who challenge us and care for us, we become better. They help us grow, learn, and become stronger, just like one piece of iron can make another piece sharper. This is true in our character, our skills, and our understanding.

Jesus himself showed us this. He didn't just teach from a distance; he gathered a group of disciples around him. He poured his life into them, walked with them, ate with them, and showed them how to live and serve. He built a community. He knew that the message he came to share would spread best through people connected to each other, supporting each other, and taking it to the world together.

These verses remind us that our journey isn't just about our own personal finish line. It's about the journey itself, and who we bring along, who we help, and who helps us.

The Success Principle

True success is not just what you achieve, but who you become and how you help others along the way.

Why This Matters

This matters because if we aim for success purely for ourselves, it often feels empty in the end. Think about it: a big achievement feels good, but that feeling often fades. What lasts are the relationships, the memories made with others, the impact you had on someone's life, and the support you received when you needed it most. When you include others in your journey, you multiply your joy and divide your sorrow. You create a network of support and meaning that goes far beyond any single accomplishment. It shapes your character and leaves a legacy not of things, but of lives touched.

Where People Get Stuck

Many of us get stuck because we believe the lie that we have to do it all alone. We might be afraid to ask for help, thinking it shows weakness. Or we might be so focused on our own goals that we forget to look up and see the people around us. Sometimes, we're just so busy that we don't make time for others, or we don't realize how much we need them. We might also fear being let down or betrayed, so we build walls instead of bridges.

Another common trap is seeing people as tools to get ahead, instead of valuing them as individuals. When we do that, relationships become shallow and break down, and we miss out on the deep connections that truly enrich life.

What To Do

So, how do we make sure our road to success includes the people we take with us? It starts with a shift in how we think.

1. Value relationships above achievements: Make a conscious choice to prioritize the people in your life – family, friends, colleagues, mentors – over a fleeting goal. This doesn't mean you don't pursue your goals, but it means you build your goals in a way that respects and includes others.

1. Practice generosity with your time and talents: Look for ways to help others, even when it doesn't directly benefit your own immediate goals. Offer your skills, listen when someone needs an ear, share your knowledge. When you pour into others, you’re building connection and goodwill.

1. Be a good listener: Really hear what people are saying. Understand their needs, their dreams, their struggles. This helps you connect deeply and see how you might genuinely support them.

1. Seek out mentors and be a mentor: Find people who are further along than you and learn from them. And once you've gained experience, look for opportunities to guide and encourage others who are just starting out. This creates a cycle of shared growth.

1. Build a team: Whether it's in your work, your family life, or a community project, recognize that you don't have to carry every burden alone. Delegate tasks, trust others, and celebrate successes together. A good team makes the journey lighter and more enjoyable.

Your Action Plan

Here’s a simple plan you can start today:

1. Identify 2-3 key people who are currently on your "road to success" with you, even if they don't know it yet. These could be family members, friends, colleagues, or mentors.
2. Reach out to one of them this week. Ask them how they are doing, listen to what's going on in their lives, and offer a specific word of encouragement or practical help if they need it. Make it about them, not about you.
3. Reflect on a recent success or challenge. How did others contribute to it, or how could they have? Make a mental note to acknowledge their support more often.

This Week's Challenge

This week, intentionally practice gratitude for the people in your life who support you. Take a few minutes each day to think of someone who has helped you, cheered you on, or made your journey a little easier. Consider writing them a short note or sending a quick message to express your thanks. Don't just think it, say it or write it. Let them know they matter.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Who are the people I'm currently trying to take with me on my journey? Am I truly including them, or just expecting them to follow? Am I truly valuing the people around me, or am I sometimes seeing them as steps to my own goals? How can I better serve or support the people who are part of my journey this week? What would 'success' look like if it was defined by shared experiences and mutual growth, rather than just personal achievement? Am I building a life that truly matters, or just a life that looks good from the outside?

My Response

I want to encourage you today to pause and look around. Who are the people in your life right now? The ones who show up, who cheer you on, who challenge you to be better? These are precious gifts. Your road to success will be so much richer, so much more meaningful, if you consciously choose to walk it with others, lifting them up as you go, and allowing them to lift you up too. Don't go it alone. You don't have to, and you shouldn't.