When at first you don't succeed...

...do something else for awhile and then try again.

I learned a lot last week from a retired NASA astronaut. He mentioned that it was important to follow our passion and do what we're good at in order to succeed. He also mentioned that in the constant pursuit of improving what we are not good at, we lose sight of what's important. This seemed counter-intuitive to all that I've known. Was this permission to quit? Hardly. It was an urgent request to nurture and embrace those gifts we've been given without guilt, second-guessing, or doubt. It was an appeal to all of us listening that we accept who we are and move forward with intention, purpose, and tenacity. Surrounded by people who believe in others, we were asked to first believe in ourselves.

Success is not achieved by meeting the standards set before us by someone else. Success is achieved by meeting the standards we set for ourselves.