Is Success Worth It? (#212)

The Confident Leader

BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

John D. Rockefeller, the first billionaire of the United States, was asked, “How much money is enough?” He calmly replied, “Just a little bit more.” What did his success cost him? What is your pursuit of success costing you?

“It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little.” 

―  Unknown

This Week’s Edition

“Success” must be defined. Only then can you determine if it’s worth it.

Clarify Your Thinking

Mr. Rockefeller expended super-human energy in pursuit of building Standard Oil, the core of his empire. The effort took a toll. Such super-activity led to nervous disorders, fatigue, and depression. 

Mr. Rockefeller learned that everything costs something.

Last year, a CEO client stated he wanted to be the best in his industry. “No one will outwork me, out-hustle me, or pass me in this race,” he declared. He was clear on what he wanted and what it would take to win. 

Fast forward a year and the conversation was different. 

“Robin, I listened to a podcast that said someone is always willing to do a little bit more than the next person. I am exhausted. Other areas of my life are suffering. I’m not sure I am prepared to pay the cost for the next level of success.”

He wrestled with the idea that he was either giving up or settling for less than his full potential. Nothing could be farther from the truth. But his thinking was allowing him to believe a lie. 

Old Thinking: If I am not the best (or at the top of the list) I am not successful or fulfilling my potential. 

New Thinking: Does it matter if I am the “best?” What do I want? What is my vision? If I focus on doing the best I can do, isn’t that success?

Thoughts Lead to Actions

The pursuit of success is not inherently bad. Yet leaders need to know that pursuing “success” at all cost can be… costly!

To perform your best for the long haul, leaders are advised to ask themselves the following:

• What are you attempting to achieve?
• Why is that important? 
• What does it cost?
• Are you willing to pay that price?

Consider these next three questions as the first steps toward quantifying the cost of pursuing your desired success.

Question 1: What is your vision?

• Detail where you are headed. Know what you want.
• Be specific. To say you want to be the “best” isn’t sufficient. 
• Put quantifiable measurements to it. Revenue goals. Team members. Number of clients, etc…
• Create a detailed scope of what your vision is.

Question 2: Why do you want to achieve this vision?

• Be specific. Don’t just say “that’s what I’ve always wanted.”
• When you know your “why” you can share it with others.
• You will need to enroll others into your why so they can support you.

Question 3: List out the cost of pursuing your vision.

• The toll you expect on other aspects of your life.
• The hours per week you will work.
• The travel required. The weekend work. 
• The impact, if any, on the other higher priorities on your list. 
• The toll you expect on other aspects of your life.

While you may not be able to fully account for the total cost of pursuing your vision on the front end, taking time to answer these questions will provide a clear view of what you are prepared to spend to achieve your vision.

This exercise is not meant to say “success” is too costly and one should downgrade their vision to a less costly effort. 

The purpose of the exercise is to illuminate the fact that pursuing a vision (and the success that will surely come) comes at a cost. 

As you sit with this concept, you’ll become aware of the reality that you have other priorities. This awareness will ensure you keep a proper perspective of all your pursuits.

And, it may keep you from falling into the thinking trap of “how much is enough… just a little bit more.” 

Boost Your Performance

Watch this week’s video for more on how to achieve your vision without it costing you everything. 

What’s Your Opinion?

How do you think about the “cost” of success? Let me know: robin.pou@robinpou.com

If you are going to be a leader, you might as well be a good one. Don’t let doubt count you out. Have a confident week!

Robin Pou, Chief Advisor and Strategist

We live to make bad leadership extinct so forward this newsletter to others who strive to be confident leaders. 

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What is “The Confident Leader”?

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, I began a video series called “Panic or Plan?” It was designed to equip leaders to navigate the doubt they experienced and to rise in the confidence they needed to lead during turbulent times. It took off. I then started this newsletter to equip leaders in the same fashion each week for the doubt that crashes across the bow of their leaderSHIP.