Conditions of Success, I

Conditions of Success Letter to a Young Friend BY CLAUDE RICHARDS, OF THE GENERAL BOARD Y. M. M. I. A. Dear Friend Howard: What a glorious thing life is! What a splendid opportunity God has given us for growth and development ! And how eminently fair are a man's chances for success ! We are discussing with you one of the most interesting problems that a young man has to consider — how to make a living. Following our respective letters on The Need of Specializing, Preparation for Specializing, and How to Choose a Vocation, we would like to say something on the subject of Conditions of Success. We are aware that you have not yet selected your life's work, and that consequently you do not know the exact nature of your future calling and the special requirements necessary for efficiency in the line to be selected. Several years of your life may pass before you make a definite choice. This is not unfortunate. For, in addition to the special requirements for your special calling, there are certain- general requirements and conditions demanded by every average pursuit, if the follower of it is to become recognized in his line. It is not to be regretted, then, if the day of your special training is postponed for a while to admit of more extensive general preparation and development. For when your selection is made and your mind turned in the direction of your life's work, you will not then be in as good a position to consider impartially the items of general importance. This is your period of preparation both general and special. Preparation for what? We usually say for the battle of life, and when we do, we mean prepartion to win in the battle of life, and this, of course, is equivalent to success. Now, what does success in life really mean ? Your last letter to us expressed thanks in particular for that part of our suggestive guide relating to service. You said that it had never occurred to you half so clearly before that what a man does for others during his lifetime marks his usefulness in the world and his success in life. And that what he does for himself he should do with the view of increasing his efficiency for rendering service to his fellowman. Illustrative of this big principle of contributing good to the lives of others, we have the careers of the great characters of

CONDITIONS OF SUCCESS 381 the world, the one perfect example being the life of Jesus, who generously pointed out the way to success and bade us follow. Prominent among the many others, he left this great truth : "He that findeth his life shall lose it : and he that loseth his life

• • • shall find it," meaning that, if one is to be successful he must work for the welfare of others, forgetting himself, excepting, of course, for the thorough and extensive training incident to rendering the most competent service to his fellows. This service must be given, and without thought of gain, and then according to our Savior the reward of a life so spent will come automatically. With this definition of success in mind we shall proceed. There can be no extended discussion in this letter of the outline of our absorbing subject. To deal thoroughly with the topics would require an essay for each item. Suffice it, then, for our purpose to say something brief about each part of the subject with reference to it as a requirement or condition of success. I. Appearance (a) Dress (b) Countenance

1. Cheerfulness
2. Disposition (c) Personality Appearance is to be considered first. While some other topics are more important, yet it must be remembered that we are to other persons what we appear to be to them. However different we may be in reality does not serve to accomplish the intended good, if we do not impress ourselves rightly upon them. Of what use are a man's good qualities if he does not apply them ? And how is he to apply them excepting through contact with others ? It is through this contact that we are to work. Appearance then becomes an important thing. Many a man of fine parts and substantial makeup has failed for want of this essential quality. Dress. We all like to see a package well wrapped. No matter how valuable the contents, the parcel is not so likely to receive proper appreciation if its outward appearance is unpleasing. It is this outward appearance of the parcel, and of the man, that gives us our first impression, and our first impression is often the most lasting one. A man's dress should be neat, clean and becoming. Every man should aim to be well dressed, for in the eyes of many there fs a close connection between dress and prosperity. Shakespeare put it: "Apparel oft proclaims the man." Still more important, your dress should be consistent with your circumstances; and in no case should you be conscious of what you are wearing. Countenance. A cheerful countenance is an invaluable companion. It will secure for you many a pleasant hour and win for

382 IMPROVEMENT ERA you many a valued friend. Like invites like. If we give a frown then we can expect one in return. To bring sunshine into our own lives we must scatter cheerfulness among those whom we meet. Cheerfulness. How different things would be if we should all cultivate the splendid, wholesome quality of cheerfulness. Cheerfulness helps us to look on the bright side of things and makes people glad to see us. Cheerfulness leads us on towards optimism, and consistent optimism is a big contributing factor toward happiness and success. Disposition. A cheerful smile is evidence of a good disposition, than which there can be nothing more helpful to our every day welfare and our companionship with others. What is there, among all the requirements of success, that will eliminate more friction in a person's life, and help to make an easier, smoother path to go forward on, than the essential item of an even, agreeable disposition? Personality. Appearance in this outline goes farther than dress and countenance. It includes personality. Personality is that quality in a person that commands attention. It is that attribute which makes a person distinctive and different from all other people. It is the individuality of the man, being the outward expression of his assumed character. Personality is one of the greatest of telling assets and, like most other good qualities, it can and should by all means be cultivated. In choosing our friends and business associates we are always glad to secure him who has a strong and pleasing personality. Wherever you are, or whatever your business may be, suitable dress, a cheerful countenance and a pleasing personality will do much towards securing for you a just reception and an attentive audience. II. Health (a) Sleep (b) Food (c) Cleanliness (d) Exercise (e) Recreation. Closely connected with appearance is health. If a man does not feel well he will not then present a good appearance. Poor health is the enemy of life and efficiency. A man's usefulness is generally lessened to the exent that his health is impaired. "Without health," says one writer, "no one can reach the zenith of his power and influence." A sound body is the first requisite for success and may be considered a man's footing. You have seen men with excellent preparation and equipment, who, just as they were ready to render to the world their most efficient service, or right in the act of rendering it, because of a physical breakdown, have slipped, lost their footing and fallen.