The True Definition of Success

I’ve had a big problem with American society since about the time I learned to spell the word society. 

There is this immense pressure placed on us all to be in school for the first 30% of our lives, then spend the rest of our earthly eternity working towards the most successful life possible. 

According to the societal standard, this is determined by where your degree is from, what job you obtain, what your salary is, and what your relationship status happens to be. 

Wow…why? How did we get here? Why are these the baromoters we use to measure success? Why is success such a tight little box that only a fraction of our population could even achieve? 

No. I’m sorry. That may be your definition of success, but it’s not mine. 

I want to redefine success into a healthier mental framework:   

Success isn’t what you think 

It’s not buying a house 

It’s not the nice car 

It’s not the spouse and kids and a dog 

Success is

Having a roof over your head 

Any roof 

It’s having a car that runs 

Or a bus pass that gets your prom point A to point B

It’s being surrounded by people who love you 

It’s doing something you love 

No matter how much money is in it or not

It’s living a life that makes you feel alive

Not living someone else’s dream 

Not achieving for the sake of applause 

Not striving to climb a corporate ladder for a company that leaves you depressed and defeated at the end of every day

Don’t let society or social media define success 

Success is being happy, content, and alive 

Success is living a life you love 

Many people with all the nicest things 

Still hate their life.

Be successful. Love who you are right where you’re at. That’s true success. 

Let’s redefine it together. 

xoxo

Rynika