Shifting models of success and illusion persist.
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We are born not to just settle down. Our purpose is not limited to the livelihood and expansion of our mansions. We are not here simply to exist. We are not living to chase happiness and comfort every time and to show off.
In common parlance, people blurt about success. Normally, success is measured in terms of getting a job, selling products and services, being engaged in systems, having more luxuries, being a professional, being an activist, and so forth. All are based on occupations and comparisons. There is no accurate scaling or standard. We believe what others prescribe.
When lifestyles are changing and luxuries are shifting to necessities like smartphones and laptops as essential as of now, the boundaries of success are also blurring. In short, there is no clarity about how to define success, as things are not explicit and people are free to choose their own yardstick.
The completion of graduation is a success; getting married is a success; being a caregiver to family is a success; getting kids skilled and settled is a success; good health is a success; stability is a success; migrating to a developed city is a success; and the list is endless.
The hard truth is that, despite gain over gain, illusion persists. Someone is well educated but not well paid. The family is generating sufficient income, but there is chaos and strong conflict. In the same family, all adult members are not on equal footing. So, the comparison makes the whole scenario more confusing. High expectations complicate the matter further.
The best course of action is to focus on things that are under our control. It provides stimulation to go ahead and excel in whatever we do. It may be that a decision was not appropriate in selecting a career. Okay, find the possibility of performing well in that field. No field is inferior. Turn a neglected segment into an attractive niche. There is no time for repentance. Struggle brings a lot of happiness.
Don’t allow others to prepare the parameters of success for us. Develop our own parameters.
Success is multicolored. People choose the color of their lives as they like. All have their own merits and limitations.
When we know "who we are," we are close to success. Incidentally, 99% of people are not reaching their potential, even after having ample time and opportunities. They remain glued to what others say. They are more concerned about the outer world. They have a variety of fears for themselves. They try to control the factors beyond their reach.
Then, how do we connect our lives within the dimensions of lasting success?
When we live with our values in accordance with the laws of humanity, it is success. When we are not making the lives of others difficult, it is success. If we forgive our opponents, it is success; when we extend our hands to help the sufferers, it is success; when we share whatever we have, it is success; if there is innovation, it is success; if we motivate others for goodness, it is success; and above all, if our impacful deeds benefit mankind, it is a success.
When we dare to dive into the unknown, it is likely to be a discovery; when we bounce back after falling, it is probably a fresh opportunity to thrive; when we suffer to make others smile, it is a real living; and the horizons of success widen as we shift from self to no self.
Life is measured in years and years. Work is eating, talking, roaming, and sleeping. No, we need reorientation. It is our responsibility to make each day of our lives precious and memorable. This simple act of writing is valuable, as my thoughts are given a platform to persist that may appeal to some individuals.
So be free to choose the success not prescribed by others but of a wow for others.