My idea of success

Ever wondered what we work for? whats success? join in the debate. There are so many definitions of success just as there are many people. For me, success is seeing people overturn negative prognoses, bad situations into great situation, moving from poverty to comfortable decent life, success is fighting poverty and ignorance; success is about family and anchoring the institution of family as the unit that matters most in building a worthy society. Success to me is appreciating what we have and living within our means.






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It is also seeing people overcome the negative talk they may receive from those around them that want them to fail in order to feel better about themselves. Success is helping people avoid listening to lies that will keep them down and sabotage them, and doing this helps make America still a land of opportunity and great nation on earth.















My ultimate success would be to see the end of all forms of abuse, an end to waste and an increase of good stewardship around the world; and for me, to live an often-examined life, continue to learn new information, meet new friends and enrich current relationships, and contribute to a better quality of life for us all.









I think success is not fame nor lots of money, but other priceless possessions of grace and joyous living. However we all know that in America, success is often seen as winning some type of competition in a sporting event, a contest, a line of work - achieving the top of the ladder in a particular field of employment, winning the Lottery, retiring from work with enough money to travel the world etc.









Unfortunately, in a society seemingly rife with violence, emotional, social, verbal and physical abuse, and other mental health issues, success for some individuals also means hurting someone else. The perpetrator sees this harm as "winning" in some sort of competition, game or battle that is sometimes waged only in his or her own head.









Well, I think in order for you to understand my view of success, it would be important to highlight some unhealthy success as I have observed in the modern day setting. Examples like what I call “out doing others success”. This may involve out doing someone else at school, at work, at home, anywhere. In other words, it’s keeping up with the Joneses”. Having as nice as or better than, the neighbor's lawn, trees, dishes, aluminum siding, etc. A little of this can be fun, but now it's become much more vindictive and can lead to people shooting one another in order to take their Starter jackets and Nike shoes.









Remember the road rage success? Making sure you rev your engine and streak out ahead of everyone else at a traffic light when it turns green. In grocery stores, this take the form of people smashing into you with their loaded grocery carts in order to get ahead of you in the checkout line.









“Them” versus “us” success? Since discrimination stems from fear and lack of knowledge, it makes the perpetrator feel safe and "better" that the target group of the discrimination. It is success to the person exercising it, but it is truly unhealthy. This includes name calling toward, and laughing at, minority groups, or anyone that is "different."









I eat only the best food success - using credit cards to purchase and flaunt expensive foods to your roommates, neighbors or whoever in order to make them feel poor. It doesn't matter if you have to declare bankruptcy - you made them feel bad and that's a win. Note: anyone who plays games with food, sex, or money should is not really successful. But that’s one woman’s opinion.









I married the best even though I hate him/her success?









How many people do you know that are in dead end empty shell marriages and relationships but will stay to keep the status? By staying in the relationships they feel successful. I know a lot. This is staying with an abusive or addictive partner in the belief that your relationship or your love will change that person for the better. Staying no matter what can be an erosion of your mind and spirit.









The American Dream" - a business of one's own or a good job, a house, two cars and a family. This is great if some good planning is put forth first. While the Dream is applicable in the 21st century, the thing to avoid is mortgage debt and credit card/other debt that is so high that it will destroy the Dream. How can you be successful while suffocating in debt even though superficially you flaunt success in terms of cars, houses that you virtually own?









In the end, the real success lies in what will be written on your epitaph way after you are gone out of your body.