Real Stories, Real Success:
Discovering the Difference Between Success and Significance

Debra Wood first became aware of the John Maxwell Team in a conversation with Missy Washam, a Program Coordinator whom she knows personally.  She thought she didn’t have enough spare time to devote to the Team at that point, but, as she says, “The Lord kept tapping me on the shoulder.”

At Missy’s urging, Debra subscribed to Minute with Maxwell, and she was amazed at how it felt as if John was speaking directly to her.

Debra continued with Minute with Maxwell alone for a whole year, despite the Lord’s many taps on the shoulder and the many excuses she admits she made.

Finally, she decided to approach her husband about her desire to join the John Maxwell Team.  She was certain he would think she was crazy.  When she told him, though, his instant response was, “I think you’d be really good at that!”

With her last excuse gone, she called Missy and joined the Team the very next day.

Debra’s favorite thing about being on the JMT is the opportunity to add value to people, particularly her family.  It’s not uncommon for her 21-year-old daughter to point out, “I just got Maxwelled by Mom.”

The biggest lesson Debra has learned in her time with the John Maxwell Team is the difference between success and significance.

In an in-depth discussion during a mastermind study, she and her group determined that significance comes long after success.  As she thought it over later that night, she knew that she had had success in her business selling promotional items, but she couldn’t determine where significance came in for her.

That very same week, Debra and her husband had stopped at a local family’s home to pick something up.  As she waited, a conversation started up with two little girls there, a four-year-old and a fifth grader.

Debra asked the younger girl what she had been doing in school, and she listed off many things she was learning, including letters and colors.  She shared that she had learned a fun song called “Victor the Vulture.”

This statement stopped Debra in her tracks.  You see, Debra had started her career as a Kindergarten teacher and then went on to spend 20 years developing curriculum along with books and music for three- to five-year-olds.  “Victor the Vulture” was one of the songs she had helped write over 20 years ago!

As both girls sang her the song she knew so well, Debra’s heart was overflowing.  It was in this moment that she understood her significance.  It was a feeling like none other she had ever experienced.

Without the learning she had experienced in her time on the John Maxwell Team, she is certain this moment would have passed her by as a mere coincidence, rather than a shining example of her significance and influence  in the lives of others.