Yes!: From Success to Significance

By Arthur Serunjogi

Yes! is an incredible title to begin with. The message is self-explanatory. The idea behind the book is that when we come to the end of our lives, we shall be saying an emphatic “yes.” This “yes!” summarizes our lives of fulfillment. The book epitomizes the movement from survival, success, and then significance. People are at various stages of their lives, and unfortunately, just a few of them attain a “yes!” for their lives. The author admonishes people to target the life of significance and demonstrates it from his own life story that moved from survival onto success. However, a great lesson was learned by the author: never stop at success but move on to significance, for that is where the “yes!” is found.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 24, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796027099

Book preview

Copyright © 2019 by Arthur Serunjogi.

Library of Congress Control Number:      2019904374

ISBN:                        Hardcover                    978-1-7960-2711-2

                                  Softcover                      978-1-7960-2710-5

                                  eBook                            978-1-7960-2709-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 04/23/2019

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgment

Foreword

Endorsements

Introduction

Chapter 1: A Different Kind of Empty

Chapter 2: Selflessness

Chapter 3: Impact

Chapter 4: Diligence

Chapter 5: Integrity

Chapter 6: Health and Wealth

Chapter 7: Family

Chapter 8: Succession

Epilogue

The person I am today is mainly because of the foundation laid by G. W. S. Kamya and the late Vasta Kamya, my grandfather and grandmother, respectively. You instilled in me the discipline of hard work, which consequently helped me fulfill my vision and extend my influence, thus making me a better person. The Serunjogi family, my wife, Stella, and the children have been a strong support system in my growth. I, therefore, take great pleasure in dedicating this book to these loving people.

Acknowledgment

It would be unfair to say that this book has been a success solely because of my own exertions. It took contributions from various loving people as well. I owe its success to God Almighty for according me the knowledge and wisdom necessary in writing this book, He also granted me good health and peace of mind to bring out the best for this book.

I express my sincere thanks to my consultants in AuthorPad, specifically Rubanga Julius Abunga and Lawrence Namale, for according me their professional expertise and guidance. I appreciate your willingness to work with me on this book and your unwavering cooperation throughout the project.

To my mentor and coach, Julius Lukwago, thank you so much for introducing me to the concept of personal growth, and in doing so, you showed me the path of reaching my potential. This book is a fruit of your efforts.

Special thanks go to my administrator and executive assistant, Vianney Ssebunya, my social media manager and photographer, Isaac Neuwett, and all the first fifty-five participants of my John C. Maxwell Mastermind classes. You have surely been great accountability partners in the writing of this book.

To my dear ones—Stella, my wife, and my children—thank you so much for the encouragement and moral support you gave me. Your presence in my life brings the best out of me. Thank you for being such a wonderful and loving family.

Foreword

Arthur is one of the most amazing leaders I have met. He is as authentic as they come. A down-to-earth individual who has seen his fair share of challenges on his journey to success, Arthur has taught me and many friends around him that life can have great meaning if you care to serve others.

In this book, Arthur tells it all. He shares his adventurous journey from being an unplanned child to be the operations director of a thriving company. There are many lessons to learn about the value of hard work, integrity, diligence, and family but much more from the life story of selfless individuals who have impacted Arthur’s life, like his grandmother.

Arthur also shares his story of emptiness, the kind that one can only feel when all those around them see success. He reminds us of the trap that success brings and why we should never give in to its allure. Jim Carrey once said, I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they [have] ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer. Thankfully, we do not have to go through that. In this book, Arthur helps us see the value in pursuing a life of significance and choose a life worth living, a life driven by legacy and not the meaningless pursuit of labels that mean nothing to us or anyone for that matter because they are simply bolted on and can be stripped away. He implores us to choose a life where the value within is so strong that it cannot be taken away, a life that truly satisfies. And make no mistake—living a significant life doesn’t necessarily mean we should give up success and comfort. You can have both, and Arthur shows us how.

Why would anyone suffer the pain and agony of victory in a war they should never have fought, to win and still feel worse than a loser, to hold a badge of honor for an award that they despise deep within? Arthur calls us to a different drumbeat, to answer life’s most pressing questions with an emphatic yes.

I have seen Arthur say yes to significance. You too can say yes—yes that you were exceedingly fulfilled in your pursuits, yes that you made a difference in the lives of as many people as you possibly could, yes that what you began and the success you achieved will not end with you but that it will be carried on and on for generations to come.

If you have ever desired success so badly, you need to read this book before you pursue those dreams. Here, Arthur guides us to success and beyond, and the key is to know how to lead your life with success as a mere signpost and significance as the destination.

Julius Lukwago

CEO

Solutions Africa Uganda Limited

Certified Independent Speaker, Coach, and Trainer

The John Maxwell Team

Endorsements

I have known Arthur for several years now. He is not only a dear brother, with whom we share the journey of faith; I have also benefited immensely from the service that his business offers. Now I know why Arthur’s business stands out! What makes this book really significant for me is that Arthur writes what he lives. He is authentic! He says it so well: significance is why we are we are!

I commend this book, not only to those for whom the pursuit of success has consumed their lives, but to all who desire to live life to the fullest!

Bishop David Zac Niringiye (PhD)

Senior Fellow,

The Institute of Religion, Faith and Culture in Public Life (INTERFACE)

I cannot begin to describe how now a word this is, the message of significance. I am a passionate purpose practitioner, and every now and then, I come across articles, books, videos, and all manner of content on the subject. This is deep!

Lawrence Namale,

Founder, Life Signatures

It is every ones’ desire to be successful, but what is success if I may ask? Varying answers will be given to this question. The majority of these answers will, of course, involve financial aspect. Many are working hard to ensure they have a lot of wealth, some already have it, but are they satisfied with what they have? Do they feel valued? I guess your answer is as good as mine, but what I am sure of is a majority of wealthy people feel they have not yet reached where they want to be, some are not satisfied with what they have. This is where significance comes in. It is possible to be wealthy and not be significant, the good news is, you can also be wealthy and significant at the same time. You may ask me how? well, the answer to that question is found in this book. Arthur takes you on a step by step journey to achieving significance. I beseech you to read this book. It has challenged me to live a life of significance and so will you after reading it.

Betty Ogiel Rubanga

Certified Independent Speaker, Coach and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team, HR Consultant, and author of Against All Odds: Memoirs of Resilience, Determination, and Luck Amidst Hardship for an African Girl Child in Her Passionate Pursuit for Education

I met Arthur in the summer of 2016 in Orlando, Florida at the John Maxwell Certification event, and we have since met several times. In between, I have attended his exquisite mastermind graduation ceremonies, engaged some of the people he’s been coaching and people that report to him; interactions that have helped me understand Arthur better. If I was asked to use one word to describe Arthur, it would be Authentic. John Maxwell says A leader is one who knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way, and Arthur is one of such leaders. Success comes when you work hard to better yourself, while significance comes when you work hard to better others, and everyone that has worked with, and been coached Arthur attests to the fact he works hard to better others. Yes is therefore not just a thought up motivational storybook, but it’s from a man and leader that knows the way of significance, shows it and walks the way. I pray you not only enjoy reading the book but also make the shift from the pursuit of success to significance".

Fred Gyaviira Kyaka

Associate Consultant - Solutions Africa Ltd

Certified John Maxwell Team Member -Leadership Coach,

Consultant and Trainer

Certified LEAD Trainer - InteGREAT Leadership International

Certified Entrepreneurship Consultant & Trainer - Regent University International network of Business Development Centres

To live your distinct purpose, to value family, to be an excellent & wealthy steward of resources; time, money & relationships. In every way to serve; under leadership & as a leader. To daily, proactively, contribute and add value to the family, your community and yourself. These things carry you beyond success and spring you into significance. We learn how in this beautifully told true story, Yes!

Robert Mutebi

Leader, Chartered Manager, Engineer, Businessman & John Maxwell Team Coach

Like a spring flower, I have watched him blossom. Arthur writes what he lives. He lives intentionally. From success to significance is the story of his life. Years ago, I introduced him to the first John Maxwell book. Now he has written one in the same tradition in addition to his regular seminars. A principled man of action. We could do with more of his type. Many lives will be surely transformed by the stories and principles laid out in this book. A truly great gift to this rudderless generation.

Leonard K. Mutesasira

Executive Chairman

Rapid Advisory

This book espouses the numerous voices and thoughts of numerous successful people suffering under the lack of knowledge of the difference between success and significance. It is a piece of the reality put bare and counselling to many who cannot put pen to paper to express their dilemmas on the subjects of selflessness, yearning to create impact without seeking publicity and the call to diligence and integrity. Emanating from an author of Arthur’s level of introversion is the best thing happening to humanity today. I am a firm believer of a good turn deserving another especially as used in reference to the random actions of humanity as have been articulated by the author. I come from exactly the same background and I have for about two decades been enjoying a lot of privileges from the random acts of compassion that were made to me by strangers at the most critical moments in my life. I unreservedly endorse this life changing story and encourage all people from all walks of life to read and reflect on the ideas it stands for, as an examination of God’s purpose of man on earth. I strongly believe in service for others

James Kintu

Undersecretary for Finance and Administration

Ministry of Local Government, The Government of the Republic of Uganda

Kampala Uganda

This is a must read book for anyone who seeks to influence their generation. Arthur captures the importance of significance over success in a way that will get many thinking about their lives today and the legacy they will leave business. This is indeed a manual for greatness’.

Stirling Wagner Gapara

Stirling Leadership Consults

Introduction

Let me ask you a question. What do you think is the worst feeling about the life you have been leading? I know that is an open-ended question. What if we connect this question to the aspect of the meaning in life? We finally get some perspective. While we are living life and while we are not on the heels of elusive success, there are several feelings that will be generated, at least in the negative sense. For example, you might feel discouraged. That is an occupational hazard of being alive. Life is not all that straightforward. Discouragement though is something that we have learned to overcome. Either we have learned to face it head on and win or we have learned to outwait it. Life moves on, and other exciting things happen, and before you know it, we are back in business, so to speak.

Another feeling that you might encounter while chasing your dreams is the feeling of being overwhelmed. This, at times, is characterized by the fact that you have put in so much for so long, and still, you are not seeing the fruits of your labor. It might feel