An Unsuccessful Success

I believe that it is entirely possible to be an unsuccessful success.

Let me explain this apparent oxymoron.

I am a fan of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. I have cheered for the Canadiens since I was a kid. (If you’re not a hockey fan, stick with me… my point applies to you too!)

For the last few years, I have lived outside of Toronto – home of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team, arch rivals of the Canadiens. This means that I am surrounded and outnumbered by Leafs fans, who are characterized by their desire to put the Maple Leafs’ logo on anything and everything.

Whenever someone wants to argue with me about which is a better team I tell them one simple thing:

“Count the Cups!”

This is a reference to the highest prize in the National Hockey League, the Stanley Cup. Montreal has won the Stanley Cup 24 times in their history, more than any other hockey team. The Leafs, on the other hand, have only won it 13 times. Furthermore, the Leafs have not won a cup in my lifetime!! Their last win was in 1967 – that’s a 40-year drought! Hardly what I would call successful!

HOWEVER, my definition of “success” assumes that the aim of a hockey team is to prove itself against all competitors, advance through the playoffs and ultimately win the Stanley Cup.

Another reality about hockey today is that it is a busine$$. In that regard, the Leafs are very successful. They have a fan base who’s loyalty borders on rabid obsession. They sell out every home game, make millions in merchandising and broadcast revenues. A 2004 report from Forbes.com ranks the Most Valuable Teams in the NHL. The Leafs rank #2, while the Canadiens rank #8. Hmmm..

Whether you are a hockey fan or not – the lesson should be clear by now:

Before you can decide whether or not something is a “success”, you need to be clear about what your measure of success will be.

How many people do you know that are financially successful, but unsuccessful in their relationships? Spiritually fulfilled, but constantly in debt. How many people have fantastic careers, but unhealthy lifestyles?

Now look at your life. Are you successful in the areas that matter most to you – or are you using your success in some areas to justify or explain your lack of success in others?