I recently downloaded 136 free episodes from Marianne Williamson's podcast.  Each one has a "thought for the day," along with about five minutes of audio, where she clarifies the thought.

I listened to the first few episodes on Saturday, as I was walking Neo.  As I was trying to figure out what I wanted to blog about today, I hit play on the next episode, and today's episode was called "Living Successfully."

Marianne sites content from A Course in Miracles that says:  "Some of the things you thought were failures were actually successes.  And some of the things you thought were successes were actually failures."

She goes on to say that true "success" is anything that moves you closer to becoming a better human being.

I instantly thought back to my radio days.

In the eyes of the world, I was a "successful" radio host.  I was popular, making decent money, and had lots of influence and power.

However, "worldly success" blinded me to my "spiritual failure."  My ego began to cloud my better judgment.  Worldly success caused me to lose my sense of empathy; it became more challenging to "put myself in the shoes of another."

The trappings of fame and fortune make it easy to put oneself on a pedestal.  Although I felt "entitled" to my worldly success (because of my hard work), it caused me to become a worse human being.

Have a look at the photo below.  It was taken in Las Vegas — at the height of my attachment to the ego.  Just look at my snarky facial expression.



In that sense ... my "success" was actually a failure (as a human being).

Now let's look at my departure from the radio industry: My ego caused me to take actions that created tension with my employer.  We reached an agreement to release me from my contract.

Due to my outspoken ways, I became the black sheep of the radio industry — a risky hire.

In regards to my radio career — that was a failure.

However, in the two years I've been out of the limelight (and temptation) that comes from being on the radio, I've evolved into a pretty remarkable young man.  Not only has respect from others increased — but more importantly — my level of self-respect is where I want it to be.

In addition, my spiritual awareness has been able to blossom at a beautiful pace.  I stay consistently connected to the guidance of the Holy Spirit (as opposed to the ego).  I laugh more often.  I'm a much more gentle person.  My levels of empathy and compassion are where they should be.  My ability to forgive has reached advanced levels.

Overall, I'm a much better human being.

In that regard, my radio career "failure" was actually the catalyst for true "success."  I've been able to express my spiritual ideas without reservation ... impacting the lives of countless readers.  I've been able to shed the decade old attachments to ego, and my "radio persona."

Sometimes "worldly" failures are "human being" successes (in disguise).  In fact, all "failures" have the potential to become "successes."  You just need the proper perspective; this will lead to the proper actions.

Now, if I could only project my Holy Spirit-guided disposition to the masses via radio broadcast — that'd be an interesting thing to watch/experience.  In case you missed my last blog, I wrote a love-letter to my former radio station.  Just click HERE.

I'll keep you posted.

Keep today's blog in mind the next time you experience "success" or "failure."  If your "success" causes you to compromise being a "good human being," it's really a failure (in disguise).

In contrast, if certain "failures" lead to introspection that cause you to become a better human being, then you've really moved towards true "success."

FYI:  For those of you who have been following my most recent 30-Day Boot Camp Challenge, I'm only blogging on Monday - Wednesday - Friday.  I write new chapters for my next book on Tuesday and Thursday.  I like to keep them separate.  If you were following me on Twitter, you'd already know this.  :]