Don't Define Success by Riches
What does success mean to you?
Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve talked about purpose and significance. So, let’s say you do discover your "life purpose." How will you know you’ve achieved it—by how much money you make? By the status symbols you’ve acquired or a particular title you’ve earned?
Really, how will you know when you’ve achieved “success” in your lifetime?
Our culture tends to define success in terms of wealth, possessions, and power. We’re bombarded by “get rich quick” schemes and star glamour. Forget the fact that some of history’s most miserable people have amassed great fortunes; WEALTH is easily the most common barometer of success.
Don’t believe it. Money does not buy happiness.
Consider the following quote first penned in the Lincoln Sentinel on November 30, 1905 by Bessie Stanley:
“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction.”
Rather than basing your definition of success on monetary wealth, consider a more comprehensive definition, including how you applied your gifts to the betterment of others, the quality of your relationships with others, and the strength of your character. If you focus on these elements, rather than on wealth, power, and possessions, you’ll be much more likely to fulfill your life purpose and feel a genuine sense of satisfaction and success.
Whom do you consider to be the most successful people and why? Looking ahead, how will you define success in your life? Share this blog with the young adults in your life and ask them these questions; they make for great conversations! Then comment below and share your experiences and ideas with our online community; we'd love to hear from you!
Tagged as: What I Wish I Knew at 18, life skills, leadership, significance, life purpose, success, money, relationships, goals, priorities
This is so profound! As an Executive coach I conduct career , change and performance focused sessions with individuals and since we do this through goal setting and actioning; I am intrigued by the fact that I should not only be measuring achievement by the tangible quantifiable measures but also IMPACT.
Reply by Dennis Trittin - 10/15/2012 8:01:31 PM
Well said! Couldn't agree more. In the end, our life is about our impact on the world and others.