“The starting point of all achievement is desire.” – Napoleon
Yes that’s what drove me. Success and the desire to be the best. From the time that I had a sense of self, I always wanted to be successful. For me it was more important to be in front of the line, be in the spot light. Whatever I did be it studies or extracurricular activities I had to be in the top three, anything less was just not acceptable. And while growing up everyone around told me its fine to be that way, my teachers and my parents took great pride in my achievements.
To be honest I don’t think any of us knew any better. It was a time when acing the board exams meant better college prospects; a good college meant a bright career and so on and so forth. Life was a race which we had to win at any cost. Once you start working then your salary, the size of your car, the no. of holidays you take, the bigger your house, all these things come into play. And life just passed by. And then you realized, you never enjoyed the Shakespeare you read in college, because you were too busy preparing for competitive exams; didn’t really enjoy the holiday as you were too busy attending conference calls. Many of us realize after giving five to ten years into our professions that we don’t enjoy what we do, and we do what we do because it pays the bills. We may be successful in life in terms of the bank balance, but may not find ourselves happy. Frustration, depression and dissatisfaction creeps in.
But things are never finite, and we can incorporate lot of changes in the way we think and operate. And first and foremost is the definition of success, it can never be just about a number, a level you achieved or the amount of money you earn. There is and must better ways to be more happy and successful in life.
The world is changing and so is the approach towards life and livelihood. And people have realized it takes more than the bank balance to be really happy and successful in life. People want to work not just for livelihood but for things they are passionate about. There are more and more interesting career options available which don’t even require checking into an office. And even regular jobs have work from home options. In Europe and America post the economic crisis of 2008 there has been a whole new movement of people moving back to smaller towns and villages and try living off the land. I know many people who are really happy and successful in life and have made very successful careers out of organic farming, teaching yoga, blogging, photography and the list goes on.
Sustainable, healthy and fulfilling are the buzz words today! Leave the rat race and work towards something that really excites you, is fulfilling; sustainable as in financially rewarding and healthy so as to it doesn’t add stress to your life. Look for these three things when you make the big career decision. And for people who are already working, it’s never too late to figure out what makes you tick.
“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in; and it will come naturally.” – David Frost
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