Lately I have been pondering the difference between success and power. According to Dictionary.com there are a couple definitions for the word 'success'. I like this version: The favorable outcome of something attempted. Power, on the other hand is defined as: Great or marked ability to do or act; strength, might, force.
What defines a powerful person? How about a successful one? If I had a choice, would I wish to be powerful, or successful?
One theory is that those who seek power are fearful. There is a Chinese quote that 'Those who seek power for personal ends eventually run afoul of popular opinion'.
On success there is a quote by Sri Chinmoy that 'True success is the only thing you can not have unless you have offered it to others'.
Here are my thoughts on people who seek power, versus people who seek success:
People who seek power are looking to control. They are looking to control the insecurities in themselves and attempt to exploit others to achieve control.
People who are successful have a positive attitude and while they have fear, they don't let it control them. They recognized they need others to accomplish their goals and leverage those relationships.
Power is fleeting. Success is sustainable.
Success can be shared, celebrated, grown, nurtured.
Power is individual, and shifts from one person to another--a grasp, a climb, a precarious position.
Success can be measured. Power cannot.
People can be caught in the crossfires of a power struggle. Have you ever heard of anyone 'jockeying' for success? One can be powerless or unsuccessful, but the implications of those words are different. One can dust themselves off from an unsuccessful attempt and try again, but powerlessness implies that one is rendered such by others and can be stuck there.
People in power manipulate others. Success requires effort and hard work.
Power corrupts. Success requires focused optimism.
It is obvious that I believe that being a successful person is more important than being a powerful one. Not to say that I don't believe in being empowered or in empowering others because that is different. Being empowered means there is a sharing of power, not a desire 'for' power. Empowering others can lead to success.
Starting today, I will surround myself with successful people and seek a favorable outcome to the problems I am faced with. How about you?
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