Life Stages: Finding Success

When was the first time you tasted financial success?

Was it when you made your first sale?  Or received that big bonus? When your investment portfolio crossed a certain threshold? Maybe it was when you closed a big deal or were finally able to start saving for retirement in earnest.

No matter which measuring stick you choose, success feels like success because it involves moving forward, climbing the proverbial ladder toward a goal and meeting the challenges that presented themselves along the way. Obstacles to be overcome and perseverance through adversity are what give success stories their excitement.

Yet when the goal is finally reached, the moment of triumph can be bittersweet. Success feels fulfilling, like confirmation we’re doing something right.  But at the same time, it can be very empty. The news is filled with stories of disheartened celebrities and CEOs who reached the peak of their field and asked, “Is this all there is?”

Ecclesiastes 2:11 provides a biblical perspective on the emptiness of success through the eyes of a king who had attained every earthly goal. “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (NIV).

This emptiness stems from an attitude of self-aggrandizement. Finding success must be about more than making a name for ourselves or increasing our own “toy” collection. Despair is found at the end of that path. If unblemished joy is to accompany it, personal success must recognize the true Author of all earthly blessings. Then with grateful hearts, the fruits of success must be used for His eternal glory, forwarding his kingdom on earth.

When we lay these blessings before His throne, we move on to the final life stage: significance. In this next stage, our success leads us to pass on our talents and treasures to the next generation.  Life becomes about others and not about ourselves.

No matter your age and regardless of your bank statement’s bottom line, wise planning can help you pass the pursuit of simple survival and trade finding success for finding significance. Let Ambassador Advisors be your partner along this journey. Make the call today to our professional team, and take the first step towards pursuing significance with your life’s blessings.

Any opinions expressed in this forum are not the opinion or view of American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) or American Portfolios Advisors, Inc.(APA) and have not been reviewed by the firm for completeness or accuracy. These opinions are subject to change at any time without notice. Any comments or postings are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments. Readers should conduct their own review and exercise judgment prior to investing. Investments are not guaranteed, involve risk and may result in a loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments are not suitable for all types of investors. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purposes of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each tax payer should seek tax, legal or accounting advice from a tax professional based on his/her individual circumstances.