The (Real) Secret to Success

I’ve never dwelled on the notion of success. It’s far too subjective, too egotistical, too personal, and often too random.

For some, winning awards or making a lot of money or being promoted is success; for others it’s getting out of bed and taking a shower. For me, success exists somewhere between ‘didn’t get fired today” and “opened the canned chicken without incident.”

Like I said, subjective.?

Here’s the point: success isn’t about getting it right. Success is about knowing you’re going to get it wrong – and doing it anyway. It’s about living with purpose, not seeking perfection. It’s about finding meaning, not blind ambition.?

The most successful people I know have been ignored, belittled or otherwise dismissed for their ideas. Some of them are financially well-off, some are living paycheck to paycheck. But they are all content with their station because they pursued purpose and meaning, not ambition.

I wish I had this perspective on success a long time ago. I would have accepted my mistakes better, not taken myself so seriously, not have been so worried about what others thought about me.

I wish I knew that success is a decision, not an outcome. You can’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to be happy.

Choose to be successful. Don’t let others define success for you. Be what your purpose demands.