What does success mean to you?
Success (sək-ˈses): Degree or measure of succeeding; favorable or desired outcome
also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence
This dictionary example of success is what a lot of us see as success, and what we all ultimately want to attain. We want to have enough money, we want to start a family, we want a house, we want some (or many luxuries). But most of the goals we have in life involve things.
Living in a consumerist culture, it is understandable why we link our vision of success to things we own. We are a product of the world around us. These things bring us great joy because of the work of the work we put in to getting them, however they are not the only things we should value in life.
Everyone has a different purpose on this earth, and one person's version of success may look very different from your own. Recently, in a video by Lee Davidson of Premium Positivity, he mentioned that even if you get a high-placed position at a company, you may not feel successful even though others may view you as such.
The question is not what others want, but what do you truly want?
In my opinion, the best way to live life is by doing what you want to do. A lot of people find purpose in contributing to a goal higher than themselves. This often involves helping others in some way, and it could also look like being the CEO of a large corporation. Success can be something as small as eating well and taking care of yourself. No goal is too big or too small.
But success to me is linked to having a higher purpose. What do you hope to accomplish and what would you do if money was not in the picture?
Although money and the pursuit of happiness runs a lot of our lives, if we do not take time to slow down and think about what we truly want, we could start to equate money with happiness. I am not saying money will buy you happiness, but it can provide financial stability. To some people this could equal happiness, but the pursuit of a goal that touches upon your core values is most fulfilling.
So think about it. What would you do even if you weren't getting paid? Maybe you enjoy something so much, you get absorbed into it and don't even see the time pass. But you stop yourself from ever thinking you can ever make something bigger out of a hobby. Because, what are the chances, right?
I say do that activity that makes you feel like your most authentic self.
We are always trying to figure out why we are on this earth. We always ask ourselves "Why am I here?" The truth is you get to decide.
This statement could be seen as scary if you feel you have no direction, but it can also be seen as empowering because you have control over your own purpose and you have control over your own life.
So whatever your purpose is, no matter how big or small, remember that it must be true to you. Your success may not look like everyone else's, but if you feel fulfilled and feel that you are doing what is most authentic to you, you are on the right track.