[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fCYFsaVP5_JW4g7WPUDgjzzmx2-BtxeYgHPYuPNQGZc0":3,"$flwCsOqBgAgF4NBpfgZ_4Nwt2BbLj_iL0GHcmSsuf2Qc":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},95673,"Todd M. Fink","T",1,null,"todd-m-fink",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":28},[14],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":27},724311,"Today, we have many ways of defining success in life. Some define it as being a sports hero, others as being wealthy, others as being popular and well liked, and still others as being happy. How does God define success? He defines it as being spiritually mature!",2,true,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22],{"id":23,"tag":24},3525042,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},16609,"discipleship","**The Backstory**\n\nThis quote is attributed to Todd M. Fink, a pastor and author known for his spiritual guidance. While I couldn't pinpoint an exact date or location where this was said, it's likely from one of his sermons or writings in the 1990s-2000s, a period marked by significant personal growth and self-reflection for Fink.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nThe counter-intuitive truth here is that God defines success not as achieving external validation (like being a sports hero, wealthy, popular) but as an internal, spiritual maturity. This challenges the common misconception that success is solely about external achievements rather than inner character development.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nIn today's professional landscape, where career advancement often equates to external measures of success, Fink's quote encourages us to redefine what we consider \"success.\" To apply this mindset, one should focus on cultivating spiritual maturity through introspection, self-awareness, and personal growth, rather than solely pursuing external validation or material possessions. By doing so, we can achieve a sense of fulfillment that transcends mere external achievements.\n\nAs a behavioral psychologist, I'd like to add that this quote resonates with the concept of intrinsic motivation, where individuals find satisfaction in activities that align with their values and principles, rather than just external rewards. By focusing on spiritual maturity, one can develop an internal compass that guides them towards meaningful pursuits, leading to a more fulfilling life.",{"currentPage":8,"totalPages":8,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":29},10]