A perfunctory word used daily throughout the world. But what does it actually mean? The dictionary definition is "a favorable or satisfactory outcome or result." However to me, success is what drives my values, competitiveness, and determination, three words that also encompass Colorado State. My words are influenced by it, my actions are based upon it - success is a way of life.
Vince Lombardi once said, "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." His words strike me with familiarity. I know how it feels to push one's self 110%, settling for nothing less, and Mr. Lombardi embodied my philosophy with this quote. Losing is not an option. I go all out in everything I do, volleyball, school, community service, even thumb wrestling with my cousin, expecting a victory and I won't give up until that is what I achieve. The only way I will be a failure is if I"m a failure to fail.
Some of my determination, or stubbornness, may be the fault of my upbringing. My mom and dad were both excellent athletes and scholars. Up until I was ten years old I thought my dad was the smartest man alive. Thus, the stress of living up to the expectations they threw on me were overwhelming. Any spare time I had was spent studying or practicing the sport of the week, whichever my dad thought appropriate. Yet now that I"m older, I wouldn't have had it any other way. Their pressure has shaped me into a strong and decisive young woman, ready to single-handedly take on the world. I walk into every situation, ready to critique myself until there's nothing left to critique, and then proceed to critique my critiquing. Do I take it too far? Yes, absolutely. But it's my desire for success that's going to get me into Colorado State, and after that transcend me to a better job than the next guy. Then, at the end of the week, I can look back and know that I gave my best and that is what it truly means to succeed.
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them" (Successories). ... "Never allow yesterday's accomplishments to get in the way of tomorrow's goals" (Successories). ... "Success is a journey, not a destination" (Successories)....
