Today achieving success is defined by “having it all“? Perfect career, supportive family and friends, bustling social life, and a well-curated Instagram feed. The whole world may perceive you as having it all when in reality you may be feeling like crap, breaking apart from within. It’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of external validations.
What Achieving Success Means to Me
Growing up, I always wanted to achieve success.. have it all! Many people around me would say that I do have it all today. But for me, this changes every single day, with more often than not, me feeling like a failure with still lots to achieve. One goal achieved… ten more goals lined up in its place. . It doesn’t stop as my success is redefined after each success.
Redifining Achieving Success
It’s good to stay driven and hungry in life as it gives you a purpose to look forward to achieving something. Success feels like a permanent thing, that you acquire like a degree that testifies to how much you have grown in life. But unlike a degree, success is ever evolving and varies from person to person how they define it. To reduce the enormous pressure I put on myself to achieve this self defined success, I had to disassociate success with achieving goals. I am now trying to see achieving life goals similar to up-skilling. You complete level 1, then start working towards level 2. There is always something to learn, challenges to overcome and fears to face. Its an achievement.. a temporary pause to stop and appreciate your efforts.
Redifining Having it all
Having it all is a matter of perspective, and what changes my perspective… When I don’t feel guilty or held back by my past or feel anxious about my future…. When I am in the present! Loving and enjoying everybody and everything around me. Still working towards my goals.. while being thankful to the people around me, appreciative of my efforts and grateful to god/nature for every thing I have got. This is when I am at peace with myself… That’s when I feel like I have it all!
Conclusion
I am a team effort led by me! This definition of having it all never changes. Even though I might feel like failure at times, this is the success that I strive towards.. Its not about achieving goals and definitely not about what others set as standards, but to reach the point where I am at peace with myself. When I feel a part of a team rather than a lone warrior fighting off life’s demons… That’s what achieving success is! For you are always happy when you are at peace, but not necessarily at peace when you are happy!
What does having it all mean to you?
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