The Celebration Principle: The true test of relationships is not only how loyal we are when friends fail, but how thrilled we are when they succeed

Average people don't want others to go beyond average

The Question I Must Ask Myself: Do I enjoy & root for the success of my friends?

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT THE CELEBRATION PRINCIPLE

I. The joy of the accomplishment is diminished when no one celebrates with you
○ Anybody can sympathize with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathize with a friend's success" ~ Oscar Wilde
II. Many people identify with failure; fewer people identify with success
○ You may be able to impress people with your successes, but if you want to influence them, share your failures. Everyone has failed so it's a great way to connect.
○ The fact that so many people readily identify with failure makes it hard for them to connect with success. And if they don't identify with success, they may resent it.
III. What hinders people from success often keeps them from celebrating others' success
○ Frequently the very same qualities that prevent people from achieving success - emotional insecurity, a scarcity mindset, petty jealousy, etc - prevent them from celebrating others' successes
○ By constantly comparing yourself to others you'll find yourself wanting/lacking, & as a result you'll have a hard time getting beyond yourself
IV. The people who celebrate with you become lifelong friends

BECOMING A PARTY STARTER

Here are 4 ways to learn to celebrate with others instead of ignoring or undermining them.

1. Realize it's not a competition
i. It's impossible to do anything of real significance on your own & it's very difficult to achieve success without help. Even if you do become successful, you won't enjoy it without friends.
ii. Life is better in a community of people you love & who also love you
iii. Other people have an impact on every aspect of life. Most of the time I choose with my attitude whether that impact is positive or negative
iv. Don't look at your friends, family, & teammates as competition. Be the rare kind of person who is happy when others succeed.

My success can be achieved only with others

My lessons can be learned only from others

My weaknesses can be strengthened only by others

My servanthood can be tested only under others' leadership

My influence can be compounded only through others

My leadership can be focused only on others

My best can be given only to others

My legacy can be left only for others

So I should commit myself to & celebrate with others!

2. Celebrate when others see success
i. Not everyone views success the way you do so look at things from other people's point of view
3. Celebrate successes others don't yet see
4. Celebrate most with those closest to you
i. "A genuine friend encourages & challenges us to live out our best thoughts, honor our purest motives, & achieve our most significant dreams" - Dan Reiland

Image: Success by BalionuFeja