What is success?

What is success? This is a question that permeates our contemporary world. We would fool ourselves, in spite of this, if we believed it to be a modern construct. The idea has been with us since time immemorial. More often than not, it has been associated with material acquisitions and physical accomplishments — ignoring or denigrating ethereal or spiritual matters — think of the Roman Empire. (1) What is increasingly true is that the fetters of affluence have now superseded all historical examples.

Presently, the concept of rich borders on the mythical touch of Midas. (2) The top fifty most affluent families in the US have more money than the bottom 50% of the population. (3) To speak of financial achievement in a lifetime has less and less cachet amongst the young. (4) They just can’t see the point of investing in a life of toil only to face old age, albeit with a tremendous amount of wealth, and a dearth of time left in consciousness.

I believe that the idea of success is embodied in three concepts. Firstly: One must hold dear to a deep sense of gratitude for just being alive. When I awoke this morning, I was overjoyed to see yet another new day. This is as true at 16 as it is at 60. Each and every morning is unique and special. If I have a sense of appreciation for life itself, I can affect the day in a propitious and positive way. I am emboldened to help others and myself to grow and make our world a better place.

Secondly: I must demand good health. The personal temple that I was proffered at birth must be protected. It really matters little whether I have a beautiful body or not; it can still carry me (my awareness and my soul) to its earthly demise. Many people when they are young have a difficult time accepting their body. This is increasingly true. (5) Due to the countless images that we are bombarded with from the Internet and the tremendous level of celebrity-image exposure, it is hard to appreciate our individuality. This has led to a crisis in confidence in many adolescents and young adults. The only solution, ultimately, is a positive talk with you. Yes, it is important to have family and friends to bolster our confidence, but in the end, you are an independent being. This is a positive form of freethinking. It is the self, and the self alone, that builds an individual. Once a person realizes that there is truly nothing, at its most intimate, but the inner person, and your relationship with God or Gaia, you realize that you can with training and with prayer decide how you view the world.

And finally, what is my mission – what is my purpose in life? What will bring me the passion that will make my life “well-lived?” It is to be noted that life in and of itself has no meaning. It only has meaning once you give it value and purpose. That said, failure to find your value results in eventual suffering because the inner self always knows that something is unrequited – unfulfilled.

Following these three thoughts — amongst a host of your own self-created stipulations — will lead to the successful life that we so desire. Iconic racing car driver, Mario Grabriele Andretti (6) leaves us with a thought: Desire is the key to motivation, but its determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.

A closing thought: We are no longer silent. The world is occupied with an overabundance of stimulation and noise – most of it useless and nonsensical. It is important to take a solitary and reflective walk to find the peace that we all require. It is even possible to achieve this state on a congested street. Regardless of how it is realized, reflection is an essential component of growth. It is difficult, nonetheless, to mature this relationship. That said, once you are truly friends with yourself, you are always protected from the external vagaries of life. The person is, therefore, able to deepen and grow, and, ultimately, give back to others — and the society as a whole.

To sum up: This week we spoke about success and what it means to each of us.

To be noted: From Jim Rohn (7) — Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.

Just for fun: Liszt: The Great Piano Works – Part 1

For reflection: Rick Steves Egypt: Yesterday and Today

This week on your thoughtful walk, please ponder your idea of success.

Every day look for something magical and beautiful.

Quote: I must be a flaneur, a walker, in order to gain a real understanding of my life.

Footnotes:

1) The Economy of Ancient Rome

2) Midas

3) The 50 Richest Americans Are Worth as Much as the Poorest 165 Million

4) What Young People Want From Work