We asked Dr. Jan McBarron five questions on how she views success. See what she says has been the guide to her journey towards success within her career and her personal life as well.
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How have you achieved success?
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines success as:
A: degree or measure of succeeding
B: favorable or desired outcome
For Dr. Jan McBarron, also known as “Doc” says that success is not a composite term for your life. You are not a success or failure. Each day, you should strive to achieve something that can provide a feeling of accomplishment, satisfaction and productivity by days end. Success is a goal. You would not attempt to drive across the country without a map first, you can not achieve success without a goal/destination and a plan/map to get you there.
What obstacles have you overcome in the process?
Keeping with the idea that success is a destination and we travel down the road to get there, there will be obstacles including heavy traffic, potholes maybe even road closings. These are better viewed as challenges rather than obstacles. Most successful people expect these and are flexible enough to navigate around them and continue down the road. They are excellent problem solvers and stay focused on their destination.
For Dr. Jan McBarron, education was always a priority. Her friends would tease her that she has more letters after her name than in her name. Pursuing a graduate degree and double doctorate, a Medical Doctorate followed by a Naturopathic Doctorate was a long journey for her. No one in her family chose to go beyond high school. Doc had to support herself financially and considered herself fortunate to work the night shift to go to school during the day. As with any goal, there were multiple obstacles. Sometimes it may have seemed insurmountable but one step at a time, one day at a time she got there. We all face obstacles and challenges but it’s how we respond not react that defines us.
What drives you to succeed?
The ability to look ahead and stay focused on the goal or prize leads to victory. Keeping your eye on the “big picture” and not getting distracted by the minutia is important. You must be willing to lose a few battles to win the war. It’s understanding the difference between reputation and integrity. Dr. Jan McBarron says that reputation is what others think of you, integrity is what you think of yourself. Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
How has your definition of success changed over the years?
It is important to have balance. Sometimes people can be successful in work but fail in their personal life. It is well known that Steve Job, founder of Apple was financially successful through his work. However, he was divorced, estranged from his daughter and allegedly extremely difficult to work for. For Dr. Jan McBarron, success is not one dimensional. It remains important to be successful in work, personal relationships, mentally, spiritually and physically.
What has success meant to you?
Success means inner peace, sleeping soundly and waking up happy to start a new day. It is about kindness, mentoring youth, and continuing to be challenged and learn. Life is temporary, enjoy it. It’s not a dress rehearsal. Someday it will be over. For Dr. Jan McBarron, it’s about how she lives each day and tries hard to not waste it or take it for granted.