Wow, you made it through kindergarten; what an accomplishment. Let’s throw a party and make you feel special—you deserve it after all you’ve been through. Those were challenging times, learning to figure out the system that you will be subjected to for the rest of your life. So, let’s start it off right with an undeserved party for making it all the way through one year of drawing and counting and clapping.
Here’s your trophy. You were on the team, and you played in a few games. Coach can barely remember your name, but that’s okay; he got it right on the trophy. This ribbon means you were in the tournament. That ribbon means you got a ribbon for racing. Way to go! Make sure you high-five everyone on your way out, and don’t forget to double high-five your frenemy just to make sure you’re cool. Fantastic effort, you entered and exited the stage as you were supposed to. You’re a star! Here are flowers, candy, and a pizza.
What’s that? Did I just hear that you’re graduating fifth grade? You’re a superstar! You turned 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, 18. Somehow, you just keep aging. That’s incredible, well done. Let’s throw an unforgettable, expensive party just for your birthday! Oh, and there’s no stopping you; you just keep going. You keep going to school and turning in homework that’s asked of you and showing up most of the time you’re supposed to and, amazingly enough, no one knows how you did it, but you did: you graduated high school! The world is yours; keep it up. There’s no telling what you can’t do. Impressive, you’re going to college! Hardly anyone seems to make it that far, and you did- what an achievement. Now, off to do your Master’s in whatever. Maybe even another one after that one. You got approved for loans- bravo! You got a credit card, too. Double cool. You got a certificate! Break out the champagne, you are inspiring future generations. Go take a graduation vacation on that new credit card, you are worth it. Are you proud of your achievements?
Congratulations. You made it to adulthood. Cue the applause. Here’s a debt collector! Here’s a career you’re stuck in, but here’s a discount on your phone bill—since we will expect you to respond at all hours of the day. There’s a mandatory company party, just for fun. Good work, you showed up, here’s a door prize—a company coffee mug. Thanks for coming to the conference. Here’s a folder and a cup and a cookie for your presence. Yum, it’s Tuesday. Here’s a doughnut for coming to work today. You sure seem to be typing a lot and fast. How about we give you this project—you’re just so good at what you do. You’re the best! We couldn’t be what we are without team members like you. The promotion, though, is a different story. We would rather promote someone else. Oh, we know you did a better job, but we simply have to promote the other candidates. Sorry. And we will move you to a different office due to a budget crisis.
So the years will pass. One new tragedy, one new challenge, one new loss. But you keep going until there is only one challenge left. The last step on your way out of this world.
You completed the journey called life, you made it to the finish line even though you’re still 5 kilos overweight. You did it, hurray! Here’s a T-shirt and a whole bag filled with your favorite dark chocolate! You deserve it. You’re amazing! Great job! But did you really succeed? Do you need to be successful in anything? Or were you happy, and can truly say you loved your life? With all its ups and downs? And all the T-Section right-or wrong decisions you have made along the way? All those who led you to where you are today?
The thing is that when it comes to success, there are very few certainties, except that you sometimes have to be willing to work hard, not give up when it gets difficult, and go the extra mile, or don’t and then live with the consequences but don’t complain.
What I’m trying to say is that, in the end, it all depends on how you yourself define success. For me, I went with the achievement of something desired, planned, and attempted, focusing on being and staying healthy, having a good job that pays my bills, enjoying an awesome life, and living in my dream house with some cool souls by my side.
Then, I consider myself a very successful person.
