The Ultimate Guide to Success
The past few weeks as I entered but my fifth existential crisis, and third while at university, I yet again asked the age old question “: what is success and what makes one successful.” As I contemplated the value of life and the purpose of my being I felt stuck: lacking ambition and a need to move forward. I felt stuck, for I was faced with a decision to either to run around chasing the wind in circles or to keep on standing still, facing my white bedroom wall and let life pass me by.
In the past 4 weeks I questioned the very foundations of my being and as such have come to deal with an array of issues that has plagued my existence. It was here that I could be enlightened about my need for affirmation and question my motivation. It was here that I could realise that who I am was motivated much more by proving myself to others than following my hopes and dreams.
Read: I’m generally doing well. I’m generally fine. I’m ok – ok?
It was there in that moment that I realised that up to this point my life was dedicated to an endless road of marathons I ran trying to reach the next pinnacle of success. It was an endless battle I faced, fighting for things I did not necessarily believed in just to receive the approval I sought.
And today I stand facing my white bedroom wall yet again as I ask myself what’s next. If my being is not dedicated to running around chasing things that has limited value, what am I supposed to do? Where do I receive the motivation to put one foot after the other when ultimately it ends up not making a difference at all? Why spend sleepless nights working on projects when it’s eternal value is next to nothing?
It therefore that I believe that success is not defined by the measure of worldly excellence you achieve. Success is not defined by being quoted by the Time Magazine or being friends Angelina Jolie. No, success is the defined by your ability to be present in whatever you phase might find yourself being; Success is to make the most of the moment your experiencing.
As a Christian, success is furthermore defined by leaving those moments, those phases you pass through, in a better condition. It is defined by the smile I left as I greeted the beggar on the street this morning; the ability to unconditionally care and spread hope.
It was during the past few weeks that I questioned my being. It was there in those moments of utter distress that I discovered the ability to be content in the phases, moments and occasions I am facing. To not keep on running after the wind to the next goal or ambition, but to be present and leave hope, joy and life behind as I pass through.