Is my need to succeed at the expense of others?

“As you climb the ladder of success, be sure not to tread on others. For true success is raising others whilst raising ones self”

- Divine Inspiration of June 7

The ambition to succeed is so ingrained in us that it has become our 'second nature' to want to succeed. What is not openly mentioned but is often a major mantra is, "At any cost"!

This three word mantra gives us license to use every weapon in our arsenal, fair or unfair to achieve our goal. The sweet taste of this kind of 'success' is flavored by the bitterness of those who have been trampled on in our pursuit, blind to the needs and feelings of others. How much sweeter would our success be if none had lost and all could gain?

The doors to the castle of true success are heavy indeed and need many hands to open. Should you be reluctant to share the castle, then with your puny strength all you may gain is the gatehouse. Seeking individual success is akin to a seesaw effect. You may reach the top only to find yourself marooned, drawn by the collective weight of those that you have tread upon.

Balance is what is called for, determination without ambition, collectiveness instead of individuality, moderation instead of greed. Success is not measured merely by the marks one scores, or the wealth gained, true success is measured by the positive impact one has on society.