Spiritual Steps on the Road to Success
by Linda Seger
Reviewed by Holly Hood GrassoI am a huge fan of the self-help genre. I have turned to self-help books when I wanted to heal from trauma, to let go of guilt, to be more nurturing of myself, and to be a better parent.
Recently, I have been reading self-help books to find inspiration to accomplish more professionally. This started when I realized that my professional life has been running for years on the momentum created by a single decision that I made during a time when I was struggling to survive. That insight led me to another realization –
I want to be using my talents to become the best version of myself possible. So I read through tomes by famous actors, businessmen, and motivational speakers; and I was consistently reminded that I’m smart, talented, strong, and capable; and that I have nothing to lose in trying. All of these books inspired me while I was reading them, but they fell short of helping me to actually enact changes. In reading Spiritual Steps on the Road to Success, I finally understood why. This book by Linda Seger made it clear to me that it’s not enough to know that I could accomplish more. In fact, I knew that without ever reading a single self-help book. What Seger made clear to me for the first time is that, from a spiritual standpoint, I must accomplish more.
That is the concept that sets Spiritual Steps on the Road to Success apart. This book forced me to consider, from a different angle entirely, the question of living my life to my highest potential. It challenged me to consider not just “how to,” but also why I must proceed. Seger reminded me that I am not here for my own fulfillment only (although that is also important). She explains the absolute necessity of keeping the Spirit involved in every professional decision. She reminded me that every business decision is absolutely part of my contract with the Creator and that the ways in which I have chosen to conduct business in the past have implications that are not just occupational but also spiritual. This book gave me a context for assessing my past behaviors. It led me to consider whether perhaps I was not flourishing professionally because I had not been doing business according to my own moral compass as well as I might have. Spiritual Steps on the Road to Success also reminded me that each day is a new opportunity to learn from those self-assessments and to grow more closely in-line with my true calling.
Coincidently, as I was reading this book, I had a conflict with my boss. As a result of the new perspective I had gained from Seger’s book, I recognized that I had initially handled my interaction with my boss poorly – not just as a businesswoman, but also as a spiritual person. Had I not been reading Spiritual Steps, I may have done even more harm to my working relationship. However, I made adjustments to my perspective, in keeping with Seger’s guidance, and I was able to positively modify my responses and improve the situation significantly.
Friends often say “by their fruit, you shall know them,” but in the corporate world, it can be hard at times to show yourself as having a good moral compass while also achieving your goals. Spiritual Steps on the Road to Success shows how we can incorporate our Quaker testimonies into our behaviors in the workplace, even under the most difficult of circumstances. This book offers a unique perspective that brings life to the idea that success is not a destination, but a journey. Our growth towards success is never-ending, and ultimately, when it is done with the Spirit in mind, it brings us all closer to the glory of God with each step. ~~~
Holly Hood Grasso is a member of Orlando Friends Meeting (SEYM) and attendee of Colorado Springs Friend meeting. She is an avid reader and self-proclaimed lifelong student. She has three children and currently works in banking and finance.