For the final newsletter in this series, let’s talk about Dolly Parton’s thoughts on Success. Success is one of those words everyone thinks about differently. It might mean meeting a financial goal, earning that promotion, building a business or supporting your family. community. For me, I am convinced that success is not only based on achievement but has to include purpose, courage, integrity, and gratitude.
“Being a star just means that you just find your own special place, and that you shine where you are.”
Success starts with discovering where your talents, values, and experiences can create the most value. All of us view success differently and the goal is not to become the standout in the room. Instead, it is to bring your best light to the place where you are. To me true success requires more than just ambition. To be successful we must take action and be consistent. We must practice our skill, make the call, learn from the mistake and continue to show up even when it’s hard. Persistence is what will carry us through!
“Above everything else I’ve done, I’ve always said I’ve had more guts than I’ve got talent.”
How many times have you waited until you are completely ready? Truly courageous people begin while they are still learning. You need not be afraid of asking questions, taking the project, and sharing your ideas. You still need to be prepared but true courage will come through your actions!
“I’ve always tried to never step on anybody to get where I am. I’ve had to walk around a few people, jump over a few of ’em now and then, but I think you’re a true success when you’ve seen your dreams come true and you can take pride in how you did it, and take pride in and respect and appreciate the people that helped you get there.”
What good is having the achievement if you don’t have integrity? Meeting the goals with your team will be unfulfilled if we don’t share the credit, keep our promises, develop our people and told the truth. We want our team to be healthier when we are done with the project and that our character is what is left to celebrate! True success is rarely a solo act and instead the appreciation of our team is not just a gesture but instead a recognition of progress. Strong leaders make gratitude visible by naming contributions, celebrating shared wins, and helping others see their role in the big picture.
“You always want your people to be proud of what you have accomplished.”
I love how Dolly used the phrase “your people”. Your people can mean family, teammates, mentors, clients, or even your community. Their pride in your accomplishments won’t come only from the final outcome but from the way you built it. Success can become truly meaningful when it reflects our values. It’s not only about the final success but instead about doing the work, thanking those around you and being your true self while achieving the success.
Success is a continual practice of finding your place, showing up consistently, acting courageously, treating people well, and using what we achieve to lift others. We cannot control when or how the recognition will come but we can control our effort and integrity in getting there. Taking pride in our work will help us build success that we can truly celebrate!
