Success rises from the battleground, not the playground.
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“Success is dependent on effort.” ~Sophocles
We see the success of others and our eyes light up.
For a moment we drift. We slide into their lives.
We imagine.
The limelight.
The ease.
The hope.
The perfect days of living with a specific purpose.
The lack of financial worry.
The satisfaction and fulfillment.
We smile.
We smile because we imagined.
Success without the scars.
Success without the wounds.
Success without the doubts.
Success without the insomnia.
Success without the pain.
Success without the attacks.
Success without the strain.
Success without the struggle.
Success without the judgement.
Success without the critique.
Success without the stabs.
Success without the tears.
Success without the ache.
We smile because we see the shine, the glimmer, the glisten.
Step closer. Look deep.
The scar on the chin reveals an unexpected crash.
The wound on the heart beats to the drum of hurt.
The doubt on the mind continues to question ability and talent.
The insomnia in the night awakens fear.
The pain in the hands from working long and hard.
The attacks on the character from friends and family who laugh at the dream.
The strain on the arms from lifting alone at times.
The judgement of plans by those well respected.
The critique of results by those who expected more of a return on investment.
The stab in the back from the one closest and dearest.
The tears from the eyes when hope is lost and starting over is the only option.
The ache in the feet from trudging on when everyone else went home.
Success scars.
Those scars hold a story. The true story of what it took to achieve what looks to be ease and significance.
Your success contains scars a well. The failures. The hurts. The quits. The cries.
Success rises from the battleground, not the playground. Prepare for battle. Share your scars with pride when others ask about your success.
Read More Inspiration Unpacked on The Good Men Project
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Photo: Flickr/David Goehring