“The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.”—Zig Ziglar
In the words of Tina Turner, “What’s love got to do with it?” What? Well, when it comes to true and lasting success—everything.
Love is listed as the first of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). Love is a deep, sincere benevolence toward another. It is a disposition to do good. It requires a desire to do no intentional harm (i.e., “love your enemy”). Love is purposeful attitude and desire to treat others as we desire to be treated (i.e., the “golden rule”).
Success requires an attitude of goodwill and selflessness. This does not, however, allow others to walk all over us. It is quite obvious, of course, that one cannot be successful and be controlled or manipulated by another.
The love to which Zig Ziglar refers as a “foundation stone” begs to question “if there is an imaginative, subversive, brilliant, creative path” (Rob Bell) to resolving conflict. Stephen Covey referred to this as seeking a “win-win”. True success—balanced success—leaves (most) everyone happy.
“To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever.”—Henry Drummond