Success

“The test of success is not what you do when you are on top. Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.”

― George S. Patton

I am fascinated by stories of overnight success.  You know the kind - you go about your business, then one day, pouf! a media blitz about someone you never heard anything about.  The chorus of adulation, the interviews, films, commercials, shoes with their name, a line of clothing, perfume.  How did that happen? Why all the focus suddenly on this individual? What's so great about that person? 

Ah, yes, the overnight success story.  As a public, we are presented with the final picture, the finished canvas, all framed and shiny with a nice bow on it.  What we do not get is the background story.  How long has that person struggled to be great? How many auditions did he or she attempt? How many sleepless nights? How many hungry days were spent at the easel? How many cold and dreary and lonely afternoons and nights were spent in the dogged pursuit of what now seems like a "sudden" success story? 

There is nothing sudden about it.  Success is measured by hard work and diligence.