Significance Is the New Success
Humbled, honored, and happy are the feelings I had after experiencing my third retreat with the Association of Transformational Leaders’ Southern California chapter. Attending this meeting with thought leaders, who are shaping the intellectual and emotional consciousness of the world, was wonderful and truly like a Spa for my Soul.
One of the highlights for me was walking over with Jack Canfield (co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul) from the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa to go whale watching from Dana Point, California.
My three takeaways from my conversation with Jack (who is 79 years young and looks amazing) were:
Social intelligence is reading the moment and responding. As we were strolling over, and before I could say anything, he introduced himself and said, “Tell me about yourself.” I was stumped because normally I get the upper hand in the arm-wrestling conversation. He beat me to it.
Significance is the new success. I asked him what was drawing him to the future, and he shared what he was thinking. My big aha moment from what he shared was that success is about “me,” however, significance is about “we.” It’s a knowingness, which I picked up from him, that it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
School is never out of season. Jack started his career as an educator. He attended Harvard University and has never stopped learning. He challenged me to be a lifelong learner. What can you do today to learn something new and apply it for the rest of your life?
For more information about Jack and his brilliant work, click here.
The next best surprise happened at the closing dinner, where I sat next to Holocaust survivor Dr. Erica Miller, who is 90 years young and has more energy than an average 50-year-old. She has traveled to more than 100 countries, jumped out of airplanes, hiked in Peru, climbed some of the tallest mountains in the world, and is reading several books in a variety of fields of study.
Here are my biggest takeaways from my conversation with the brilliant Dr. Miller:
Stories captivate the head and heart at the same time. Dr. Miller’s stories are riveting and very revealing. I watched and listened as she unpacked her journey and everything that she had to overcome to survive.
Stay resilient despite what is happening all around you. Erica had no formal education while in the concentration camp. Entering school for the first time at age 11 (fifth grade), she quickly learned the basics of reading, writing, and math. Much to the surprise—and, in some cases, chagrin—of her teachers and classmates, she excelled at all three. Dr. Miller witnessed the dark side of humanity. Yet rather than becoming bitter over these trials, she chose to live life with an optimistic spirit, determined to overcome any obstacle that dare impede her path. Here’s one of my favorite of Dr. Miller’s quotes: “Live life today. The past is gone. The future might never be.”
Seek to serve humanity. She is an in-demand public speaker and has written three books. Many of those who adopt this attitude live happier and longer lives. Dr. Miller likes to call these people (herself included) the “chronologically gifted.” She is convinced that we have far more power over how we age than society conditions us to believe.
Ask a handful of people to describe what comes to mind when they hear the word “old,” and you might be surprised at the answers you receive. “Old” is a word that carries a surprising mixture of connotations, many of which are negative. Dr. Miller recognizes that aging is not an option, but she’s learned that it’s entirely possible to face the aging process with a healthy mixture of acceptance and enthusiasm. It’s not in what we accumulate but in what we intentionally share with others.
For more information about Dr. Miller and her brilliance, click here.
After talking to Jack and Erica, I am more hopeful than ever about the goal of living a long and thriving life. What about you?
