The definition of “success” is a vast and subjective term that holds different meanings to different people. It can mean attaining financial wealth, a position of authority, awards, or experience. It is usually connected to a goal that an individual has set for themselves. Success is often considered an end point or end game where a person may not think of themselves as successful until that one specific goal is met. Humans often compare themselves to one another, and sometimes we tend to base our success on comparisons with those around us.
The definition of success itself is limitless and often changing. Initially, success could be connected to how much money we earn or the way in which society prioritizes wealth above all else as the grand prize. We start learning these lessons early in school as we strive to earn a “A” on quizzes and tests, and the way we feel if we don’t hit the mark. After we graduate college, securing that job with the big brand company everyone wants, or getting a high salary with benefits, or moving to that great location everyone is envious of, the need to move onward and upward for personal gain is omnipresent. While some of those aspirations are admirable, the downside is that we can lose our sense of direction and self-awareness as we strive for more. We become driven by money and material things that continually feed our egos. We become occupied with the ideas and notions of quick wins or lottery size returns, and in so doing, are willing sacrifice our physical, mental, or emotional health. We even risk the possibility of ruining current relationships if they are distracting to the end game. In general, we’ve been taught that choosing practicality over passion is the only way to be successful in life. While it’s not entirely wrong to perceive success in that way, it’s also important to have our own definition of success that has nothing to do with societal expectations or norms.
Success can also be defined as a quality-of-life factor, which is different for each of us. The saying ”Quality over quantity” can be mantra by which to live a long and healthy life. The value of the things we have should weigh more than its volume, and the people in our lives should matter more than financial gains. Furthermore, the foundation of success should always be aligned with our true identity. Our attitude in life should be established with pure intentions. Our behavior should be in line with kindness more than power. Our mindset should gravitate toward the positive over the negative. Sometimes, a positive attitude is all that is needed.
When observing successful people, we always see a pattern of discipline. They have established healthy habits that embody who they are. They commit to these habits given that they have helped them in reaching their personal definition of success in the past. Putting that into perspective means putting it into practice. In order to recognize the true meaning and value of success, these are some of the habits that we should be building.
Reflecting on ourselves
With a strong sense of self-awareness, we should be able to stay true to who we are and not allow others to define us. Taking the time to understand how we behave and act throughout each day is essential to aligning ourselves with our goals and intentions.
We see evidence of these traits through the people that have inspired us to do and be better. Great mentors demonstrate that constantly reevaluating how they share their knowledge and positive outlook provides greater emphasis on the value of their words and lessons on those around them. Excellent leaders display their ability to encourage other people and understand that leading effectively can only be achieved if they know how to connect and empathize with others in the pursuit of commons goals and objectives. Leading by example is also a requirement.
Being mindful of our actions
Reflection should be accompanied by application. Once we have recognized our strengths and shortcomings, we should be able to work on the areas to make positive change. Wanting to improve is the same as taking accountability. Individuals should always strive to be better, but be careful of the pitfalls of chasing perfection; it rarely if ever exists. Finding ways to do things differently or better is the path to permanent self-improvement.
Being mindful of our actions also means practicing self-awareness. Taking a few minutes each day to meditate is a great way to train the mind and body. It allows us to reset or destress and gain mental clarity. While meditating, we may even come across a few realizations that we may wish to focus on as areas for improvement. Having a strong and healthy mind is key to leading oneself and others through high stress or crisis situations, and let’s face it, that’s called life.
Being open to different perspectives
The world is full of different people with different perspectives, personalities, and attitudes. Right and wrong are often connected to a person’s culture or religion. It is also in alignment with their ethics and principles as an individual. It is therefore natural that other people may not agree with a certain lifestyle or set of ideals Accepting this truth is necessary because it allows us to be open to what other people have to say. When we understand where they are coming from, we are better able to accept diversity in thought and spirit.
There’s no “correct” way of living necessarily, but there is a moral way of living. Continually learning, being accountable, and knowing how to work with weaknesses are the recipe to success. It is when we are able to listen to ourselves and others that we become truly enlightened.
Practicing love and compassion
Both love and compassion can inspire us to extend the same to others. It is a normal human characteristic, but it still takes us by surprise when we witness it. Small acts of kindness can always make someone’s day as we don’t really know whether a person is going through a difficult time. This gives us to be more accepting of others; even if we don’t agree with their actions or point of view at times. Love and compassion also allows us to be the best version of ourselves and achieve greater impact on those around us and strengthen friendships and build life-long relationships.
Those who are rude and arrogant can easily coerce others into their negative mindset, and some choose to capitulate to those displaying arrogance or intimidation. A true and successful leader is someone who understand the importance of love and compassion in their daily personal and professional lives.
Furthermore, love and compassion does not only extend to humans, but also to mother nature. We are in such a fast-paced digital world that we often forget what it’s like to appreciate mother nature and all of our beautiful earthly surroundings. Let’s all take time to “smell the roses” and put things in perspective as to how small we really are in the scheme of things. – Michael Canzian