Measuring Success: A Lesson in Perspective

“Measuring Success: A Lesson in Perspective"

Recently, my wife Cynthia and I celebrated a new home with dear friends. Their success has afforded them life’s many comforts—beautiful cars, exclusive club memberships, and second homes that break the monotony of everyday routines. As I admired the fruits of their hard work, I felt a familiar tug inside: Am I doing enough with my own talents?

That same evening, while the U.S. Ryder Cup team was being trounced on television, my phone rang. It was James, a long-time friend who once lived in a homeless shelter. He called not with needs, but with joy: a praise report. A friend he had been praying for—someone who is a double amputee—had just landed a job.

At that moment, the grandeur around me and the simplicity of his news collided, and my perspective shifted.

Three Reflections on Perspective

1. Comparison Can Distort Reality
   It’s human nature to measure ourselves against others, but it’s a dangerous game. Success is not always found in possessions or status—it’s often revealed in contentment, faith, and resilience.

2. True Wealth Lies in Gratitude
   James’s joy over his friend’s new job reminded me that gratitude transforms even the smallest victories into treasures. Sometimes the simplest praises carry more weight than the grandest celebrations.

3. Perspective Is a Gift
   Over 50 years, I’ve shared tables with billionaires and the homeless alike. These encounters remind me that success wears many faces. Perspective is the bridge that keeps us grounded, grateful, and aware of what truly matters.

That evening, two worlds collided for me: the elegance of luxury and the humility of survival. Both offered a lesson, but only one left me lingering in reflection. Success isn’t a single definition—it’s the lens we choose to see life through.