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What is success in life? If you are in a happy relationship and making money doing something you enjoy, are you less successful than someone who happens to make more money? Of course not! Life is not a competition against others, to be fought on their terms. Two businessmen can be compared for their success in business, but this doesn't tell us about their entire lives.
Next question: If you will be happier, wealthier and healthier in the future, does this mean you are a failure now? Absolutely not. Success in life is about the process, not current lists of accomplishments. A happy poor person who is going to school to get a degree, or otherwise bettering his life is more successful than a miserable rich man who is falling into destructive habits.
Success
In Life Right Now
Personal success is in the actions of this moment. Maybe this is a new idea to you, but doesn't it make intuitive sense? Even if you fail at the specific goals you are currently working on, if the attempt is honest, and you are willing to learn from your mistakes, isn't this personal success?
This idea may be discouraging for some. Sometimes the thought of success being somewhere in the future is just a way to excuse the actions of the moment. You can continue "waiting for your ship to come in," and delay taking the actions you need to take to fulfill yourself. You can keep that future in mind - and always push it a little further forward. If you think this way, you may not like the idea that you can be a success right now, because it reminds you that it is your responsibility.
On the other hand, it can be a very liberating thought. No longer do you have to wait for the future. If you find your inspiration in the work of the moment, and you do it honestly and with acceptance of the need to continually correct course and enjoy the journey, you are successful right now. There is no guarantee that you won't get lazy or discouraged, but the moment you begin again to work towards your true values, you are living a successful life.
Success
Is Personal
What, then do you want out of life. To get rich? To help others? To have great relationships? To travel the world? To be healthier? All of the above? Success in life is personal and unique. Whatever your best course is in life (and this is only for you to decide), when you start honestly in that direction, in that moment you are succeeding as a human being.
The outward manifestations of success are nice - the money, things and opportunities. You'll surely have some of these, but you will also fail at many things. We all do, and that's okay. The important question is the moment-to-moment and day-to-day question: will you start again in the right direction?
This internal process of choosing again and taking action is what defines success in life.
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