Redefining success and failure
There is no one route to success. What success looks like to me is very different to your perception of success and failure. It is a personal construct. So, what does it really mean to be ‘successful’?
Success is relative
This is not an easy question to answer because success is so subjective. We are all here for our own unique purpose. However, with advancements in technology, shifts in modern lifestyle and the distorted perception of reality thanks to social media, have we been getting success all wrong?
The prior generations have augmented the idea that success has always been closely linked to, if not defined by, career and money. Social media has heightened this by blurring the lines and so we are caught up in the perception that having tangible assets means someone is more successful than you. Such financial measures do not accurately reflect our wellbeing or current state of mind.
On top of that, we live with expectations from society that we all want the same things. Again, this is reflected in social media and the wider media. Apparently we all want faster cars, bigger homes, six packs and a pair of designer sneakers. The aforementioned could be considered by some as universal indicators of success.
Let’s call that out
Firstly, the notion of success is deeply personal. Secondly, to live a meaningful life is to live a truly successful life. There is no debating that. But what is a meaningful life? How do I live one? The first step is to define what success means to you. It isn’t just one thing. It comprises many aspects of life including your career, relationships, spirituality and creativity amongst many others (check out Ora’s holistic health pillars for the full list). Then you can decide how you measure success.
By taking the time to decide what it truly means for you to live a ‘successful’ life, you can decide on your own path and stay focused on your personal needs and wants; not someone else's.
If you don’t understand your own intentions and purpose, you can wind up spending your entire life working desperately hard to never meet the expectations of others (family, friends, society) and never measure up to the definitions of success that those around you have set. This can actually keep you from experiencing greater fulfilment in your life and developing connections with the people in your life. You have set yourself up for ‘failure’.
Breaking away from projections can keep us connected to what really matters to us and each one of us is a unique and individual person. Once you have realised your own definition of success versus the expectations of society, no one can take that away from you. You can start your personal journey to living a meaningful life.
If you require support in starting your own personal journey, check out the Ora Collective Home Retreat. This 12 week holistic health programme allows you to investigate all areas of your life to help you define your goals and intentions, and work towards your definition of health and success. It happens every quarter and you’ll be part of a tight knit group on the same journey as you.
Learn more about the Home Retreat.