Many people believe success is a result of being in the right place at the right time. Does this mean you have to be an effective or lucky gambler to land the right job or the right credentials?

What governs the true meaning of success?

To one person, building a nice home and tending to children could create a feeling of success. To another, completing multiple degrees and receiving honors, awards and promotions at work could be portrayed as obtaining success.

In some situations, people fail to reach their anticipated goals due to a self-imposed anxiety that is created as a result of feeling like a victim when things do not go as expected. There comes a time when you must ask yourself, are you the driver or the passenger on your journey?

In other words, do you take the necessary steps to guide your actions or do you wait to see what doors open for you simply by chance. When things should go awry, do you just sit and dwell on the circumstances that exist, or do you move forward with a new plan of action? It is important to know that there are always alternatives to consider. You do not have to allow fear of failure to cause you to fail. Refuse to remain in the role of a victim, or you will most often keep yourself from finding success in any area of life.

Those who have learned how to be successful as an individual are usually talented at being successful within a team as well. They are somewhat comfortable trusting the efforts of others through a means of commitment. Successful people also avoid cutting corners to complete a task or letting things slip through the cracks when in a rush. They take pride in each responsibility.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I will be happy when…” These are generally the same people who think, “I will be successful when…” Unfortunately, success is not independently built on accomplishments. Some of the greatest intentions result in failure, but those who understand success will get right back on their feet and move forward once again.

Don’t be one of those people who simply “sit back” and watch things happen. Aim to be one who makes things happen by taking action.

Most important, do not be one of those people who appear constantly confused about what has happened. Whether your success lies within your family, your career, or your internal, personal accomplishments, always face each step with optimism and integrity. 

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column regularly appears in The Bulletin.