Summary

The article advocates for a redefinition of success, emphasizing meaningful life experiences over traditional markers of achievement.

Abstract

The article "7 Mental Shifts About Success to Live a Meaningful Happy Life" challenges the conventional pursuit of success by suggesting seven paradigm shifts in how we perceive it. It argues that success should not be equated with winning a competitive race, nor is it guaranteed to bring happiness. The author posits that failure is an integral part of success, not its opposite, and that success is not a final destination but a continuous journey of personal growth and fulfillment. Furthermore, the article highlights that success is not solely the result of talent or hard work but also involves a significant element of luck. It discourages comparing one's success to others, as this can lead to dissatisfaction and undervaluing of personal achievements. Lastly, the article suggests that success cannot be compartmentalized; it should encompass a balanced approach to all aspects of life.

Opinions

Success should be measured by the meaning and purpose it brings to one's life, rather than by materialistic or superficial achievements.
True happiness is not synonymous with success, as wealth and fame do not necessarily lead to a fulfilling life.
Failure is an essential teacher and a part of the success process, fostering resilience, empathy, and courage.
Success is not an endpoint but a lifelong pursuit of personal growth and happiness, even in the face of hardships.
Talent and hard work are important for success, but luck also plays a substantial role.
Comparing one's success to others is counterproductive and can damage self-esteem, as it overlooks individual differences and life circumstances.
Success should be holistic, encompassing health, relationships, and personal well-being, rather than being narrowly defined by financial or career accomplishments.

7 Mental Shifts About Success to Live a Meaningful Happy Life

Are you overwhelmed with pressure to be successful, to be worthy?

Do you idolize the success of super achievers and want some of that success for yourself?

You are engrossed in the pursuit of success. But imagine if your idea of perceived success is flawed?

After years of struggle, you risk ending up with empty victories. When so much is at stake, you can’t afford to have a wrong understanding ruin your success.

I learned that what hurts the most is having the wrong expectations of success. Here are 7 mental shifts about success to avoid regrets later in life.

1. Success Is Not Winning the Crazy Competition

Research has concluded that people in the last stage of their life feel remorse for the lack of meaning in their work and life. Yet very few of us ponder what success means before pursuing it and becoming a casualty of crazy competition.

Instead of madly pursuing superficial and materialistic goals, reflect on how we can live a life imbued with meaning and purpose.

Real success is having meaning in life. The earlier we realize, the better it is.

2. Success Is Not Synonymous With Happiness

If success means hefty bank accounts, fame, power, travelling the world Ist class, ability to afford luxuries — good luck with that. But remember, these are just means of perceived pleasures, not true happiness — not even close.

Do you know a person who, despite achieving an enviable level of wealth or position or fame or all of them, lives a miserable life? I know a few — heard and read about many.

Genuine success is all about being a better person than yesterday. Success is overcoming own weaknesses and temptations.

3. Failure Is Not Opposite Of Success

People don’t learn and improve from success. Rather, success makes them complacent and prone to failure. Whatever you do, failure is unavoidable, everyone fails — it’s only a matter of time.

Failure teaches resilience, perseverance, empathy, humbleness and courage. Failure helps in identifying shortcomings, addressing weaknesses and trying again with more preparation, zeal and confidence.

There is no escape from failure. Failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.

4. Success Is Not An End

Those who think that success is achieving some goal — down the road, they realize there is no finish line.

Focused on achieving never-ending goals, they pend living a happy life. They waste valuable time and end up as a frustrated, unhappy soul.

Instead, success is living a fulfilling, happy life despite hardships and difficulties. It is learning from failures and to remain focused on the goal with unwavering faith in destiny.

5. Success Is Not an Endorsement of The Talent

People portray personal qualities and skills as the sole reasons for success. If this is true, then all intelligent and hard-working people would have been super successful.

According to the research, luck plays a huge role in success. While personal qualities are important for success, luck matters.

This understanding frees me from anxieties about the results. It frees me from fear of failure and gives me the energy to do my best with sincerity and zeal.

6. Success Is Not Comparable

We are genetically tuned to judge our success in comparison with others. [Scott Galloway, author of The Algebra of Happiness].

When we compare, we disregard our differences and the different life packages we are born with. In doing so, we damage our self-esteem and success becomes joyless.

Why suffer because of our narrow and faulty comparison? Whatever happens, we are worthy of being happy. We should cherish what we already have.

7. Success Cannot Be Compartmentalized

It’s painful to see people relentlessly working hard to achieve narrowly defined success while ignoring the blessings they already have. In their selfish pursuits, they lose things that are far more valuable.

True success can’t be compartmentalized. One can’t be successful financially with deteriorating health or relationship.

Broaden your definition of success and acknowledge the blessings of life you already have. Strive to have harmony and peace in all areas of life.

Bottom Line

Success is whatever we define it to be. We must wisely decide what success means to us. If we don’t, we risk spending precious years of life chasing a dream that promises happiness and delivers regrets, agony and despair.

Fortunately, we have a choice to not fall for the mindless success mantra bombarded upon us. We can choose what success means. We can choose to define success, which is wholesome, more meaningful, and not infested with flawed expectations.

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