How Do We Define Success?
Success.
It’s an interesting word isn’t it? There are several interpretations of the word success. We hear it all around us. The thoughts we most often think of revolve around an attained status, position or title, an amount of money, or number of championship rings. Success is not only debated in the sports world but also school, religion, and politics.
My buddy brought this topic to my attention and thought it could be touched on - lets dive in!
success: the accomplishment of an aim or purpose
I love the definition of success because it’s simple. That and it includes one of my favorite words - purpose.
What do you think about when you hear the word purpose? Some of you may think your calling. Others may define it as the specific tasks you complete everyday for work. Do you ask yourself? What is my life’s purpose?
Before we dive in that deep lets take a trip down memory lane. Remember when you were young and the simplest things you completed were deemed successful? For example - when you found a penny heads up on the sidewalk. Maybe it’s when you counted to 100 for the first time. What about when you completed your chores around the house on Saturday without having to be asked? For me? It was 100% finding the hidden stash of chocolate chip ice cream in the bottom of the freezer (hidden under frozen vegetables, of course).
As we transition into adulthood we are often met with family, societal, and corporate measurements for success. This can be identified in a variety of ways - a degree, a job title, a bonus, marriage, number of meetings set, or how many phone calls you made. The simplicity of success when we’re young is replaced with the complexity of it when we grow old.
My question is - why?
Life undoubtedly throws us plenty of curveballs as we grow. Things have always changed, are changing, and will continue to change as we move forward. Responsibilities are heightened and we need to provide for our families. We are all living unique lives, under different circumstances, and have various takes on what we identify as important.
The fact we are all living unique lives won’t change. I believe that success means something different to all of us. What I want to focus on is the roots.
In general I think we all understand that success isn’t, or shouldn’t be, identified by the statuses that are pressed on us by society. It’s measurable that way. What isn’t measurable is happiness. We feel it. We feel happy when we’re at the dinner table with our family. We are happy when our kids apply everyday skills and values that were taught to them. We are full of energy when we’re lost in our hobbies because we are fully present and just enjoying the time spent. Wouldn’t you deem that successful?
Success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. When we enjoy life, do the things we love, teach values, and serve our gift to others we are literally living success. It isn’t measurable. Again - you can’t measure happiness. You feel it.
Which brings me back to purpose. There are a variety of definitions and questions around our purpose in life. Through various thoughts, reflections, and readings I always arrive at the same thing - I think our life’s purpose is to utilize our full gift (ourselves) to serve others. It’s that simple, just like the definition of success.
Examples? A music teacher may be your job, but you deeply love music - you can feel it in your heart, the tones, the variables, and you express that love by teaching (serving) it to others. You may be a nurse by definition, but what you love to do is have heartfelt conversations with people and feel the connection of what a family, love, and support provides.
Is this oversimplified? Perhaps. Here’s my two cents - life is simple. I’ve really made an attempt to embrace that and the older I get the more clear it becomes. We are born (which itself is a miracle), we live, and we pass. In between it all is an infinite number of experiences. We have to make the most of it. I’ve been on such a Live On Purpose kick because once I started to do so - I felt so alive.
To me that’s successful. I’m being myself, doing things I thoroughly enjoy, and staying as present as humanly possible. It’s made me happy and I believe my work is purposeful. I’m doing my best to live through that.
We ALL have that opportunity my friends! Success is not in front of you, at the next company, or within your next raise. It is you. It is living, loving, and enjoying life on your own terms.
I’d love to hear from you guys! I’ve really enjoyed the conversations through messages and emails. If you haven’t yet be sure to subscribe. You can connect with me on the social platforms below and reach out anytime at theitsjustjakeblog@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
How do you define success?