Real Talk: Measures of Success

I realized that everyone has their own perception of success.

I was in an engaging dialogue with my friend on whether I would feel intimidated/emasculated if I were to date a woman who made more money than I did (actually, I do in real life). My response was a clear and definite “No.”

First, I do not hold money to the highest esteem in terms of success or accomplishment. If I am set in the field of work that I love, and it so happens to be a career path that does not pay as well as said woman’s career path, then so be it. Not every job is paid equally. If I can come home and feel good about the work that I put in, then why should I feel bad about my income in comparison to someone elses?

But my response may differ from another person. It’s all about how a person perceives success. If you feel that money rules above all, then go ahead and stay on your grind. Get it right, get it tight.

As for me, I’m proud to say that I don’t hustle for money 24/7. I’m content with putting in 8-10 hours Monday through Friday at a job I’m great at in a company that respects me. Those are the hours that I dedicate to making money. For the rest of my day, I use that time to make a difference. I measure my success by accomplishing goals I set for myself, helping my family or friends whenever they need it, finding ways to work with the community, keeping up with close relationships, going out and making memories, all the while absorbing these experiences in pursuit of being a better person.

You know what does impress and intimidate me? Passion. Dedication. Drive. When a person who has these qualities puts them to good use and makes a change, whether it affects one person or a thousand people. When their actions make me look inward and wonder if I’ve done enough. When their experiences inspire me to the point where I want to follow in their footsteps.

Figure out what’s important to you, get passionate about something, and set out to do something great. Money will come my friends. Don’t waste your entire life chasing it or else you’ll miss out on who you were really supposed to be.

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