Success: A Means, Not an End!

(Part 3 of 5)

Traditionally, success has been viewed as an end, measured by specific goals achieved. We set targets such as landing a dream job, earning a certain income, or obtaining a prestigious title, believing that these milestones will define our success. However, this perspective may limit our understanding and the experience of true success.

“True success is not measured by the heights you reach but by the obstacles you overcome and the lessons you learn along the way.” – Nelson Mandela.

Let’s take the example of a student who dreams of being accepted into a prestigious university. They put in endless hours of hard work, participate in extracurricular activities, and engage in community service. While getting admission to their desired university is a remarkable achievement, it’s essential to remember that success doesn’t stop there. Success isn’t merely a goal to be checked off but a lifelong journey with a broader scope.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”- Winston Churchill.

So success is not just about achieving one specific goal but a continuous journey that requires resilience and perseverance. The true measure of success lies in pursuing happiness, passion, and personal accomplishment rather than reaching a single destination. We open ourselves to a world of possibilities by changing our perspective on success. Success is not a fixed point but a dynamic process that involves continuous growth and self-improvement. It consists of the entirety of the journey rather than just reaching specific goals.

“True success is not measured by how much money you make or the number of accolades you receive. It is measured by the positive impact you have on others and the growth you experience in your own journey.” – Maya Angelou.

Consider the story of an aspiring athlete. Initially, their aim may be to win a championship or compete at an elite level. However, as they progress in their athletic journey, they understand that success is not solely determined by victories or accolades. They realise that true success lies in the hours of training, overcoming setbacks, building resilience, and continuously pushing their limits. The journey becomes integral to their success, shaping them into well-rounded athletes and individuals.

True success is not determined by external benchmarks or the achievements of others but by the progress we make in our personal development. Every step taken, every challenge faced, and every lesson learned contributes to our growth and ultimately define our success.

“Success is not about reaching the top; it’s about continuously climbing, evolving, and becoming the best version of yourself.”- Robin Sharma.

When we prioritise success as a value, we go from seeking validation from others to achieving internal accomplishments. As a result, success becomes deeply rooted in the values we hold and the impact we make on ourselves and those around us. Success means aligning our actions with our core beliefs and creating positive change in the world.

Therefore, pursuing success is not just about reaching a set goal but also about the dedication, passion, and resilience we bring to our endeavours. We find fulfilment and leave a lasting impact by exploring our passions, overcoming obstacles, and forming meaningful connections. True success lies in the ongoing growth, learning, and self-discovery journey.

Success is not determined by external recognition. It is defined by the positive impact we have on ourselves and others. Our attitude and perseverance throughout the journey are what truly matter. Neither is it about reaching the top but continuously evolving and becoming the best version of ourselves.

“Success is not in what you have, but who you are.” – Bo Bennett.

So, success is not a fixed checkbox to tick off but a lifelong adventure of discovering our true potential and creating a meaningful impact in our lives and the world. It’s about embracing the journey, aligning with our values, and making a positive impact. Let’s embrace the ever-evolving nature of success, strive for specific milestones, and enjoy the personal growth and fulfilment the journey brings. As said by Viktor E. Frankl, “Don’t aim at success—the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one’s dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself.

Share this article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email