Page 69 - Reflections_over_Akamas

... is to become the person I was meant to be. I believe there are two types of
success. The first is recognised by society and rewarded with financial or other

forms of acknowledgement. However, there is a deeper kind of success that
ultimately gives meaning to my life.
To succeed...

When people achieve success, they become visible to many people, which is

why success is often equated with recognition or social status. But true success
is not about reaching the top of the ladder or winning a competition, nor is it
about living a glamorous lifestyle. Rather, it is about recognising the process
one goes through to achieve a goal, overcome obstacles, resolve crises, and

build relationships.

It is a process of learning from mistakes, growing stronger, and developing
one’s own values along the way. Ultimately, true success is about becoming

the best version of oneself and making a positive impact on others and the
world.

Aha! I see you. Can you look up? I’m the giant bird with wings on my back, floating in the air, while you’re

swimming slowly and rhythmically in the glistening water. You’re heading to one of the most beautiful, secluded
beaches in the world. But you couldn’t care less. You’re on a mission that started twenty years ago, from the
moment you cracked your shell open on that very beach, to date. You were just counting a few minutes of life
and yet, my tiny Caretta-caretta, with your tiny fins, you pushed the sand aside to make your way out to the sea.
An arduous task so early in life. I’m in awe of your sense of direction, in a place you left as a baby turtle and

now return to as a mother, contributing in your own way to the circle of life. Achieving your goal is what success
is all about. You either succeed or… quit? You see, there is no such thing as a failure…. Unless you quit. And even
quitting is not a failure. It’s a choice. So, my dear friend, beyond your wonderful one hundred and twenty egg-

shaped successes, I’m very interested in the choices you’ve made to become the brave turtle you are.

Success is a mindset: it requires focus, action, boldness, risk-taking, and

unwavering discipline. It’s about standing up for something meaningful,
pursuing growth, and making a positive impact on the world. However, we
often lose sight of the journey in our pursuit of goals. When we focus solely on

the end result, it is easy to become fatigued and forget to savour the process.
It’s important to remember that goals are constantly shifting, and unforeseen

obstacles can arise. Patience is key in these moments. Contrary to widespread
belief, patience isn’t a refuge for the timid; it’s the strategic advantage of leaders
who trust their instincts about how and when to apply their resources. I know

this first-hand both from running my business and from running marathons;
it takes patience and willpower for a runner to push through the proverbial
marathon wall.

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