How do you measure yourr success?
There is a word that often confuses us: success.
Success is something society teaches us to measure in specific ways. We often look at our bank accounts, considering how much money we have. Promotions at work are another way we gauge success. A new car, like a Tesla parked in the driveway, can signal achievement to many.
We also measure success through visibility in our social circles. The number of likes we get on Facebook or Instagram can seem important. LinkedIn profile visits feel like another badge of honor. These external indicators dominate our view of what it means to be successful.
They allow us to present ourselves proudly to others. We show off our achievements: "Look at what I have done." We might boast about a significant increase in our portfolio or a freshly renovated living space.
Pursuing this kind of success often comes at a cost. It might require long hours at work, careful planning, strict budgeting, and even lead to serious stress. It’s a demanding path that not everyone can follow.
Sometimes, this traditional view of success is not for everyone. Personally, I find myself falling behind these external measures. I consider myself more old-fashioned and slower in my approach. I often struggle with anxiety about meeting financial obligations, like my VAT accounts. My worries may never end, and I doubt whether I will be able to meet my next payment.
However, for me, true success is defined differently. True success means experiencing peace of mind. It’s the ability to relax while sitting on a bench and gazing out over the ocean. It means enjoying moments without feeling pressured to achieve something.
I find success in crafting a thoughtful piece of writing. I feel rich when I see my children sleeping soundly and feeling safe at night. Diving into a creative project and seeing where it leads brings me joy.
It’s about trusting that everything will turn out fine, including my financial matters. Success for me means having sufficient time to make a small difference in someone else's life.
That simple feeling of satisfaction is my standard for success. Everything else can wait.
It’s crucial to recognize that success varies from person to person. One form of success isn't better than another. We should not all aspire to live by the same standards.
Take a moment to reflect on your own definition of success.
How do you measure your success?
Think about what success means to you personally, not based on others' achievements or standards. Focus on your own criteria for success.
Spend some time considering these questions.
This introspection may lead you to a new and fulfilling path.