WakeUpLive.com presents: Personal Success

Breathe Esther, breathe! As my turn to speak drew near, my sense of self became smaller.

Several years ago, I was invited to a seminar at Oberlin College in Ohio, where I had spent my sophomore and junior years.

During the reception, the host made an unexpected request of the guests, asking former students to share with current students and professors, how our college experiences had helped us achieve success in our lives.

The stories of my former classmates were filled with exceptional accomplishments. Some had earned a Master’s degree or Ph.D. One was a C.E.O., another had founded a law firm, while others had become honored professors at prestigious universities. I felt my stomach tighten.

Finally, it was my turn. I mustered all the courage I could, took a deep breath and told a story of self-defined success.

While my classmates left their undergraduate studies to pursue advanced degrees, shortly after graduation, my life spiraled out of control due to clinical depression and pregnancy without a spouse. Eight months pregnant, I had gone from living a single life of privilege on the California coast to one of near poverty as a single parent living in Maryland. During those dark days, I wondered how in the world I could ever make a success out of such an incredible mess.

One night, I recalled the intensity of my college years. Our professors and administrators had expected us to achieve excellence, no matter what challenges came our way. I suddenly asked myself, could I learn to be as successful a parent as I had been a student? Of course! I not only could, but would.

I promised to climb out of the dungeon of depression and one day share my success secrets with those striving to thrive, instead of merely survive. My future dream of becoming a success coach was firmly planted.

Throughout my journey, I discovered that I loved parenting and my daughter was the light of my life. As she grew, we discovered she had a learning disability.With hard work, she was able not only to graduate from high school with honors, but to attend Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

I eventually obtained certificates from the Small Business Administration in entrepreneurial ventures and from the Franklin Covey Company in personal coaching. I emphasized that success comes from soul satisfaction, from winning within, as well as from outer achievements.

After the speech, a senior approached me. She had decided to become a kindergarten teacher. Though happy with her decision, she sometimes felt her ambition paled in comparison to her friends who were going to medical or law school.

A light shone in her eyes as she thanked me for inspiring her to feel excited about following her dream to teach children in low-income areas.

She had renewed her sense of vision and, in turn, inspired me to know that I had fulfilled my life’s quest. When I help others achieve their best—that is the essence of success.

*** This article was republished with permission from the best-selling Wake Up...Live the Life You Love book series. To hear more information on this book and the book series, go to http://wakeupteleclass.com/ .