How to Have it All Together – There is No Magic Bullet

This week, after posting my Bouncing Back from Failure blog, I received several heartfelt emails from people sharing how timely a topic this had been for them. One person even asked me to share my “magic bullet” on how to have it all together.

There is no magic bullet! When you are reading a person’s blog, following their tweets or reading their Facebook posts, you are reading a compilation of what they want you to see, glimpsing a small portion of a much larger picture. Regardless of how “put together” someone may seem, everyone struggles. We are all beautifully broken in one way or another, and that is what makes each one of us unique and interesting. How would life really be without conversations of failure that turned into great lessons learned?

If I truly did have a magic bullet, I hope I would have the foresight to fill it with love and gratitude for those who have taught me lessons, called me out, and had my back along the way. Success is fleeting compared to those who love you through it – both the good and the bad experiences. Having someone else’s back, and having someone do the same for you – now, that’s what I call a huge blessing.

Here is my personal definition of “magic bullet(s)”:

• Quit looking at your competitors.  If they are already doing it, figure out another way to do it differently. There are many people good at the same thing, and enough room in this big world for everyone to enjoy their own level of success. (Call someone you admire and congratulate them on their achievements.)
• Don’t stop until you get there.  If there is something you want, make a decision to throw your engine in drive and go full steam ahead. You can slow down for a visit, sight see, and take some detours along the way. Even change the direction of the entire trip, but stick to your conviction that you are going to succeed at whatever you put your mind to do.
• Find your passion. You are the only one who decides what makes your heart sing. If you are doing something to impress, show up, or outdo someone else, there will be little joy at the end of the journey. True success is a piece of work, or an accomplished goal you are proud to claim as your very own. It’s not important how many people Retweet or hit “Like” on your Facebook page. Do it because you love and believe in what you are doing.
• It’s not all about the job. It’s been said a jillion times before, but at the end of your life, your family and friends will remember you by how much you invested in them. How do you spend your free time? Working on your next project or building strong family ties and close friendships? You can do both, if you plan accordingly.
• Be grateful. Wherever you are right now, say “Thank You”. Doors slam shut that you aren’t supposed to walk through. Windows blow open when the time is right. You may not understand it today, but trust that you are where you need to be to do what you are meant to do; be thankful for your journey.  How about creating your own magic bullet list and sending it to me? I’d love to read it (tweet me @dianegottsman, share with me on my Facebook page or leave a comment below).

I don’t believe in magic, and luck seldom warrants success. But, there are talented and fabulous people, like you, utilizing every opportunity to make their life abundantly better than the cards they were dealt because failure simply is NOT an option.