The failure of success

The dustbins of history are crammed with the discarded remains of lives that were once beacons of success. It seems that certain people climb high only for the purpose of falling hard... Something appears strange in the DNA of the “culture” of this type of tragedy. Irrespective of calling, field of endeavour or path of pursuit, success is primarily everyone’s goal. The process of success is usually a process of error and correction. There are, inevitably, encounters with errors, blunders, faux pas and a degree of failure, on the route to the success target. Regardless of how fervent and sincere the passion of the pursuit, like cockroaches, these unwelcome guests are forever present along the pathway. In such cases, though, failures are not final; they are only components of the success challenge. As long as one knows how to fail successfully, the process becomes only vital learning experiences.

With each member of the high-powered team of faith, focus, perseverance and persistence lending a helping hand, the ultimate goal would essentially be a foregone conclusion. The point is, polka-dotted experiences of failure, in the quest for success, are quite a natural occurrence. What, however, is pathetic and tragic, is when overall or end-product success is transformed into failure, because of an irresponsible or foolish act on the part of the achiever of that success. I often say that success is only success when it can be properly managed, maximised and preserved. Success therefore demands adequate preparation for same, in this context. Tutors, coaches and mentors (which would include parents) must not only focus upon the matter of merely “achieving success,” but also managing, maximising and preserving success.

True success deals with both obtaining and maintaining. This kind of coaching points to the fact that consistency breeds credibility. The dustbins of history are crammed with the discarded remains of lives that once stole the spotlight as beacons of success. Because of their inability or refusal to properly manage, maximise and preserve their achievements, their success turned out to be merely instruments of fatal failure. It’s always a tragedy when success (or apparent success) backfires. Too many times it seems that certain people climb high only for the purpose of falling hard. The pattern emerged a long time ago and there now appears to be something strange in the very DNA of its “culture.” The mental model of the victims appears peculiar.

Responsibly managing success requires:
* Wisdom (not merely knowledge)
* Character (it’s the greatest credential)
* Education (not merely information)
* Maturity (not merely age)
* Humility (it’s the strength of character)

When these ingredients are in the pot and responsible management of success is achieved, maximisation and preservation follow. The Bible, through the pen of the wise man Solomon, declares, “Wisdom is the principal thing.” (Pro 4:7). The Apostle James says, “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask God...” (Jas 1:5). While we do appreciate whatever knowledge and experience men can impart, genuine wisdom comes from God. The Apostle Paul also informs us that “Christ is made unto us wisdom...” (1 Cor 1:30). Authentic wisdom has more to do with the spiritual than the mental. This wisdom directs and dictates behaviour, in terms of choices, decisions and destiny. Real character is born out of, and fashioned by, this type of wisdom and lifestyle. Talent is reflected in what you do, but character is who you are. Character converts information into education. In this context, with character, information is converted; without character, information is perverted.

In perversion, the purpose and value of success are distorted, resulting in misusing, abusing and losing. How many times have we seen successful people viewing the primary purpose of their success as “wine, woman and song,” or for the exploitation and manipulation of others. The end is always disastrous. I wonder what was Mike Tyson’s view of success. What about Diego Maradona’s? Hitler’s perspective leaves little to the imagination. Many big success stories from time immemorial have ended in huge moral, social, economic and spiritual failures. Look at movie stars, entertainers, athletes, the corporate world, academia, politics — every sphere of life. Like in any race, it’s not necessarily how you start, but how you finish, that determines your success and reward. A combination of wisdom, character and education would produce maturity. Maturity will ensure responsible management of whatever we have achieved or possess. In many instances, as is so evident, maturity has little to do with chronological age or “experience.”

Humility is the strength of character. It is the direct product of maturity. Woe unto the successful person who lacks the priceless, powerful virtue called humility. What the devil cannot stop, he’ll attempt to corrupt. He will delight in using your success to make you prideful, cocky and arrogant. This contaminated attitude can also lead to complacency, which I usually describe as “the gas chamber of success.” The most pitiful sight is someone who has allowed success to “get to his head.” With success automatically comes power. But, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The only protection against this corruption, is humility. “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov 16:18). May your success never fail.