What is Success?

We live in a world where success is glorified. Every billboard, magazine, TV or online show is covered with images of people who’ve performed well by social standards. These examples are meant to inspire us to aim higher. Indeed, a large number of us do try to follow in the exalted footsteps of the heralded. While some of us reach comparable benchmarks, the majority do not. Thereafter, they experience a swirl of deep disappointment and disgruntlement from failing to meet their expectations. Subsequently, this spiral of inner negativity foments fear and lust – entrapping them in a cycle of adverse intentions, actions and consequences – preventing them from developing in consciousness.

Success is the attainment of outcomes that are regarded as social standards. These are accepted metrics such as: an ideal family life; household income; academic credentials; professional achievements and lifestyle. The yardsticks serve the purpose of sorting people so as to allocate benefits like social recognition and power. These standards exist because it’s always been believed that a hierarchical structure of authority is the most efficient way to preserve natural resources and social order. This is why the hierarchy and its allied currencies have been the social norm throughout history. Notwithstanding the logic of social outcomes – it’s undeniable that they do more harm than good.

The currency of social outcomes poisons our soul with lust and perpetuates expectations; instead of filtering barriers. We feel as though we’ve been forced to scale a mountain that was chosen for us. It’s a journey where we are constantly battered by the never-ending storms of fear and anxiety. A journey that we rarely feel in control of. For most of us, this ascent is a relentlessly frightening and stressful experience. Nevertheless, it’s a trek we cannot quit lest we face the condemnation of society. Even if we were to succeed in the endeavour, we’d be immediately presented with more artificial mounds to scale…a series of ascents designed to deviate us from our true self. These man-made travails are distinct from the challenges that nature poses.

To resolve challenges from the universe – such as a sudden personal crisis – we have to remain true to ourselves by acting; while fully present in the moment. However, when we strive to achieve social outcomes – such as wealth or power – we feel compelled to go against the grain of nature and often violate our personal rule book. To attain these milestones – more often than not – we become calculating; utilitarian. We discriminate between beings – living and non-living; even oppress them; for the sake of maximising their utility. Because these actions are driven by lust – their negative consequences linger in our consciousness for aeons– stymying the journey of our soul to the universe’s womb. Fortunately, the trap of social expectations can be averted.

We can escape from the pit of expectations by immersing ourselves in the journey of life. This means experiencing every moment of life like a person who passionately witnesses everything that’s occurring. His enjoyment of the activity is so great that it exceeds the pleasure from even a highly desirable outcome. In this state of being, the heart is perpetually throbbing with the beats of the universe. The mind has been permanently imprinted with the sights, sounds and smells of those moments. Thus, it’s clearly evident that the cumulative impact of the experience on one’s consciousness is richer than the fleeting pleasure of the outcome. Based on this insight, we can now redefine success.

Success is the satisfaction of witnessing every moment in life with a passion. This is why you must not chase social expectations. Give your all. Then, let things be.