What makes you happy and the world a better place? Rather than go through my thoughts on it, I went to you and received lots of interesting, genuine, and heartfelt answers.
Happy, healthy, older, above ground and not below it! Everything else is immaterial.
When a listener tells me something I said on the radio made a difference in their day/life.
Let’s play this out in baseball parlance. If I’m a professional hitter, I know at some point, I might run into failure. I never allow that notion to settle into my mind. I will, however, compete until I cannot breathe. I will always believe in myself, my hands and eyes. I will never surrender. That for me always means success!
A happy family life and helping others along the way.
Having done what you wanted to accomplish.
Having the freedom to make decisions on your own terms.
Being able to live your life without constantly having to sacrifice what matters to you just to make a living.
I think if, when it’s done, you’re proud of it or you learned something from it, it was a success.
The goal I set for myself that would allow me to feel successful was being able to buy dinner for my family without having to check my bank account first.
At the end of the day, can you look yourself in the mirror and say I gave everything I have today to God, my family, and myself.
The ability to do what you want, when you want, with the people you want to do it with.
The amount of God’s will others see put in place in our life.
Ultimately, it seems defined by building a multifaceted life that sustains an active, community-oriented lifestyle which includes sharing meaningful experiences with others, especially family and friends.
Being respected by your peers and encouraged by your friends.
Feeling fulfilled by using my “gifts” to help take care of the needs of my tribe, and to contribute to the community at large in a positive way.
One’s success cannot be measured by a comma on a ledger. Chase the dream, not the dollar!
When work is someplace you want to go to every day and when you see those you mentored grow and succeed.
Doing what you love, and having the people you care the most about around you!
Freedom to do what you want. Ability to care for your family and friends.
Does my work generate a lasting impact while providing me joy?
That point in your life when you realize physical, mental, and emotional peace.
Understanding who you are and what you do well, and not letting anyone change you.
It’s about having the freedom to do meaningful work every day alongside a community of great people.
Loving what you do while using your skills to serve others.
Always striving for a work and life balance and performing at the highest level at both.
If you’re happy with your career and your personal life, I count that as a success. Success shouldn’t be measured by wealth or the lack thereof.
THE defining moment came when I was offered an incredible professional opportunity but didn’t like how the company did business and had little respect for their management style. To be able to turn down a job because I didn’t want to work for someone, trusting that other doors would open and I had to be true to myself, that was the first moment I felt “I’d made it.”
Being happy and proud of what you do.
Raising children who I’m proud of.
When I look at my children, and I am certain that I did the best in my power to raise good humans in this crazy, scattered world.
Enjoying the journey towards a goal as much as I delighted in reaching it.
Having a roof over my head, a warm bed, food to eat, and being able to take care of myself and others. Peace of mind, body, and spirit.
Did I make a difference in the lives of those around me?
I hope I can serve others every day.
If my cup is full at the end of the day/week/month, it’s a win.
Knowing you did your best.
To be respected and trusted by professional colleagues and loved and supported by my friends and family.
Enjoying what you love to do in life.
Knowing my child doesn’t want for basic human needs.
When work is not work and when happiness fills your heart!
Health and happiness!
The feeling of love and belonging and safety, with peace. You work hard outside to come home to success.
Different words. Different lives. Different experiences. But almost every answer came back to the same place. Success isn’t really about what you accumulate. It’s about who you become, who you help, who you love, and whether you’re at peace with the life you’re living. Maybe success isn’t something the world gets to define for us after all.
Funny. I asked about success. Almost nobody talked about money.
