If someone asks you, “What is Success in Life?” – What does that mean to you?
For me, the quote below describes it perfectly.
“Success is waking up in the morning and bounding out of bed because there’s something out there that you love to do, that you believe in, that you’re good at – something that’s bigger than you are, and you can hardly wait to get at it again.” – Whit Hobbs
I used to think that success meant making money. So that meant that as long as I was continuing to bring in a good income than that meant I was successful.
What I later came to realize was that I wasn’t happy- and I wasn’t actually living life on my terms or living a life that was fueled by purpose and passion.
Where do our ideas of success come from?
When we are young, are belief systems are shaped and we are programmed to view and interpret the outside world in our own unique ways- what I mean by this is that one person may see a situation a certain way and another person will see the same situation in a totally different way.
Media and other external influences have a direct effect on what we feel success it- what we think it should be. This really is no more than a marketing tactic to encourage consumerism and it has proven to be successful throughout the years, however, I am noticing that as we shift into a higher consciousness it is evident that people are starting to discover, or rather uncover, the veil that shaded them for so long to realize that their lives need to be fuelled by much more purpose and meaning.
“Don’t worry about being successful but work toward being significant and the success will naturally follow.” – Oprah Winfrey
Along the way I have come to realize the following points:
Success is not to be defined by anyone else’s expectations other than your own.
Success does not need to be one huge goal but rather small wins that you continue to achieve along the way- those tiny habits that are practiced consistently pay off into a larger result in the end- and I am still currently in the middle of it!
Success gives feelings of confidence and self-esteem and so, success excellent to strive for and accomplish.
Success comes in many shapes and sizes and the word itself means different things to different people, the top three words that came to mind when I asked other about what success means to them were happiness, goals, and dreams.
It would be interesting to dig a bit deeper into this topic- let me know what else interests you on this topic so that I can address it.
What are your own beliefs about success?
Andrea, thanks for the post. When I started reading your quote from Whit Dobbs, I read the first seven words, “Success is waking up in the mornings…” I laugh because I’m always telling people that success is seeing the green grass and not the roots. It brought a smile to my face.
Success is often described as one’s identity, security and meaning in life, which is often confused with material things. The one with the most toys win. Some might not think I’m successful, however, I think I am. I have friends, a job I absolutely love. For many the world is broken, but for me it’s still a pretty good place to be. I’m satisfied, therefore I believe successful. I’m commenting on this post, just connected with another person within this world – that’s a pretty successful day.
All the best to you Andrea,
Don
You make some very inspirational points that should motivate many. I especially like the point where your honesty shows when you make it clear that you cannot tell someone what success is. It is a discovery one has to make on their own.
Hi Maurice, thanks for your comment! Everyone’s definition of success is so different… what is yours?