I wish I could answer this simply. I’ve come to realize that success, like most everything in the world, is subjective.
A few years ago, I would have defined success as having a big house, nice cars, and a large bank account; the seemingly typical vision of success. This definition of success meant I could spend without having to worry about how much money was left over. What I always failed to realize was what was being sacrificed to achieve those goals – time spent with loved ones, my own morals and identity, lots of heartache, frustration, etc.
It wasn’t worth it to me. As I’ve said before, we really only truly have time, and even that is limited. The days are long and the years are short.
Over the past few years, I’ve redefined my version success. It is coming home to my family every night and living comfortably. We have what we need and a few things we want. We have cars that are not new, but still run as they should and are paid off. We have enough money to get what we need and to pay off some debt. We aren’t struggling to make ends meet, which not everyone can say. My job isn’t perfect, by any means, but I enjoy my co-workers and they keep the day to day grind more tolerable. We may not hang out with our friends often, but when we do, we always have a grand ole’ time.
I think my family members, and how they are successful in their own ways, whether they have well paying jobs, their kids are doing well, they’re being promoted, or anything else they might be doing.
So when I think about my own, long term success, I hope it involves lots of love, laughter, living within the moment, and spending my time experiencing new things. I’d love to live out in the country somewhere, where I can spend my days in a rocking chair on a porch, drinking sweet tea (mixed with whiskey??) and watching wild animals meandering around the yard.
When I can look back on my life with absolutely no regrets at all, I will consider myself successful.
What are your thoughts on the matter?