A Varied Definition
Success means something different for everyone. Some define it purely in monetary terms, and choose to literally lead their lives revolving around positioning themselves to be able to attain as much wealth as possible. This comes in the form of determining one’s professional route and that can start from as early on in one’s development as possible. Whether that means choosing what schools one goes to; deciding what one majors in; or deciding what internships and early exposure one decides to have to the professional world in the form of internships and other forms of early employment.
Maturity and the Development of One’s View of Success
With time and professional development, and even the accumulation of some amount of wealth, individuals’ definitions of success and how they relate to it, changes. Although from an early age success is usually viewed through a lens of monetary achievement, that changes with time more often than not. And there’s no doubt that change is in no small part a measure and function of one’s maturity.
We often come across people in professional life that will recount their own development of their definition of success as their professional and career development unfolded. What you’ll often hear and notice is the following pattern that exhibits itself. Namely, early on it was all about the financial windfall. But with time, as family, personal life and fulfillment came into the picture, the perspective changed dramatically.
Success on a Personal Level
Not everything is about money. We often hear this from others and it sounds cliché, no doubt. But there is indisputably truth to the saying. One can choose a career path that sets them on a gold paved road toward abundant amounts of wealth and a healthy and steady annual income that affords them many of the luxuries that life has to offer. But yet have the most miserable time in the process. They may resent their employment; the very source generating that same wealth that they once naively thought would afford them the substantial wealth they once so craved. They might find the prospect of going to work every morning to be a horrid one.
The question deserves to be asked, for that reason. Is monetary success truly what ultimate success is all about? Is leading a lifestyle that includes maintaining a horrid job that one so resents even while accumulating vast sums of wealth in the process, truly a definition of a successful life professionally or otherwise?
Success is Happiness and Fulfillment
Ultimately, success isn’t about solely money. As one of my mentors is fond of saying, yes it is indeed the case that money makes life easier. But it is in no way a direct route to achieving true fulfillment and happiness. For it is only leading a life imbued with values, ethics and morals that can get one to that ultimate glorious state. Leading a lifestyle that is consistent with ones’ convictions; one where values are not compromised and family is a priority. Where personal growth plays an important and even critical role. It is that, which will ultimately lead to happiness and true fulfillment. For that, indeed, is what success is all about.