Dress for success.
This simple saying may not have any further implications than, “Look your best,” but regardless, I want to address the idea of success.
What does it mean to succeed? What does it mean to be successful? What does it look like to reach the height of success?
Many, whether they are willing to admit or not, would equate success with the acquisitions of wealth, fame, and power. These are common conceptions of what it means to be successful that we all at some point have probably thought of upon hearing mention of ‘success.’
But deep down, what do many believe success is? I cannot pretend to read the minds and know the hearts of anyone else, but I would expect that many do believe these qualities are synonymous with success.
I have a rather simplistic take on this complex idea of success; I believe that my success is measured by my contentment with what I have been given and my willingness to be a light to others. I believe success is something that cannot be stolen from me or hindered by others because I choose to be “successful.”
Now we could go into further detail of what my life goals are and speculate as to whether or not I “succeed” in reaching these goals. But on a broad spectrum, this is my definition of success in my own life. I will strive to reach a point of constant gratitude for the gifts afforded to me and consistently focus on the needs of others whose lives I have been placed in. This is my big-picture goal for my life!
Jobs, money, fame, and power will all fade away. Even our earthly understandings of success will fade too. But as long as my success is not determined by and dependent upon these factors, I choose how “successful” I can be.
Because I see success in this way, I also gain a more spiritual understanding from the phrase, “Dress for success.” I translate it as, “Prepare yourself daily to be content and willing to serve.” This is a preparation of the heart and mind!
While I am not saying that it is unimportant to dress in a professional or stylish manner (That would undermine nearly the whole purpose of this blog!), I am saying that the clothes we wear and the styles we follow do not determine our level of importance or value. Much like your success, your value is a part of you that can never be diminished or lost.
How we choose to clothe ourselves externally is merely an extension of what we feel and who we are. Your success is measured by you.
Until next time,
Annie Lark
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“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7
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ANNIE BOYD SOWELL 