What does Success Mean to You?
Growing up, what was your definition of success? Has it evolved as you experience more in life?
The idea of success is one that varies for each individual, whether it is to get a new property or to master a new skill. The acquisition of something, tangible or intangible, is likely most people’s basic understanding of success.
However, success is not something that can happen overnight, rather, it takes a period of gestation for any effort to ripen. By now, you would know my story, and the various challenges I faced were akin to the ups and downs of the stock market. It is however, through each experience, be it positive or negative, that I gained new perspectives in order to reach newer and greater heights. Events in our life take on the meaning that we assign to them. When I lost my job those years ago, it led to a downward spiral that took me some time to recover from. A short-term obstacle, it was also one that led to my personal growth and the attainment of my way bigger goals – my success today.
Growing one’s wealth and assets isn’t the only means to understand success. To me, being able to give back to society, and the people who have supported me, forms part of my own definition of success. This expands the idea of success as being both an act of acquiring and giving, balancing your worldview. Success, to me, is closely linked to personal fulfillment.
Your understanding of success needs to evolve with the goals that you are seeking to accomplish, and the experiences that you encounter along the way. Learning to evolve not only allows for growth, it also provides a space for you to achieve success in a manner that is organic.
Success is a mindset. It requires grit, and focus. It is also a state of mind. Success should never be determined by the recognition of others. No one can or should define success for you. Ask yourself what brings you joy, satisfaction and meaning. That, is where you will find your answer.
Kenneth Kam