Success is a choice.

Discuss the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes.

To post in this forum, you must buy and read the book. After buying the book, please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
Forum rules
This forum is for discussing the book In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All. Anyone can view the forum and read the post, but only people who purchased the book can post in the forum.

If your purchase has not already been verified (i.e. if you don't already have access to post in this forum), then please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
Post Reply
Florence Amimo Osiema
Premium Member
Posts: 5
Joined: April 30th, 2024, 5:46 am

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Florence Amimo Osiema »

When we look at it from an angle, this may be both true or not. Success with the right tools and in the right circumstance is a choice. But in the wrong circumstances, it is not.
Florence Amimo Osiema
Premium Member
Posts: 5
Joined: April 30th, 2024, 5:46 am

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Florence Amimo Osiema »

I think it's more of a fate, but a fate we can choose at that. Some people just never succeed no matter how much they try, and it's not their fault. Some weren't just built for whatever they are facing; for example, a small-bodied person in places that demand a lot of physical strength and body mass.
Beatrice Mwangi 8
Premium Member
Posts: 10
Joined: May 9th, 2024, 8:06 pm

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Beatrice Mwangi 8 »

Very true, but even laziness is a choice but do we know what choices are needed to be successful? Every wants to be successful without either working hard or being patient.
Mercy119
Premium Member
Posts: 8
Joined: May 9th, 2024, 5:16 am

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Mercy119 »

I agree that success is a choice. I've seen the impact in my own life when I've chosen to put in consistent work and unsurprisingly saw fruitful results. Of course, success means different things to different people, but many will use other reasons to justify why some people are stuck at the bottom.
Mercy119
Premium Member
Posts: 8
Joined: May 9th, 2024, 5:16 am

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Mercy119 »

I agree that success is a choice. I've seen the outcome when I've put in consistent effort and seen unsurprising results. Of course success means different things to different people, and I will say that anyone who's stuck at the bottom could get to a certain threshold (mentally, emotionally, financially) if they put in the work. Those who attribute success to luck often think that there's a linear path to success and because they've done "X" and haven't seen "Y" results they will conclude that the successful are just lucky. Meanwhile, the successful go above and beyond and employ contrarian thinking to achieve their goals. As someone who was stuck at the bottom for many years, I'll attest that choosing success uplifted me.
Obiageli Udeh
Premium Member
Posts: 6
Joined: May 10th, 2024, 9:28 pm

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Obiageli Udeh »

The statement "Success is a choice" encapsulates the idea that individuals have agency over their own destinies and can actively influence their outcomes through intentional actions, mindset, and behavior. While external factors and circumstances certainly play a role in one's journey, the choices individuals make—such as setting goals, taking initiative, persisting through challenges, and embracing opportunities—largely determine their trajectory toward success. Success often requires discipline, determination, and resilience in the face of obstacles. It involves making decisions that align with one's aspirations, values, and priorities, even when they require sacrifices or stepping out of one's comfort zone. Embracing a mindset of personal responsibility empowers individuals to take ownership of their actions and outcomes, fostering a sense of control and agency in shaping their lives. By recognizing the power of choice and actively pursuing paths that lead to growth and fulfillment, individuals can unlock their full potential and realize their aspirations.
Jerry Williams 3
Premium Member
Posts: 10
Joined: May 17th, 2024, 6:54 am

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Jerry Williams 3 »

The statement "Success is a choice, but those who don't choose it will often lie, including lying about what their real goal is, including lying to themselves with denial and self-delusion," resonates with me, as it emphasizes the active decision-making involved in achieving success. However, the question of luck's role in success remains. While luck can certainly play a part in certain opportunities or circumstances, ultimately, it's our choices and actions that determine our path to success. Luck may open doors, but it's up to us to walk through them and make the most of the opportunities presented.
Christian Kay
Premium Member
Posts: 12
Joined: May 19th, 2024, 9:57 am
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=539574

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Christian Kay »

This is a powerful and thought-provoking perspective! The idea that success is a choice, and that luck is only a factor for those who aren't fully committed to their goals, is a challenging and inspiring message. It emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for our choices and actions, and not making excuses or blaming external circumstances.

The analogy of the cheating spouse is a great example of how this mindset plays out in real life. When we're not fully committed to our goals, we may define them in ways that allow us to maintain a sense of innocence or victimhood, rather than taking ownership of our choices.

The phrase "To try is to lie" is also a striking insight, suggesting that when we say we're "trying" to achieve something, we're often just making excuses for not fully committing to it.

Overall, this perspective encourages us to be honest with ourselves about our goals and our level of commitment to them. It reminds us that success is within our reach, if we're willing to choose it and put in the effort required to achieve it.
Ambar Gill
Premium Member
Posts: 14
Joined: May 7th, 2024, 12:33 am
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=495758

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Ambar Gill »

I think success is a choice. The greatest part about that is if I say I am successful right now, I am because success means different things to everybody. If my idea of success is to be truly happy in any given moment and I am that way now, then I am successful. I choose to be successful because I refuse to choose to be unhappy. However, I think we define success with outside achievements, there is nothing wrong with that, that can absolutely be your definition of success but I think it's amazing that we can choose to be successful right now. We can change the definition right now and be a success.
Nancy004
Premium Member
Posts: 23
Joined: July 4th, 2023, 7:05 pm
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=488631

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Nancy004 »

Your perspective on success being a matter of choice is interesting and has a lot of truth to it. Mindset, effort, and taking responsibility are definitely key parts of reaching our goals. However, I think it's also important to recognize that life isn't always that straightforward. External factors like socioeconomic status, health issues, or discrimination can create real obstacles that aren’t just a matter of willpower.
User avatar
Surabhi Rani
Premium Member
Posts: 128
Joined: November 3rd, 2022, 3:21 am

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Surabhi Rani »

Success is a choice. For me, it is an integrated thought, willpower, or resolution. Honesty is the keyword. Sincere effort leads to success in whatever we do. A true wish gets fulfilled in one's life. You have vividly explained the concept of success with examples. I find this a positive, extremely optimistic, and encouraging statement. I agree with you. Also, I am feeling transformed at the grassroots level.
Kelvin Suraj
Premium Member
Posts: 16
Joined: February 21st, 2024, 3:21 pm
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=488515

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Kelvin Suraj »

Naturally I don't think this is always true. I think some people are just unlucky. When it comes to education success is definitely a choice. You have to choose a path that can lead you to success.
Onuoha Joy
Premium Member
Posts: 10
Joined: January 12th, 2024, 6:04 pm

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Onuoha Joy »

There’s no excuse that is valid for being a failure. No matter your excuse someone had it far worse and still came out top. So I would agree that success is choice
Edah Chemonges
Premium Member
Posts: 10
Joined: April 28th, 2024, 1:24 pm

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Edah Chemonges »

In "In It Together", page 203, it is emphasized that individuals have full control over their choices and that these choices directly impact their inner peace and spiritual freedom. By making conscious decisions that align with their true self, people can achieve success as they define it. I agree with this only to an extent.
Edah Chemonges
Premium Member
Posts: 10
Joined: April 28th, 2024, 1:24 pm

Re: Success is a choice.

Post by Edah Chemonges »

Edah Chemonges wrote: June 3rd, 2024, 11:34 pm In "In It Together", page 203, it is emphasized that individuals have full control over their choices and that these choices directly impact their inner peace and spiritual freedom. By making conscious decisions that align with their true self, people can achieve success as they define it. I agree with this only to an extent.
To expound on this, there are people who are born in situations where they don't just have that choice. Yet, to someone who all the situation favour them, then indeed it becomes a choice.
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss "In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All" by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes”

Current Philosophy Book of the Month

Zen and the Art of Writing

Zen and the Art of Writing
by Ray Hodgson
September 2024

2025 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Riddle of Alchemy

The Riddle of Alchemy
by Paul Kiritsis
January 2025

They Love You Until You Start Thinking For Yourself

They Love You Until You Start Thinking For Yourself
by Monica Omorodion Swaida
February 2025

2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil...
by Indignus Servus
November 2024

Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Digital Age

Reconceptualizing Mental Illness in the Digital Age
by Elliott B. Martin, Jr.
October 2024

Zen and the Art of Writing

Zen and the Art of Writing
by Ray Hodgson
September 2024

How is God Involved in Evolution?

How is God Involved in Evolution?
by Joe P. Provenzano, Ron D. Morgan, and Dan R. Provenzano
August 2024

Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters

Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters
by Howard Wolk
July 2024

Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side

Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side
by Thomas Richard Spradlin
June 2024

Neither Safe Nor Effective

Neither Safe Nor Effective
by Dr. Colleen Huber
May 2024

Now or Never

Now or Never
by Mary Wasche
April 2024

Meditations

Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius
March 2024

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

The In-Between: Life in the Micro

The In-Between: Life in the Micro
by Christian Espinosa
January 2024

2023 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021