Success Isn’t a Solo Act

Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.

— George S. Patton

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word success?

For me, it’s the people around me. My wife, my friends, my family. I’m fortunate to have people who help keep life in perspective when I’m overwhelmed. That’s the thing—success isn’t a solo act. I’m not making it on my own.

Lately, I’ve been feeling stretched thin. Between work, planning for the future, and the daily grind, I’ve felt overwhelmed. I’m currently going back to school to earn a degree in Christian ministries, with a minor in discipleship and counseling. I truly believe it will change my life for the better, but it hasn’t come easy.

Just registering has been an uphill battle—paperwork, delays, and transcript issues from multiple schools. More than once I’ve thought, maybe this isn’t meant to be. The obstacles made me doubt my path. Doubt myself.

On top of that, I’m preparing for a missions trip to Africa. I’ve served in Cambodia before and was blessed with strong support from friends and family. This time, I planned to fund the trip myself through income from a second job. But every time I save up, life hits. Car trouble, unexpected bills—setbacks that drain what I’ve built. I finally set up a GoFundMe, hoping to give people a way to help without pressure.

With everything going on—home, work, church—it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking success is just about output. About doing. So when I struggle, I start to feel like I’m failing.

But a recent conversation with a friend helped shift my perspective. He reminded me that the hard path shapes you. That it’s okay to step back and ask: Am I doing this for the right reasons? Am I giving it my full effort?

The struggle isn’t just part of the story—it validates the story.

I’ve thought about quitting before I’ve even started. But my family won’t let me. They keep encouraging me forward. And then, a friend told me I’ve inspired him.

That stopped me in my tracks.

It reminded me that the fight is worth it. That even if success doesn’t come overnight, the journey matters. So I’ll keep going. I’ll keep bouncing back.

And maybe that’s what real success looks like.