How do you measure success?
In grad school, one of my profs had spent time with the Lakota in Oklahoma. To them, she said, the measure of success was not money, or prestige, or power, but whether one was a good Lakota, whether one followed the traditions well
( Read more... )
At first glance, I thought that success could be measured against what you were trying to achieve. This doesn't necessarily equate to finance or status - some of the people I admire most are people who set out to do something hard that doesn't come with a lot of societal glamour or financial reward. You know, like teachers and librarians and parents.
That said, there's something a little odd about this definition because when you finish a goal, there's always another to look for. So is there a point where you can say you're a success and that's a title that should stick for life no matter what else you do? I find that a little hard to swallow.
One thing that seems to undermine success is when the goals you set (whether you achieve them or not) aren't really compatible with what will make you happy. So for example, I feel more successful about developing my current career than I did about developing a career as a doctor - because this time, I did a much better job choosing something that is compatible with who I am.
So what makes me feel successful?
First, that I identified a set of goals which were congruent with my values, meaningful to me, and achievable.
Second, that I feel that I have made or am continuing to make reasonable progress towards the attainment of those goals.
Third, that I have not sold out myself or the people I care about in that process.
Ultimately, being surrounded by friends - people I admire and love - and feeling that they admire and love me in return... that makes me feel extraordinarily successful.
OK, I will stop rambling now!
Reply
Leave a comment