Success is not about yourself,
Or achievements each day.
It’s not the trophies on the shelf,
Or when things go your way.

In fact it has nothing to do
about the things you win,
Or how other people see you,
Success comes from within.

It‘s not something that you receive,
But something you give out.
You can succeed when you believe,
But never when you doubt.

Success is keeping your mouth sealed,
When words you say bring harm,
Knowing when things should be concealed,
And always staying calm.

It’s not measured by how you feel,
But how you give your love,
The one who judges if it’s real,
Is the Lord God above.

Success is usually attained,
By people who don’t try.
They do not look at what they’ve gained,
But how they can reply.

If you desire to find success,
There’s just one thing to do.
Live your whole life in righteousness,
And it will come to you.

By Lloyd McLean (1994)

This poem is part of the Seasons of Emotion collection