I'm surprised at the number of discussions I have with people that ultimately are tied in some way to issues of success. The problem, I find, is that success is far too nebulous of a thing. There's no easy way to put it in a box and say what it is.
One might argue that it's rising through the ranks of business and industry to run a company and make millions of dollars. Others feel it's raising a child without screwing them up too much. Still others may define it as simply getting out of bed in the morning. Your mileage, as they say, may vary.
I think too many people find their definition of success via the involuntary adoption of their belief system. It's like religion even. Few people consciously choose to define it, but instead take what they're given.
You can see why this is problematic. When you've accepted something that is given to you as a frame of reference for your reality, you're likely set up to fail in meeting the expectations that come with it. You had no part in negotiating and feeling out the issue, so you're stuck with it even if it doesn't apply to you.
Imagine how much happier one would be if they defined success for themselves, and allowed the definition to be somewhat fluid. I'm not saying you make needless compromises to lower the bar and feel good about settling, but if getting out of bed in the morning is really hard for you, then let that be your success. Just don't be bound by someone else's version of success. That will drive you mad.
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