The Evolution of Success

Written by: Jerry F. Smith - Founder & CEO

Character can be measured by the level of a person’s skills, knowledge, values and aspirations. Developing our character gives us an edge in the game of life. This does not mean we will not suffer setbacks along the way, but the likelihood of success, including the ability to perform at a higher level, is more likely. If we learn from both the positive and negative experiences of life, we will achieve success.

With Age comes Experience…
As we age, we experience many positive and negative situations. These experiences, how we react to them, and what we learn from them shape our character.

With Experience comes Knowledge…
When we learn to calmly accept and learn from the positive and negative experiences of life, we achieve knowledge that can help us attain contentment and success.

With Knowledge comes Maturity…
When I was young, I thought that I was a mature man. Often the young believe they understand all there is to know. However, maturity comes from gaining the ability to accept things as they are, not as you wish they would be.

With Maturity comes Power…
People respond to maturity because they accept that the mature person has greater knowledge and experience which gives them the ability to guide the actions of others.

With Power comes Responsibility…
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
Source: Uncle Ben to Peter Parker in Spider-Man

With Responsibility comes Authority…
Responsibility comes with every job. It gives people a feeling of usefulness and pride in their work. But when employees lack the authority to back up their responsibilities, they may feel unable to meet them. Responsibility demands authority.

With Authority comes Decisions…
Authority gives an individual the right to make decisions. When you give a person the responsibility to perform tasks and the authority to carry them out, they feel the satisfaction of accomplishment.

With Decisions comes Progress…
As people become comfortable with their ability to make positive decisions, progress is made. A small school or non-profit organization cannot grow and succeed unless there are employees willing to take ownership in their jobs and feel a part of the organization’s progress.

With Progress comes Success!
The success of any fund-raising effort depends upon the character of its employees. So, I encourage you:

Reflect on your experiences.

Take responsibility for your projects.

Use your authority to share bold ideas.

Make decisions that drive your mission forward.

Because with progress comes success – and success begins with you!