At a recent gathering, surrounded by the hum of conversation & the clinking of glasses, a few of us started talking to a young entrepreneur. It started as small talk—ambitions, challenges, the usual topics—but something about his quiet confidence veered the conversation to a deeper question.
"Thirty years from now, when you look back, how will you know you lived a successful life?"
He paused for barely a moment before answering.
"If I’m mentally and physically healthy, if my family, friends, and team are happy, and if I’ve given as much as I can back to society, I’ll consider my life successful."
His words landed like a jolt of clarity. No mention of wealth. No boasting about professional achievements. Not even a nod to the “success” of those around him. Instead, he spoke of happiness, health, & contribution. The simplicity & humility of his answer blew me away.
As I left that evening, his words lingered in my mind. They nudged me to question my own assumptions about success. It wasn’t a flashy keynote or a high-stakes boardroom discussion that made me stop & reflect—it was this unguarded moment with someone years younger but infinitely wise.
Life is funny like that. The lessons that stick with us rarely come from grand plans or elaborate strategies. Instead, they show up unannounced, tucked into the corners of ordinary days.
Moments like these are what I call life’s unscheduled masterclasses.
I’ve spent years chasing professional goals, building Stellar Search, mentoring leaders, striving for excellence. And while I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, that young entrepreneur’s words reminded me of the why behind it all.
Success is less about proving something to the world & more about shaping a life that genuinely aligns with your values & identity. A life where your health is your greatest asset, your relationships are your anchor, & your legacy is measured not by accolades but by impact.
Truth is, life is always teaching us. Sometimes it’s through structured avenues like books, courses, or mentors. But often, it’s through unscripted encounters - conversations that catch us off guard, mistakes that humble us, or even questions from someone younger that shift our perspective entirely.
The lesson that night wasn’t just about redefining success. It was about paying attention. It’s about letting go of the noise that says, “do more, be more, have more” & tuning into what truly matters
So, let me ask you the same question:
30 years from now, when you look back, how will you know you lived a successful life?
Take a moment. Reflect. Maybe your answer will surprise you as much as his did me. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s learn from each other because life, after all, is our greatest teacher.
Oh, and for those curious about who this wise young man is—it's none other than Siddhant Bery, CFA.
#leadership #personalgrowth #lifelessons
#happiness #inspiration #mindset #health
#stellarsearch #peoplepassionpurpose