Mandela Effect

     After reading the introduction and first chapter of Success Built To Last I began to mull over in my head many topics that were discussed in the book. One topic stuck with me and that was the "Mandela Effect." The book states the Mandela Effect as "creating and enduring success not because you are perfect or lucky but because you have the courage to do what matters to you" (Porras, Emery, & Thompson, 2007). I think that this is so true in life. If we are afraid to do something that we feel strongly about because we don't want to fail or don't want to be judged by others, what kind of lives are we living?
     There is a culturally promoted definition of success which includes wealth, fame, power, and public acceptance as well as a personal definition of success. The book defines success as "a life that brings personal fulfillment and lasting relationships and makes a difference in the world in which you live." If you live you life by trying to please others and do what you think others expect of you, then you are not living life to the fullest.
     The book states that there are three essential elements of Success Built To Last. The first being meaning, in other words what matters most to you as an individual. "Something you are so passionate about that you lose all track of time when doing it" (Porras, Emery, & Thompson, 2007). The second essential element for success is ThoughtStyle which is as the book states a highly developed sense of accountability, audacity, passion, and responsible optimism. The last element of success is ActionStyle. ActionStyle is the ability to turn meaning, thought, and passion into action.
    A good recipe for success includes individually defined meaning, creative ThoughtStyle, and effective ActionStyle. Everyone has their own definition of success; their own vision of how they want their lives to turn out. The book states that the quality of loving the work we do is on of the most important values that we can bring to people. I strongly agree with that statement. I see success as the book describes it. Loving what I do with my life and my job. For example, working in the human services field because I love it, even though it is not a high paying field. I think happiness is most important in life and everything else will fall into place once you are truly happy.



References:
Porras, J. , Emery, S. & Thompson, M. (2007). Success Built To Last: Creating A Life That Matters. New York: Penguin Group.