Learning about Success from the Past
I landed in North Yorkshire recently, and will be spending a couple more months in this glorious area. As a result of my fortunate location, my admiration for James Herriot bubbled to the surface, and I joyfully let it flow out of hand; I've been re-reading his novels, exploring the many natural wonders he points out in 'James Herriot's Yorkshire', and even visited his home (now a museum) in Thirsk.
The greatest side effect of my reviving interest in his writings is that I find myself peacefully pondering life, in general. The way he sees the world has always lifted my spirit, and reading his books in my early teenage years has undoubtedly influenced the way I go about in life. Nevertheless, as I re-read them many years later as an adult, different aspects of it touch my soul than before. The more I read from him, the more I come to the peaceful conclusion; his life is what I'd, personally, consider to be a successful one - even before he sold any of his books.
About James Herriot
If you haven't had a chance to encounter him before, you're in for a real treat - allow me to briefly introduce him. James Herriot is the pen-name of James Alfred Wight, a veterinary surgeon who, fresh out of college, landed in North Yorkshire in the 1930s. Many years later, at the age of 50, he grabbed a typewriter and started telling the stories he collected from his life and practice. The result is a series of heart warming, hilarious, and often moving anecdotes, all while painting a picture of the ever-beautiful Yorkshire Dales, and documenting an era long past. Yet, the life lessons are just as valuable - this peek into the joys and hardships of someone in these times can evoke a great deal of wisdom for us in our present lives.
Success for all the right reasons
These days, it seems as though the word 'success' is synonymous with career or financial status. We'd call a rich person successful even if things were falling apart at home - yet it doesn't apply to those with a lower income but a great family life. We don't necessarily take into account other important aspects, such as mental and physical health, friendships, fulfilling hobbies, etc.
James Herriot had it all - and not because he happened to hit multiple of these 'aspects' of success, but because he had the mindset allowing him to see what he had.
Those with a mindset of gratitude don't even need all of these boxes ticked, as they can get lost in focusing on what they already have. 'Surprisingly' often, people who live this way will see the rest come along naturally.
Life Lessons from James Alfred Wight (James Herriot)
A mindset of Wonder and Gratitude
Now, we might wonder, which one was first? The grateful mindset, or a life that caters for one? Based on my readings 'of yore' and my grandparents' stories, I have the feeling that people used to be content with much less, and perhaps even just bothered by less.
We seem to have regressed in both qualities, which may be a result of our over-exposure to other peoples' lives, achievements and desires, leaving us less sure about what we want, and less content with what we currently have. How could we reclaim that general gratitude for the basics? How can we toughen up or calm down, so that we don't lose so much energy on small things that get in our way?!
It has to start with where we are...
I find that the more I turn off media of all kinds, the more I catch myself marvelling at and enjoying my own life. After all, our reality is what goes on around us, and by zooming out and focusing on the 'big events of the world', we might miss out on our own life's most valuable moments. Needless to say, this must have been easier to do in rural England back in the 1930s than it is today.
Lastly, whatever our path and daily struggles, a good sense of humour is quite useful - and it it develops organically when we start observing things with a mindset of wonder...
Enjoying what we do
Do what you love without expectations for the outcome
Harriot's love for his occupation is quite obvious from his stories, but what might also be remarkable - from our career driven societal perspective - is how little he worries or speculates about the future. That has be the path to inner peace and success; turning off our expectations and leaning into the joy of doing what we love.
Would you keep doing what you do if you didn't need the money?
James Alfred Wight kept working as a vet even after his books hit the top charts and had sold millions of copies worldwide. To me, this is a sign of a vocation well found. And it doesn't seem easy to land it, as most of us flow with the opportunities that arise, take what we can and try to make the most of it - but perhaps missing our true calling.
Is our vocation worth the hunt?
Whatever profession you'd like to pursue, it is likely full of people who shouldn't really be doing it (anymore), They just haven't taken the courage to leave and follow their dream.
"You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love" - Jim Carrey
And here's the twist: once you step on your path, thanks to your curiosity and passion, you may well become one of the best in your field.
Family & Friends and their warm presence across our lives
Surrounding ourselves with the right people must be one of the main factors to feeling that success in life - close friends, family, or a good community if you're lucky. I've had the chance to test this by occasionally moving to new countries, and having to 'start over'. I find it quite easy to make friends, but it takes more time and creative energy to establish meaningful relationships and build a community.
At the end of the day, we're all looking for people who lift our heart. Perhaps the best way to start is by becoming one of them...
But how can we do that?
A mindset of wonder and gratitude usually does the trick.
And it starts right here.
For more philosophical pieces, check out the 'Mindful Business' section of my blog.
If you're curious about my work, feel free to read on!