Back in January, as my celebrity gossip blog turned 6 years old, I reflected back on the growth of my brand over the last few years, as well as success and what it really means. To me, success used to equate to recognition, awards, and money, but as I evolved, I realized that success was more than that. It was about being happy, living in your purpose, and most of all, the impact that you have on others in a positive way.
As I began figuring out what I wanted my legacy to be, I envisioned building a brand and serving a purpose that transcended far beyond success. I wanted to be significant.
Here are a few quotes on significance that has inspired me along the way:
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The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance – and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.” — Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine 2002
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Being significant means living an unselfish life that puts others ahead of self. The result is a legacy defined by the number of lives impacted, rather than the size of a bank account. Fame and fortune don’t define success. Even in the dictionary, “significance” precedes “success.” I wonder how much better the world would be if more people focused on leaving a legacy of significance. – Clancy Cross
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With success, my motives may be selfish; with significance, my motives cannot be selfish. Success asks, “How can I add value to myself?” Significance asks, “How can I add value to others?” If I pursue success, my joy is the result of my success; if I pursue significance, my joy is the result of others’ success. With success, my influence is limited; with significance, my influence is unlimited. Success can last a lifetime; significance can last several lifetimes.
I know a lot of people who believe they are successful because they have everything they want. They have added value to themselves. But I believe significance comes when you add value to others—and you can’t have true success without significance.- John Maxwell
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You and I live in an age when only a rare minority of individuals desire to spend their lives in pursuit of objectives which are bigger than they are. In our age, for most people, when they die it will be as though they never lived.- Rusty Rustenbach
Thank You Necole for using the success vs. significance quote from my interview with Amir Windom on AimerAmour Magazine. I’m honored that it impacted you and I appreciate you sharing it with your readership. Please continue to bless others with your words!
Wow Necole!
Thanks for this article. I just got back from visiting Africa a few days ago. Upon my return it’s been weighing heavy on my heart to help improve others around me and abroad. God Bless for sharing and for inspiring me to be Significant!
This is where I am as I re evaluate my brand and career all together. I don’t want to lose sight of why I’m here and what I want to be said about me long after I’m gone…that I helped somebody else!
Thanks Necole
Thanks Necole for this article, you have changed my mindset.
Wow!
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Love it!
Hello somebody!!
Completely inspiring and exactly what I needed to read!
Just finished reading The Secret and The Alchemist, & I would
like to say thank you! Love your blogs, always genuine, sincere and
inspiring on many levels.
I will never forget the first time I visited your blog necole. It was probably less than a year old. It was introduced to me by my friend & has been one of the few places I frequent during the week. I also started visiting your site around the time I fell for my HS sweetheart whom is my husband now! Wow time flys… GREAT WORK NECOLE! Your one of a dying breed!
Hi Necole,
I have never commented always lurked (lol) anyway I felt this was meant for me to find and read TODAY! I was having a conversation with my boyfriend, and he knows that my passion in life is to have a successful battered women’s shelter (hopefully more than one) and a transitional home. He says he supports my dream, but he feels as though I won’t be able to make a living. I have tried to explain to him that it is a job, and I have encouraged him to read about Mrs. Earle from the Jenesse Center. He told me in so many words that just because it has worked for her does not mean it will work for me.I feel that he doesn’t trust it enough and I think he feels as if I am making a mistake and helping people won’t pay the bills. He has kind of discouraged me, and now I am second guessing myself. Opening my shelter to help women has been a dream since I became a DV survivor. Do you have any words for me to help me out?
A great way to stay motivated throughout the ending of the week.
anorexicescapades.com
Hi Nicole. This is a very deep read, significance vs success. If only one could follow doing what is significant and success will follow. I will be looking at things from a different perspective now.