Chapter 1: Redefining Success

Recently, I've been pondering a thought-provoking question:

Did anyone view Elon Musk as "successful" when he was living on a mere dollar a day in his college dorm, surviving solely on ramen noodles?

Or did he only achieve that status after launching multiple companies and amassing billions of dollars?

I'm captivated by the behaviors of those who are deemed "successful" as they navigate their journeys to wealth.

Moreover, I'm intrigued by how diverse people's interpretations of success can be.

Chasing after the wrong goals can lead to increased dissatisfaction, even as one achieves more.

Check out Tim Denning’s article discussing the darker side of Elon Musk's seemingly glamorous life.

Chapter 2: Personal Perspectives on Success

During discussions on The Dare to Dream Podcast, we frequently ask guests to share their definitions of success.

It's always enlightening to hear the varied responses.

Some equate success with financial stability and the ability to enjoy desired lifestyles.

Others argue that success is unrelated to money, instead focusing on the depth of relationships with work, family, and friends.

Personally, I define success as loving:

• How you spend the majority of your time
• The person you are evolving into
• The way you treat others (and yourself)
• Your mental and physical well-being
• The connections you foster

While financial resources can influence these areas, my definition of success isn't directly tied to money.

Reflecting on Mr. Musk again, I ask:

Would young Elon Musk or Bill Gates have been seen as successful before their extraordinary wealth?

Or were they merely passionate individuals engrossed in their projects?

Although I don’t know them personally, I suspect they were too focused on their aspirations to think about success at that stage in their lives.

Many agree with this notion, and it resonates with the wisdom of great thinkers.

Henry David Thoreau aptly stated:

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”

Similarly, Viktor Frankl expressed a profound sentiment:

“Don’t aim at success — the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you will miss it. True success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must occur as an unintended side-effect of one's commitment to a cause greater than oneself. You must let it happen by not obsessing over it.”

Chapter 3: The Essence of Success

Success isn't merely a goal to be achieved; it's a state of being.

It's about how you engage with the world, loving yourself, your endeavors, and your impact on others.

The moment you become "successful" is less about monetary gain or external accolades and more about your daily experiences.

The most significant measure of success is this:

How eager are you to rise each morning?

Did anything I share evoke a smile, pause, or reflection?

If so, consider following me on Medium and subscribe to my newsletter for weekly doses of inspiration, knowledge, and a sprinkle of humor.