When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?

Defining “successful” is a tricky thing. It means something different to everyone. Sure there are those who’ll package up an image of health, wealth and fame and then sell it to the masses.

Which is total horseshit.

Okay, maybe not total horseshit but mostly horseshit.

Truth is to reach that particular level of success takes 1. A decision to do it. 2. A relentless desire to never let go of that decision. 3. Persistence. And 4. Talent. Be it natural or nurtured endlessly and applied over and over and over until the potion brings forth the elixir for that life and level.

When you read my book, one totem that stands out is the band KISS. The original foursome embody all that I just used as my definition and formula for determining what success and being successful mean from my perspective. And today this prompt and real world happening brought forth the most influential of that gang back, top of mind:

Ace Frehley

Today, October 16, 2025 marks the end of an era. The Spaceman has left this reality and moved on to the realm I believe we all came from.

Maybe for him it was Jendell.

Wouldn’t that be amazing?

I think so.

Still, on this plane of existence we call “Earth”, he’s left a decades long influence in all of the things that have impacted us all. From music and art to marketing, promotion and showmanship, Ace Frehley is now for now has left us a true legacy of excellence to strive for even when even he himself is noted to not have realized from time to time how big his influence was.

That’s a life lived successfully.

Godspeed, Ace.

Now, Go Play!

Jim 10/16/2025