Redefining Success: Introspection, Purpose, and the Journey Within
In a world driven by material pursuits and societal expectations, it's easy to lose sight of what true success means for each of us. A recent conversation with an old classmate from my master's program got me thinking about the essence of success and the importance of introspection in defining our paths. He was talking about his current role, and how he has been in it for 5+ years, how he has been with the company for 20+ years, etc. I heard him for some time and then asked him what success means to him. He had a tough time articulating it.
Breaking Free from the Norm:
As we go through life, we often find ourselves imitating the dreams and aspirations of others, believing they hold the key to happiness and fulfillment. However, the real success lies in breaking free from such conformities and forging our own unique path. Only after distancing ourselves from the noise, can we discover our true purpose.
Rethinking Success:
We've been conditioned to believe that success is synonymous with material achievements like job titles, promotions, and financial gains. However, true success extends far beyond these external markers. I believe that success is the result of introspecting, understanding our life's intentions, and taking meaningful steps toward our goals. It's about waking up each day with a clear purpose and working diligently towards it.
A Holistic Approach to Success:
Let's challenge the notion that work-life defines our overall success. Success should encompass all aspects of life, including personal growth, relationships, and well-being. Balancing work with other passions and interests is crucial in leading a fulfilling life. It's essential to remember that work is just a fractional part of the 24-hour day we have, and there's more to explore beyond the confines of our professional roles. If the work we do or the role we play only defines us or defines how successful we are in life, This way, only a handful of people in an organization would only be called successful - the CEO, Members of the board of directors, etc.
Defining Your End Goal:
To find true success, we must identify our end goal, which goes beyond merely seeking name, fame, or financial gains. What truly drives us? Is it service to others, living up to personal expectations, being a lifelong learner or something else altogether? Defining our end goal gives us clarity and direction in our pursuit of happiness.
Embracing Unconventional Paths:
Society may consider us outliers or unconventional for choosing a different approach to success. But it's essential to remember that our journey is unique, and we must embrace it with confidence and conviction. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on our individual growth and progress.
Bhagwad Gita Chapter 6 Verse 24 and 25
saṅkalpa-prabhavān kāmāns tyaktvā sarvān aśheṣhataḥ
manasaivendriya-grāmaṁ viniyamya samantataḥ
śhanaiḥ śhanair uparamed buddhyā dhṛiti-gṛihītayā
ātma-sansthaṁ manaḥ kṛitvā na kiñchid api chintayet
Gita Says -
Doing this will not be easy,
we can start out introspecting and setting our goal or Sankalpa,
but then our mind will waiver because of all desires,
we have to control our mind and control our urges and
gradually attain peace with intellect, determination, and resolve.
As my classmate found it difficult to comprehend, I asked him a few questions
- What is bothering him about his job - is it the stagnant role or is it the new learning that is missing
- How much time is he willing to give and can he start today towards the goal he has defined?
- Does he have any dependencies tying him down etc?
He could neither state the goal nor what he is willing to do for it clearly. Probably he needed some time to think this through and therefore I proposed to talk to him again in 2 weeks if he has his thoughts cleared up.
As we navigate through the journey of life, redefining success becomes crucial for our happiness and fulfillment. By surrounding ourselves with the right influences, introspecting our true intentions, and embracing our uniqueness, we can chart a path that aligns with our purpose. Let's break free from societal norms and be the architects of our success. Remember, there are only two constants in life—birth and death—but everything in between is an opportunity for growth, happiness, and self-discovery.
With thoughts and messages like these, people my age think I am crazy or am high on something, I don't find that offending. In statistics, I may be considered an outlier in the dataset of people of my age. Many may not agree with my thoughts, and I understand, it is difficult not to compare ourselves or our situation with others. If someone is still reading, I wonder why - either you agree with the opinion or you disagree, either way, it is food for thought.
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