Developing Character and Being a Good Human Being is As Important As Medals, Money, and Fame…

Success is often measured by the wrong things.

Money. Status. Job titles. The size of your house or the car parked outside it.

But the longer you live and the more experiences you collect, the more you realise that success is quieter than that. It shows up in character, resilience and the way you treat people. RESPECT.

I say that, because, in the past in certain quarters in snooker, I have been treated terribly, but, that is a reflection on them, not me. And as I have said previously, some of them will decay and rot in their own self-destruction and they will get the KARMA from God and the Universe over time.

Here are a few signs you might actually be more successful than you think.

1. You Keep Going After Setbacks

Life rarely runs in a straight line. There are losses, disappointments and moments where things don’t work out the way you hoped.

Six years ago in 2020/21, I was lying in bed in agony after a bike accident. My right arm and shoulder were effectively paralysed. I could not move it. At one point I genuinely wondered whether I would ever move it properly ever again.

It was one of a few darker moments I have had in the last five years, at one point I was rock bottom and wanting to slit my wrists, and so I have a lot to pat myself on the back with for coming through it all.

Thankfully movement returned over time, although not fully – due to another setback of having a rare bone condition called Heterotropic Ossification in the head of Humerus around where the breakages were. This is extra bone formation both in the bone and around in the soft tissues i.e. muscles. But in that dark moment the fear was real — that things might never be the same again.

Experiences like that change your perspective. They remind you that simply getting back up and continuing with life is its own kind of victory. It took a while, but it was dark for a while as well.

That’s why I view life far differently today. If I don’t get a result on the snooker – I know I’ve come over far worse things than that. And for me, I can hold my head up high because I know what pain and suffering is both physically, and mentally, and it’s far worse than losing a frame or two in a league.

As long as you enjoy your sport and the life – you are one rich person right there.

If you’ve taken knocks but kept moving forward, that’s a powerful form of success.

2. You Understand That Form Is Temporary

Whether it’s sport, work or life itself, everything moves in cycles.

There are periods where everything flows, and others where nothing quite clicks.

People who learn to ride those cycles — without letting the lows define them — develop a quiet resilience.

You can get back up after setbacks and just keep going.

Like not getting results in snooker – they are not losses, they are learning experiences that everyone has to go through.

3. You Keep Showing Up

Sometimes success isn’t dramatic.

It’s simply continuing to turn up. Continuing to practise. Continuing to participate even after setbacks.

Over the past few years I’ve had a few moments where things haven’t gone the way I hoped — both on and off the table. But I’ve still kept turning up to play snooker, write, and pursue things that matter to me.

Consistency builds something deeper than success. It builds character.

I have refused to give up because I have a different kind of wiring – my belief and intuition are my two greatest superpowers.

I am not as trusting as I once was. But, I certainly don’t care how people view me as well.

And some of that has been born out of the last five years of setbacks – and yet – I’m still here and still riding out life and snooker.

4. You Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Outcome

There’s a trap in constantly chasing the next milestone.

“If I just achieve this one thing, then I’ll feel successful.”

But real success often comes from enjoying the process itself — the conversations, the learning, the competition and the small moments along the way.

It’s also enjoying the simple things in life. Seeing your favourite dogs – sharing bacon rolls at the Oxshott Club. These kinds of small events are priceless. Sharing time with family members.

Enjoying cooking curries. And learning new skills – however small.

5. You Value Relationships Over Status

At the end of the day, people remember how you treated them.

If you have a handful of people who respect you, enjoy your company and share your interests, that is a form of wealth many people overlook.

I’ve helped a few people in the past. Some didn’t appreciate it – and that was a lesson right there. Not to give help to people who didn’t value it. Again, that’s on them and not me.

They’ll never get it again.

6. You Can Keep Your Composure Under Pressure

Whether in sport or life, emotional moments happen.

Being able to stay calm, respond thoughtfully and avoid unnecessary conflict is a quiet form of strength.

Someone takes a dig – laugh it off – or in the right moment tell ’em it’s wrong. Or, just be the better person and let the Universe sort them out in one way or the other with KARMA and PAYBACK.

In some respects, I’ve got my revenge on some 100 fold.

7. You Try to Encourage Others

Helping someone else improve, offering a word of encouragement when someone is struggling, or simply showing kindness in competitive environments speaks volumes about character.

It shows you’re not just in it for yourself, but in it for snooker. With characters like that in the game, snooker is the winner.

I’ve done that a few times at the Club. Out of pure kindness and desire to see other people succeed or improve or play well. I love to see all players playing well – as well as myself, of course, and it’s sad when you or me don’t play well – the game suffers.

Simple things like loving brushing and blocking the table. Another simple appreciation of life. Or shining your shoes.

Success isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s also about the positive effect you have on others.

So the moral is help when you can but also help yourself. But don’t do too much, because some will take advantage. As I have found out over the years in snooker.

They’ll never get that era again.

One of my greatest skills now has been to read people – and be neutral in social interactions.

8. You Measure Growth, Not Just Wealth

Personal growth is not just about ££££

But personal growth — the lessons you learn through setbacks, challenges and experiences — stays with you.

In many ways, that growth is the real measure of success.

Because if you’re becoming stronger, wiser and more resilient with each passing year, you’re already building a form of wealth that money can’t buy.

You’re building. Growing. And persevering.

Enjoy life as much as you can and snooker and don’t forget to keep the head down on the shot all the way through.

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