Honest Achievement

“Achievement is not always success, while reputed failure often is. It is honest endeavor, persistent effort to do the best possible under any and all circumstances.” - Orison Swett Marden

A few years ago a major American baseball record (home runs in one season) was surpassed. There was tremendous angst over the method or possible method in which it was achieved.

World hunger and society worried about a baseball record.

There were claims of illegal steroid use and other performance enhancement drugs. What followed were other players being accused and caught up in these methods of artificially enhancing their performance on the field.

In our society, everyone wants to see new and bigger records get set. The pressure to achieve lofty goals can result in less than honest achievement.

Society tends to forget who came in second place.

At the same time, society also wants to see achievement but achievement with some strict written and unwritten rules. Those rules state you better achieve with legal means. And you had better do it honestly or people will cast a shadow of doubt or shame upon the accomplishment.

Time and history will settle the score regarding these achievements.

For the individual, each will have to live with his/her own honesty in how achievement was gained. For some, conscience does not have the same 'equalizing' effect upon them as it does other people.

True achievement means to always be honest in the pursuit.

Achieve your goals in life honorably not only for yourself but for those that support you. The reward will be greater in the books of time.

Stay inspired my friends.