I know for myself, that I have often based the idea of my success on what I have achieved in my career or profession. That has been the number one cause of anxiety, stress, and honestly, just not feeling “good enough” at certain points in my life. We are raised in a society where one of the first things somebody asks us is, “What do you do for a living?” as if that somehow defines who we are. What I’ve come to learn and believe for myself is, TRUE success is how you have added value to the lives of others. How have you made somebody else’s life a bit better than it was? How have you loved? How have you shared? How kind have you been? How have you encouraged, supported, and been there for someone? Those are the true determining factors of having lived a successful life. No career or profession is going to give you the daily satisfaction of being at peace if within that profession, you aren’t adding goodness to someones life. If you do something every day that you love and you are somehow serving the world, I believe then you are successful! But not because a degree or a specific job says so, but rather, because YOU simply are. If you leave the world better than you found it, then I believe you truly have achieved success!
So where in your life have you been successful? Are there areas that you can give a bit more? Perhaps changing up the frame in which you picture what success really looks like will leave you more fulfilled at the end of the day.
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Insightful article, thanks.
From the moment of one’s birth, we are instantly labelled…as a son or daughter, brother/sister, African/American/…black/white/brown/yellow as Mark or Susan and so on. We also become children of our parents, who ever they are…rich and famous or otherwise. Birth itself then creates ‘Limitations’ to ones own existence. Each label limits our perception of our selves and as we grow we just get stereo-typecast by society, through varied rolls and responsibilities and preconceived judgements. Unfortunately, these are the parameters that determine our success/failure…so like sheep we all follow such norms and only a few dare to explore beyond their projected potential.
While you have shared your experiential view of defining success by bringing about ‘a positive change to the world’ (para phrased) and that’s beautiful, but what is it that will make more and more people break the pattern to get there?
Each of us must know that we are intrinsically born equal and all have the power to be able to do a lot more than our labelled self. Being black or short or unattractive, or poor do not undermine one’s inert potential. And it is this insight and contemplation that each one of us needs to dwell on, to really make that positive shift amongst each and all of those around us, and the world at large.
Mukesh Gupta
founder http://www.soilofindia.com
Very good!
Thank you!!