Success
“Your success will be determined by how determined you are to succeed.” I saw this quote recently and it caused me to recall some things from my experience as a teacher. Success can be defined in many ways. To some it may be a measure of prosperity, affluence or comfort. To others it might be a victory or favorable outcome. I look at success as the accomplishment of a goal or purpose.
As a teacher, my desire was for all my students to experience success. This was challenging for some, for the subject I taught was Chemistry. Every year I would hear the same lament, “Why do we have to learn Chemistry!?” I tried to explain that the study of Chemistry would help them as they faced the problems of life. Many of the problems they were given to solve required several steps to find the correct answer. All too often, the students wanted the solution to be simple and obvious. The problems and challenges in life are not that simple. Some require determination to work hard and never give up until success is achieved.
I was required to take a course in Educational Psychology as a part of my accreditation requirements. In that class I learned a concept that I shared with my students. I have shared it with many parents as well and it is so impactful, I am compelled to share it today.
As we look toward the accomplishment of a goal or purpose, we are affected by two types of factors.
Extrinsic factors are those that are not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming or operating from the outside. These factors are beyond our control.
Intrinsic factors are the second type of factors which belong to the essential nature of someone or something; inborn; innate, natural.
The two extrinsic factors are 1. test or challenge and 2. luck. A person has no control over the test or the challenge they face. It will not change. They simply must face it head on. They may depend on luck to help them get the right answer on the test or overcome the challenge, but luck is only a matter of chance. It is a fickle companion. At times we wish for luck, but this will have no effect upon the outcome of success or failure.
The two intrinsic factors are 1. ability and 2. effort. These are factors which are a part of a person’s nature. One factor, ability, is something that we are born with. Our abilities vary with each individual. Some have abilities in mathematics and science, others have abilities in language or art or music. The abilities we have are our God given abilities. They can be used for His purposes to bring glory to God, but the natural abilities are just that, a part of our nature. The second intrinsic factor, effort, is defined as a vigorous, determined attempt. Effort, to put it simply, is just working hard.
As we look at these factors, the test or challenge, luck, ability and effort, there is only one that we control. Effort. In order to succeed, we must stop trying to change the test, forget depending upon luck, stop complaining that we aren’t smart or strong enough and just start working hard. That is the path to success.
There is one other factor that we should consider and that is God. When we are faced with difficulties, we can draw on God’s power to help us. In the scriptures we read about the life of Paul who faced one challenge after another. With a God given passion to share the gospel, Paul’s efforts led to the salvation of multitudes. Yet He records in his letter to the Corinthians that God spoke to him when he was faced with something that he could not control. God said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a. (ESV) Then in his letter to the Philippians Paul declared, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
There are times when even our best efforts are not enough. But as we seek God’s wisdom, His power and His guidance, and we put forth out best effort, we can trust God for the outcome. Understanding these extrinsic and intrinsic factors can help lead us to success as we work hard and trust God.
Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! Psalm 90:16-17 (NLT)
Philippians 4:13 is my life verse. So often my efforts are not enough, and I remember Paul’s words, and I press on. Knowing that God is with me every step of the way, gives me comfort.
I am measuring my success these days by how much more I know of Him. A good word today!
Yes Carol! As a non traditional student going to college in my 50’s, I agree that my grades and success are because of two things: I have to put a lot of work into it and because God is with me each step of the way.