Your definition of “success” can be completely different
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Society puts us into pockets of fragments within the definition of “success” that most people gravitate towards — one who is financially well-off and well-praised for the things they do that contribute significantly to the well-being or economic part of the country they reside
If most people follow and work towards that only definition, I strongly argue that they would find themselves far off the track. Many of us may assume that one’s wealth plays a vital role in the way we work, think, and play. However, I beg to differ.
Money is a tool to get to the means of an outcome where most are struggling to get easy access to other than providing a service or product for it.
Once you have a part of it, many things look or feel different as you grow with having it. Your perspective of money has broadened with much newfound experience and the desire to acquire more is relative to your needs and wants.
Some find it important for their lavish lifestyle, unbreakable addictions, and mindless entertainment while many find it crucial to get by just by having proper meals to begin with.
While we cannot deny the fact that we can make a significant difference with it, the constant pursuit of it seems to be less fulfilling after a while. To be put through the constant pressure to acquire more of it, attain career success, or financial milestones, they can be less attractive once you have a little taste of having a good sum of it.
You might wonder if having “enough” makes you contented, but it may be portrayed as “less” if you pursue anything other than your financial needs and material goals.
As we slowly move away from acquiring material goods, what would be a new universal indicator to differentiate if one is being “successful”?
What I would define as “success” is if you can attain the following:
Having the time and space for proper rest if required
Doing something that you love and can sustain your current lifestyle
Seeking happiness with ease without working hard for
Spending your money without guilt (i.e. On food, presents, material goods, etc.)
Staying healthy and illness-free
Being able to stay in a good mood without external stimulus
Attaining a good work-life balance that improves your quality of life
Having a healthy relationship with yourself
Having a supportive network of friends and family who understand you
Being in a good mental state of learning and self-development
Focusing on the intentions of achieving “success” rather than the idea of pursuing the kind of “success” that makes you look “successful” is more likely to leave you with less room for regrets and discontentment because you choose the things that make you feel “successful” rather than being a “successful” product of the meritocratic society.
If I had to choose between amassing significant wealth or accumulating rich life experience, I would choose the latter.
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About The Author:
Vince Law is a former Accountancy graduate from Singapore Management University, who recently became a pawrent of 2 amazing cats (Ginkgo and Goji). After writing for over 4 years, he transitioned into his coaching business related to personal development and mental well-being at mentalhealthcoaching_sg.
He also works as a freelance writer who loves challenging mainstream views on current affairs and is a strong advocate of mental health and personal development.
For business queries, please feel free to reach out to me at lawyinkai@gmail.com.
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