Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Club for Open-Minded Discussion & Debate

[Adam Bryce Stern]

I 100% agree with you that success is a choice and even luck "might" play a role in it, it has to be a very small role. The ground work must have been laid to countless nights, days, weeks, months or even years of toiling and hard work. So yes, success is a choice and most people don't choose it.

[Kaitlin Bryant]

I don't think so. One can be hard working and still not be successful in life. Hard work is a choice and not success.

I think I agree with this.
For example you can work hard to fix something broken but if it is beyond repair there is nothing you can do to be successful at fixing it.

[Chideraa Ezeanwu]

I feel that success is a choice because even when one experiences setbacks, it is a matter of choice to decide if he or she should keep on striving or just give up. Whatever one does is up to his or her choices.

[Reva Parker]

I agree it's a choice and you have to work determinedly for it, but just because you want something, doesn't mean it will come true. We are not in control of the rest of the world, so we can only aim for our goal, but that doesn't mean it will come true.

[Leonie Vermaak]

I believe nothing comes for free, so when you say success is a choice I agree. If you work hard and are dedicated to what you do, the success will follow.

[Seetha E]

The difference between choosing and riding a try-ridden wish is explained well.
Starting with micro habits, consistency, and accepting what is not in our control play key roles.

When we leave things to luck, it is like giving the leeway to fall off track and lose focus on our goal.

[Kajori Sheryl Paul]

"Luck is a factor for those who claim to have a goal but only go at it half-hearted and half-assed." This actually made me rethink the concept of luck. Next time, I will think twice before wishing someone best of luck.

Also, I now completely believe that success is a choice. We just need to choose it.

[Sushan]

Absolutely, the idea that success is predominantly within our control rather than at the mercy of luck resonates deeply with me. It’s a powerful reminder that committing wholeheartedly to our goals is essential, and half-hearted efforts often mistakenly attribute failures to bad luck. Your analogy of personal responsibility, comparing it to fidelity in a relationship or an alcoholic’s choice to drink, is striking and clarifies that excuses often mask a lack of true commitment.

I also appreciate how you pointed out that claiming to 'try' can sometimes be a form of self-deception. It’s a wake-up call to take full ownership of our actions and their outcomes. The notion that many of us may be comforted by the illusion of powerlessness, much like addicts, is a profound insight, urging us to confront the reality of our choices.

Your perspective that acknowledging and exercising our ability to choose success can be met with cognitive dissonance is an important one, highlighting the internal struggle many face in accepting their role in their own success or failure.

Thank you for emphasizing that success is about making deliberate choices and fully committing to them. Your post is a valuable reminder to be honest with ourselves, set clear goals, and actively choose the path to success. It’s a much-needed nudge to reevaluate how we define and pursue our objectives.

[Jenna Padayachee]

I agree with you.

I look at my past and realize that great things have materialized from it and also some things I don't like.

We are all handed different cards. I see my cards clearly now. They were a bit hazy before because I was sucked in by the card games around me and the hell load of obscuring emotions I did not have tools in terms of processing, It was great to a point because I learned some skills.

Gosh, I like how you play your cards and that you transparently share your gameplay.

We live, we get hurt and we will eventually perish on this earth. How we spend our time on our game strategy is truly up to us. How we play our cards is truly up to us.

Being in this mentoring program challenges me. One thing I noticed is how much of time I wasted on things that did not support my path, liberation, and happiness.

My success is based on this. I see what my goals are and I am choosing my gameplay. It is not easy to make the transition. Sometimes my buddy ego screams and flips out asking me "What the hell are you doing!? ", my body aches, and my eyes say go to sleep, yet I smile and do what I am doing because my soul feels so very alive ( my body strengthens underneath the growing pains and so does my mind), and I see the menu and I am selecting and paving the way with everything I am learning day by day.

I choose my success and I choose how best I respond, react, and create in my 24 hours ( my gift, my canvas).

Thank you

[Jacy Covers]

I agree with you about success being a choice. One has to choose to be successful in order to attain success in life.

[Mayuri Kotalawala]

I agree that success is a choice. If only we put the effort into making that choice come true instead of making excuses and trying, the world would progress better and faster.

[mrlefty0706]

In my business career success was not an option it was my goal with everything I did. Coming close was not acceptable. Exceeding my best was the only goal.

[Puckett Elizabeth Marie]

Success is a choice in some aspect but I think it should be hard work. With hard work you can achieve anything you have in mind which will definitely lead to success.

[Malachi Chukwuebuka Nelson]

Success is definitely a choice. A lot of people say that most intelligent people especially doctors cannot become an outstanding rich person in the world today. I'm speaking based on experience I think success comes with passion going into that field should be with passion. I personal love being a doctor despite nothing reaching the level some people wants me to I do my work with passion and I am successful with it.

[Rëâl Dūdé]

Success is a choice. It is attained by intentionality in the premise of discipline