WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SUCCESSFUL?

Is it when you receive a coveted prize? When everyone in the street recognizes you? When you have a billion dollars? When you can go on a vacation whenever you like?

What does success mean to you?

My definition has certainly changed. Yes, recognitions, financial freedom, fame, and milestones are all great to have but does that mean someone who’s without them is not living a happy successful life?

I reflect on this as I read Michelle Obama’s quote from her book tour earlier this year: “Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you. That’s what it means to be true to yourself.”

She’s right. In pursuit of a successful life, more people are obsessing over getting validation from others than to seek validation within.
Is it a success to be a miserable millionaire or a happy salaryman? What would you choose?

Studies show how an increasing number of youths are longing for fame. Social media verifies that you are a famous person with ablue checkmark. Is that the kind of success you really want?

It is a question more of us should also ask in creativity. What is your innovation success based on? Is it the number of prizes you get, the money you make, or the consumers who use it?

What about the reason why you choose creativity? Are you doing it to simply be successful in the eyes of others?

If your pursuit is to purely seek validation from others, I am afraid your best version is not going to be seen.