This was a wonderful conversation about a complicated term with so much behind it to unpack. I find myself often happy to settle for small successes instead of dreaming big. I think this is partly because I prize peace and authentic, individual connections in my introverted way, so security and family are all I need to be content. But also partly because I am scared from the warnings of stories I've grown up hearing that success will always cost something, and sometimes that cost is to your personal purpose, passion, heart (is there a word I'm forgetting that encompasses all these? 😅)
Yeah. I guess what's important, and also the emphasis of this essay, is that you're following your own definition of success. When you're listening to what's right for you, you can always adapt your definition of success as necessary, as different chapters of life come and go.
I suppose everything has a cost, doesn't it? But I question that in today's day and age we have to sacrifice purpose, passion, and heart for success. Maybe so, but I don't think there has every been a better time to leverage your individuality, with social media and the internet taking over legacy media, now is your best chance to find success by following your authenticity. Maybe not A-list celebrity success, but as you said, it has its costs.
This was a wonderful conversation about a complicated term with so much behind it to unpack. I find myself often happy to settle for small successes instead of dreaming big. I think this is partly because I prize peace and authentic, individual connections in my introverted way, so security and family are all I need to be content. But also partly because I am scared from the warnings of stories I've grown up hearing that success will always cost something, and sometimes that cost is to your personal purpose, passion, heart (is there a word I'm forgetting that encompasses all these? 😅)
Yeah. I guess what's important, and also the emphasis of this essay, is that you're following your own definition of success. When you're listening to what's right for you, you can always adapt your definition of success as necessary, as different chapters of life come and go.
I suppose everything has a cost, doesn't it? But I question that in today's day and age we have to sacrifice purpose, passion, and heart for success. Maybe so, but I don't think there has every been a better time to leverage your individuality, with social media and the internet taking over legacy media, now is your best chance to find success by following your authenticity. Maybe not A-list celebrity success, but as you said, it has its costs.
What an encouraging and balanced perspective!
You're welcome!