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How do you achieve success?

I gotta get away from the message boards.

My idea of success is way different from theirs. For the past 10 days one of the most common arguments is of success in radio. No secret that the "shock jocks" get the high ratings. Mind you most of these people say things on the air I wouldn't want to say in front of my grandchildren. And they have masses of people listening to them that think this is "genius." I look at it as compromising one's values for a little fame. Who's going to care 100 years from now? The ones who made a success of themselves are folks like Struke, who got out of broadcasting to become a teacher of media, and Don Olson, a broadcasting hall of famer, who left the business to devote more time to his family.

Pro sports have those who had to bulk themselves up with performance enhancing substances to get a large payday and some mention in the record books. Some bulked themselves out of the hall of fame. Is this too high a price to pay?

And professional wrestling? I've said enough over the years about how some have died way too soon, or are crippled once their careers are over and the money's gone.

All I need to do is pour my heart out on this keyboard and I get a few people to read it. I don't know everything, never claimed to. All you good folks who visit me on a regular basis are a real surprise. I never expected to have this many people come here repeatedly when I started writing this blog in August, 2006.

Comments

Ms Hen's said…
what a great post.. my friend.
Tim Lones said…
Cliff:
Great thoughts..I've been reading the back and forth among the "radio pros" at those message boards..You'll never convince them of anything..They just think their way is so great..

I will say that not everyone has to compromise their standards to be successful..Case In Point.The Statler Brothers Country Music Group..Just 4 (actually 5) regular guys from Virginia that loved to sing..Took advantage of a great opportunity by the late Johnny Cash and made themselves a 38 year career in the Music Business..

They never moved away from their hometown of Staunton, Virginia to Nashville or LA, as was suggested they do..

They found their own niche singing about life, God and Country and the people took them to their hearts..All the while staying in their hometown being involved in their Local Church and just staying grounded in who they are..
Doesnt happen very often..
Pigeon said…
Your post reminded me of one my pet peves. I get bothered when the athletes are refered to as heros. I think that being a hero has nothing to do with being a professional athlete. Comparatively, I agree with your opinion that success has little to do with fame.
Connie said…
Your view of success all depends on what your priorities are. Sounds to me like you have your priorities lined up the right way, Wixy.
Amel said…
Oh...I didn't know what they talked about on the radio...but I've always loved this quote on success:

"To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded."
Anonymous said…
I don't like the fact that a professional athlete can make a gazillion dollars and the people who are in the field of care giving and teaching make hardly anything. Little problem here.
Cliff said…
Karen, that goes back to one of the comments I posted on Pat's blog this morning: Payday isn't necessairly every Friday.

My mom and older sister spent the majority of their working years as nursing home aides. If there wasn't a union at these places, they would get slightly above minimum wage, while being exposed to all sorts of disease and physical hazards.
Syd said…
I don't listen to the shock jocks. And I'm not a big sports fan, although I guess baseball is a favorite. I do like visiting here. You have a good message.
Ben said…
Honest words from the heart will beat "shock" any day in my book. Good for you!

And speaking of the cheating athletes, I guess the Tribe's old pal Manny is in a bit of a fix right now, isn't he?
struke said…
Cliff...thanks for the mention. I've always felt that if I can look at myself in the mirror and be proud of who I am and what I have done, then I'm ok.
Cliff said…
Ben: That was just "Manny being Manny." Ha, ha!

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