Accurately Measuring Success

Measuring success at first glance seems easy—we simply look at what someone has accomplished and determine if they are worthy to be considered successful or not.  To me however, I believe this is a false or inaccurate measure of success.  The reason is because many times achievements alone are not enough.  Many seemingly successful people who have accomplished a lot are miserable and unhappy.  Therefore, to me, this cannot be a good measure.  So how do I determine true success in life?  I will let you know my thoughts. 

Our society teaches us that the successful person is one who has many great accomplishments, has done many great things, and has obtained many great accolades and recognition.  True, to a certain extent these people are successful.  But I believe there is even a more important way to measure success.  To me, success in life is not so much about what we do or accomplish, but it is more about who we become.  So true success is being a great person and not simply doing great things. 

Why is who we become so important to success or a good measurement of success?  Because in order for us to reach a full level of satisfaction and happiness in life, we must become something and not just achieve something.  Those who “become” are happy regardless of what they achieve in life, while those who only “achieve” are rarely happy at all. 

So what does it mean to become something?  To me it is changing our nature.  We are born with an innate desire to fulfill our own needs and desires without regard for others.  This attitude follows us throughout our life.  To become someone, we find a way to fully overcome this.  We put off our “natural man” and become someone who truly loves, cares, and wants the best for others before self.  This is not easy!  In fact, most can’t seem to do it totally because our natural tendencies are so strong.  But being this type of person—a person who puts others before self—is really what true success looks like.  This is the best way I know how to measure success because those who “become” are the most happy and satisfied in life.    

So all of the awards, prizes, and accomplishments do mean something and are nice but in the end, they will mean very little to us if we have not at the same time become a great person.  Being a great person rather than doing great things in my mind, is a more important measure of success.