How do you define success? Probably the most loaded question there is. It is a question that we think has been answered for us. We tend to take society’s definition of success. Society puts the rich and famous on a pedestal and says: ‘If you want to be successful then be like them.’ However, this can lead to so much unhappiness and frustration.
We learn so much from society and the standards that they set. The question of how you define success is not one that we should let society define for us. It is up to us to answer for ourselves.
The definition of success can vary greatly from person to person. Anyone you ask will give you a different answer. That is because success is subjective. Success is often defined by where you come from. Every society and culture evaluates success differently. There is no universal definition of success.
There are numerous factors to consider when thinking about success. Probably the one aspect of success that most people would agree on is money. In our society, particularly in America, we define success by who has money. Those who have a lot of it are widely considered to be successful. Those who don’t have a lot of it, are never considered to be a success.
I agree that money should certainly be an aspect of how success is defined. However, it should not be the only aspect of what success looks like. You may not have a ton of money, but you may have a great character and make an impact on the lives of others. Are you not successful because you don’t have lots of money? Success should not be just about money but the life you live and the impact you create on others.
You could have a ton of money and create a ton of impact, but what if you are unhappy? Is that considered success? Success should be more than just money and more than just impact. Success is about being happy and living a life you want to live.
How do you define success? This is a question you must answer for yourself. Everyone has their definition of what success looks like. Don’t worry about them. Focus on what your successful life looks like.
Here is my definition:
I believe that an individual is successful if they live up to or surpass the expectations they have for themselves. We should be focusing on fulfilling our own expectations. Not the expectations set by society or your parents, or friends, or colleagues. You have no control over those expectations. Only you can control the expectations set by yourself.
The other part of my definition of success is happiness. I do not think you are successful if you are unhappy. It doesn’t matter how much money you make or how much influence you have if you hate yourself. You can be adored by many, but if you look into the mirror and don’t like what you see, you are a failure.
If you only make $38,000 a year but love your job, love the people in your life, and most importantly love yourself, that to me is real success. Money is such a small part of the equation. If you have a goal or a purpose for yourself (which you should) and fulfill it, that should be considered a success. Your goal may to work at a gas station and be able to play soccer on Monday and Tuesday nights. If you live that life, than yes you are a success.
You should have high expectations for yourself and want to achieve your greatest potential. But how you define success is ultimately up to you. If you enjoy your life and have real happiness, you can be more successful than millionaires and billionaires.
So how do you define success? By fulfilling your expectations and living a happy life.
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LinkedIn profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mcclure-0594aa17b/
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