Accepting Different Opinions is a Good Rule of Thumb for Success

As an English student, and then an English teacher I learned and taught classic grammar, spelling, and writing styles. As an artist and liberal, I also included philosophies and approaches that have been mentioned in literature such as "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White (though there are many other writers and fans who have published more on that subject). I mention all this not to toot my own horn, but as a reminder of my experience and opinion that I re-present in my response to Cody Dakota Wooten's opinionated piece "A Suprising Success Secret That Most People Miss". I have already informed Cody that I disagree with his opinion. Here and now, I will share my opinion.

I do not think of "most people" as cowardly or incable of learning or succeeding. I do not think that "most people" deny their fears or weaknessess. While I'm not certain if "most people" are enlightened or on the best path to their "success" - I believe that "most people" have a pretty clear understanding and acceptance of both their strengths and their weaknesses. I believe that people who cringe at criticism or seem to hide their weaknesses do so either because they don't know who their Real Cheerleaders are, or their real fear is that their weaknesses will be targeted for their failure by their enemies. I'd bet that this "wisdom" was discussed in "The Art of War" written by Sun Tzu (though I did not read his manuscript). Knowing how I define success, I have to use terms like "battles" or "wars" or "fights" or "struggles" because I associate "success" with accomplishment. If I say in the past tense, I WAS "successful" that means I am talking about something accomplished in the past. If I say today I AM "successful" - I am talking about whatever I feel accomplished about today. If I intend to have "success" in the future, I would say "The accomplishment would make me feel successful."

I don't mean to debate with Cody as some ingrate or disrespectful fan of his contribution, however I do not agree with the opinion of people or the presentation of "success" that he explained in his article.

No hard feelings to my peer in writing, but I think that "most people" are smarter than you give them credit for.

Personally, I have wanted to accomplish two things in my life at this time and I'm not feeling very "successful". I've wanted to achieve a better credit score, some kind of significant purpose for my existence, some times in my regular living that bring me Joy, and some kind of important personal relationship. It's a daily battle as I strive for my "successes".

In the past was I "successful" and did I have many accomplishments? Sure, but I had just as many "failures". Neither my successes or failures occurred because I embraced my strengths or my weaknesses. They simply occurred because I was ambitious, determined, faithful, and diligent. Yes, those wonderful personality traits can lead to both success and failure. Wisdom is what Cody is forgetting to mention.

Any individual can brag about past or present achievements and that's quite alright, if that individual has no other cheerleader. But to call an individual "fearful" simply because the individual is uncertain about WHO cares about that individual's "success" is misguided and untrue in my opinion.