Often times our definition of so called success is unconsciously defined and created for us by the media, our friends, our families, society and the environment that we live in. There can be certain expectations on each one of us to have achieved certain things in our lives in order to be considered successful. These things can be to have a wife/husband, a good job with a certain status, a house in a particular area, a certain type of car, a particular amount of income etc. In our current society our level of success is often measured by how we appear on the outside rather than how we feel on the inside.
Our measure of success or what we consider to be a success in life is taught to us from an early age. Much of the conditioning we receive when growing up with those around us, can create the beliefs and the framework for our standards of success in our lives. Sometimes these so called standards/expectations can be unrealistic and we can end up in a place of feeling unhappy and dissatisfied with our lives and ourselves.
When we choose to measure our level of success with other people, it can stop us from feeling the happiness, the joy and the satisfaction we experience from achieving something in our lives. For example if we look at Facebook and see people living a more so called ‘successful life’ than ourselves, it can be a recipe for unhappiness. The only person who is stopping us from feeling successful right now is ourselves. If we choose not to feel good for where we are right now in our current circumstances, whatever they maybe, we are making it harder for ourselves to feel successful and to feel happy. If we choose not to listen and trust our hearts, it will nearly be impossible to feel successful because we are not being true to ourselves.
In the world that we live in, if we choose to adopt and use somebody else’s measure of success, we are more than likely going to be unhappy. We will never feel fully satisfied and contented in our lives. A lot of the stress and pressure in our lives can be a result of having an unrealistic measure of success for ourselves. We may feel they we are never really living for ourselves but living for the approval, acceptance and praise of other people.
When we choose to have our own measure of success, we feel they we are being true to ourselves. We feel that we are living for ourselves and that we are creating our lives based on our own approval, acceptance and praise. We feel happiness and joy in our lives because we are following our heart’a desire. We feel more contented and peaceful in our lives.
Here are a few ways that I have come up with in regards to how we can create our own measure of success;
* Create your goals so that they are in alignment with your own values.
* Have realistic and achievable goals which feel good and true for you.
* Ask yourself what does it mean for me to be successful in my life?
* Become aware of your current measure of success and see if this really feels true for you.
* Say to yourself that the greatest measure of success is your own joy and happiness.
As always I would love to hear any feedback, words of wisdom or comments you may have.
Namaste.
TW
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RonaFraser said:
I wonder if it would help us to be less goal-oriented and more quality-of-life-oriented. For instance, we could have “get fit” as a goal… but would “enjoy my fitness every day” or “spend time outside being active” or something be a focus more likely to bring joy?
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The Truth Warrior said:
Yes 🙂 I really like what you have said. Let the goal be the journey. Thanks for sharing. Namaste. TW
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ramakrishnan6002 said:
Reblogged this on Gr8fullsoul.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks for the reblog. Namaste. TW
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agent909 said:
Reblogged this on Journeyman and commented:
Very thougtful article I think everyone should reflect on, so we don’t waste our time doing things we don’t even like.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks for the reblog and for inspiring comment. Namaste. TW
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Noel said:
This is a very inspiring post. My favorite point is the last one: my joy and happiness is the greatest measure of success. Thank you for sharing.
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The Truth Warrior said:
You are very welcome 🙂 I am glad that you enjoyed it. Namaste. TW
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niki bayard said:
Reblogged this on Niki Bayard.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks for the reblog. Namaste. TW
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nikibayard said:
Namaste.
Niki.
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longandluxe said:
I LOVE that you are challenging the way we measure success!! Brilliant and so, so important! I used to think it was money, status, title, recognition. Now I know it’s much deeper than that. Success is being more authentic and true to myself each day, no matter what comes and goes. And no one can judge your level of success by looking at you – it’s what you know to be true on the inside.
Thank you for your blog and this awesome post 🙂
Peace ~ Allison
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The Truth Warrior said:
You are very welcome 🙂 I really live what you said;
‘ no one can judge your level of success by looking at you – it’s what you know to be true on the inside.’
Thanks so much for sharing.
Namaste. TW
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the dune mouse (CybeleMoon) said:
exactly!! If at night in bed I am at peace with myself and the world I consider that a successful day!! Life can be so complex and even as we get older it does not necessarily get easier ( maybe even harder) but somehow if we can change our priorities our attitude improves!!
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks so much for sharing. I really like what you said. Namaste. TW
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Ian Gardner said:
The measure of any success is the means adopted/employed to achieve it.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Very true 🙂 Namaste. TW
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AmazinglyBrash said:
I agree, success is measured by happiness….but we have to be clear about what makes us happy. It could be finishing the path that was paved for us by parents. It could be standing eye to eye with God. I embrace that I am shaped by my family, friends, my environment. I understand without those things the world will be empty. I am full because I am surrounded by people that will encourage me when I am adding to the world and discourage me when I am subtracting from it. People need direction; some were born to lead the way, others to follow the leader, but happiness will come from everyone reaching paradise and enjoy it together!!!!
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks so much for your great reply. I really like what you said. Namaste. TW
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Bethany Pinto said:
Preach! You are speaking directly to me on this post. Well said. I have been feeling a little inadequate lately and have been carefully talking back to those disapproving voices in my head. Thanks for encouraging me 🙂
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The Truth Warrior said:
You are very welcome. I am glad you enjoyed. Best of luck on your journey. Namaste. TW
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pinneyl said:
My goals are inline with my call…. and that brings my s deep sense of satisfaction. Money doesnt do it for me. But knowing I have made Simone’s life better with words of wisdom, wise counsel, kindness, or by helping, now thats the stuff of sucess for me.
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The Truth Warrior said:
Wow. That’s sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing. Namaste. TW
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pinneyl said:
It is to me but I bet your life brings you said faction too
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The Truth Warrior said:
Very true 🙂 Namaste. TW
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todessakane2013 said:
Great blog!! I think success to me is my still wonderful marriage to my bestest friend in the whole world after 28 years and also our 6 incredible children who all lead amazing lives but more than that they are all good people who treat others with love and kindness and respect. Simple I know but to me this is truly what matters the most 🙂
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The Truth Warrior said:
I really like your story. Thanks so much for sharing. Namaste. TW
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todessakane2013 said:
Thank you for your wonderful blog, sometimes it does you heart and soul good to be asked those kinds of questions. God bless your day and keep up the wonderful work 🙂
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thank you so much 🙂 Namaste. TW
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todessakane2013 said:
You are very welcome! Have a great rest of the week and God bless you lots 🙂
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The Truth Warrior said:
Thanks 🙂 Namaste. TW
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todessakane2013 said:
🙂
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Trails and Ultras said:
Great post. It reminds me if the saying ‘don’t compare yourself to others as you will either become bitter or vain’. They may not be the exact words but the meaning is there 🙂
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DQueenWannabe13 said:
Love this post, this notion has been floating around in my head for a while. External pressures from society, family, friends etc causes more problems that not. Everyone in every different culture and society has an ‘expected life path’ planned out that they are forced to view as the ‘optimal life’, and we have this forced down our throats from day one.
I honestly think that when each individual discovers what is right for THEM and sets about fulfilling that prophecy, then you truly start living this thing called LIFE. Not just merely existing as the majority do.
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The Truth Warrior said:
It’s so true what said in regards to when every individual discovers what is right for them. Thanks so much for sharing. Namaste. TW
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