Success: Journey or Destination?
Success: Journey or Destination?
I used to think success was all about the destination—that the accurate measure of accomplishment lay in reaching that pinnacle. Isn't that what we're taught? To chase that ultimate goal, to climb to the top?
While reading From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks, a statement hit me deeply: "Where striving for success should be an exciting journey toward an amazing destination."
This line stopped me in my tracks.
We all strive for success in our lives and encounter triumphs and setbacks along the way. But no matter the outcome, I know that each success and "almost" required hard work, dedication, focus, enormous sacrifice, and, yes, a lot of luck.
One of my successes was leading one of the most creative, thriving, and exciting organizations. It took years of relentless work, dedication, and sacrifice. What started as a solo endeavor, consuming every waking moment, transformed into a powerful collaboration—a team of men and women striving toward a shared vision of success. I couldn't be prouder to have led this journey. The people who were part of this success touched me forever.
Building and growing the company began as a partnership between my business partner and me. We were upfront about our reasons for wanting to grow. It was about financial success. But something happened along the way, during the journey.
I noticed something unexpected as I put in the hours, the late nights, and the unending focus. It wasn't just about my goals anymore. Slowly, the journey became more significant than me—it grew to include the aspirations and dreams of everyone around me. The people I worked alongside weren't just colleagues; they became partners in this journey. Their growth, success, and excitement fueled me in a way I hadn't anticipated.
The destination of this success transformed into an organization where everyone thrived—clients, employees, vendors, subcontractors, and the owners—financially, professionally, and personally. My position went from being a worker-owner who showed everyone only what hard work can do to creating an environment where everyone could work hard and profit.
And for me, that profit meant something more profound—it meant sharing life with my family and being present with my wife and triplets. It meant being part of their lives in a way I wouldn't have been if I had only chased the destination.
I want to call this beautiful destination art.
There's an artistry in crafting a company that feels alive, where every piece fits together harmoniously. Just like in a masterpiece, each person, each contribution, adds depth and color. This organization became a background of collective effort, shared purpose, and mutual growth.
It was a beautiful, evolving work of art—not just because of the business outcomes but because it allowed everyone involved to create something larger than themselves. That's what true success started to look like for me.
Author Brooks's statement profoundly affected me because when I look back at this achievement and all our success with the organization, I realize the joy and excitement that came from the time we spent toward the destination.
With all its twists and turns, that journey made the achievement so powerful.
This destination ended when I sold my partnership at its pinnacle. I have been on a sabbatical ever since. Many of the men and women who made it a success also moved on to bigger and better lives, but that's another story.
Looking back, I realize it wasn't reaching the destination that evoked the many fond memories or feelings of achievement. It was the journey there that gave me, as well as everyone involved, such joy and satisfaction.
The journey.
Building Success Around What Matters Most
Reflecting on my journey, I realized that building a business that allowed me to achieve my personal and professional goals was a real success. It wasn't about sacrificing one for the other but creating a structure supporting both.
Creating this business was a life-changing journey for me and the people I worked alongside. Being part of a company that respected life outside of work meant I could be present for the moments that mattered most. I got to be there for my wife and my triplets, to experience life's simple joys without feeling torn between family and work. Those memories—laughter at the dinner table, enjoying ballet recitals, or quiet moments just being together—became my success markers.
Ultimately, it wasn't just about my or my partner's achievements. It became about building a shared success that everyone who worked with us could feel. The journey transformed from a personal quest into a collaborative one, benefiting all who touched the organization.
Redefining Success: It's the Journey, Not the Destination
The journey started with 24/7 dedication—eating, breathing, and dreaming of owning a successful business. My partner and I made many sacrifices. But along this journey, I found my real purpose in an unexpected place—Tomorrowland.
Partnering with coaches and employees, and with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, we built an environment where everyone—clients, employees, vendors, and professionals—who touched our organization thrived. We all benefited financially and professionally.
Author Brooks said that success should be a journey, not a destination. Yet, when I first set out, I believed success was about reaching specific milestones: more money, accolades, and a thriving business future.
Of course, success was also about profits. (Hey, I am a businessman—I know it's about profits and fun, too!)
But as the journey progressed, I realized the truth: Success becomes a place where the organization gives everyone who touches it the freedom to live and enjoy more.
On this journey, I realized that success was more about helping, mentoring, and teaching others to achieve their success. Success, in my heart and soul, meant giving financial and professional freedom to everyone who touched the organization.
Looking back, I can see that success was the whole journey. Success was creating this environment for everyone. It wasn't just about me. It was about the people.
I see that success was an exciting journey toward a fantastic destination.
Reflect and Engage
Reflecting on my journey, I realize it was the real reward. I invite you to join me for an upcoming webinar, where I'll dive deeper into the lessons I've learned along the way and share insights on building a business that achieves success and enhances life.
If you're ready to explore a new approach to success and leadership, I'd love for you to join a new webinar sponsored by SCORE.
Click The Three Key Principles that build your Business, Make More Profit, and give you more Free Time
to register, and let's take this journey together.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on what success means to you. How do you define the balance between journey and destination in your own life? Reach out at [email protected]—I look forward to hearing your stories and reflections.
