Staying Grounded: Finding Success Beyond Titles and money

The conversation swirled around the concept of success. My friend, recently promoted, seemed burdened by the weight of expectation. It made me reflect on the importance of staying rooted, a quality that often gets overshadowed by the glittering pursuit of external validation.

As Maya Angelou so eloquently phrased it, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” True success isn’t just about reaching a certain position or accumulating wealth. It’s about finding fulfillment in the journey, staying true to your values, and remaining grounded despite life’s ups and downs. Also, treating others right, you should also remember to treat everyone exactly same irrespective if their possessions.

Let’s imagine a balloon. As you inflate it, it grows bigger and seems more impressive. But keep blowing it up, and eventually, it pops. This is what happens when we define ourselves solely by external markers of success. Chasing money or status can inflate our egos for a while, but it’s a fragile foundation. When things inevitably don’t go according to plan, the disappointment can be crushing.

Here’s an example: Imagine xyz, a passionate artist who dreams of exhibiting her work. She gets accepted into a prestigious art school, a stepping stone towards her dream. However, the intense competition and focus on commercial success chip away at her artistic vision. Sarah remembers her initial love for creating, the joy of self-expression. She chooses to stay true to her artistic voice, even if it means taking a different path. This is an example of staying grounded — prioritizing her core purpose over external pressures.

Lessons to take away:

• Don’t chase a pre-defined idea of success. What truly matters to you? What brings you joy and fulfillment? Let that be your compass.
• Core values are your guiding principles. Regularly revisit them to ensure your actions are aligned with what you believe in.
• Titles, promotions, and possessions only offer temporary satisfaction. True happiness comes from within. Do something which makes you happy.

Remember, success is a journey, not a destination. By staying grounded, we navigate the twists and turns with a sense of purpose and inner peace, creating a life that is truly fulfilling. Also, remain humble , as in the end nobody cares what you did or what you made, they just care about how you made them feel.