How do you measure success? The measurement and definition of success is different for everyone. Some consider the ultimate success to be vast wealth, while others may see it as being universally famous.
There may be no right or wrong answer as to what constitutes being successful because it all depends on the values and world view of each person. F0r some, being obscenely rich, even if for nefarious reasons, means that person is successful. For others, its all about fame — after all, in today’s world, even social media “influencers” are famous, even if no one is quite sure as to why.
However, for many, the way to measure true success is to look at a life well lived — a life spent in the pursuit of good, worthy and beneficial endeavors and accomplishments. Take for example Mother Teresa, a woman of faith who put the well-being of others ahead of all else and who, through awe inspiring kindness, left a beautiful and wholesome mark on this world. Mother Teresa is after all, remembered not for a movie she was in or for any personal wealth, but for helping the poor — her memory will long outlive that of almost all “rich and famous people today.”
What is success?
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded! – Ralph Waldo Emerson
I like Mr. Emerson’s take on success. Isn’t it better to be respected for our morals and values than for something meaningless? Aren’t we better off looking for the good and positive in others, rather than always criticizing and tearing people down? If we leave the world a better place because of something worthy and beneficial that we did, even if only a small thing, then aren’t we successful?
I believe that a successful life is one in which we are a positive influence of light — one in which we are kind, gentle, generous, loving an compassionate. Even if the world doesn’t know who we are, if we’re contributing brightness and hope into this world, even if on a small scale, then we can indeed consider ourselves successful.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
