Redefining Success: Looking Beyond Career and Money
What does success look like to you?
Society often pushes us toward a definition of success that revolves around climbing the career ladder, accumulating wealth, and achieving status. From a young age, we're told to set ambitious goals, chase prestigious careers, and strive to make as much money as possible. While these goals aren't inherently wrong, they can sometimes overshadow other crucial elements that give life depth and meaning.
As a high school teacher and coach, I've observed firsthand the pressures placed on young adults to succeed according to societal standards. Students believe success means getting perfect grades, attending elite colleges, getting that offer to play college sports, and securing high-paying jobs. However, I've seen that when students focus exclusively on these external metrics, they often overlook critical factors like emotional health, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
In my own life, I've found that true success isn't measured solely by a paycheck or job title. Rather, it’s deeply connected to the quality of my relationships, my impact on the community, and how authentically I'm living each day. There's immense value in nurturing close friendships, staying connected with family, and building meaningful relationships within your community. These connections offer a sense of belonging and fulfillment that money simply can't buy.
Recently, I've found myself reflecting more deeply on loneliness despite being surrounded by family, friends, and community events. It’s made me realize how critical deep, meaningful relationships are—not just acquaintances or superficial friendships, but people who genuinely know and support you. These relationships provide the foundation for emotional strength and happiness.
We must ask ourselves: Are we living lives aligned with what truly matters to us? Success, when defined beyond career and money, can transform how we approach our lives, bringing a richer and more profound sense of purpose.
It's time we redefine success. We can do this by incorporating emotional well-being, community involvement, and finding new things to be a part of but at our core we need authentic relationships. Because ultimately, life isn't about how much money we make or the titles we hold—it's about who we are, who we love, and how we choose to show up in the world each day.