To me, being successful means...
Learning new things for a better tomorrow, everyday. Never be afraid to fail, as that is what makes us stronger.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be about money, and material things. Now I’m just glad for all I have and enjoy the little things in life.
To me, being successful means...
Not obsessing about "being successful", what a yawner question...
My definition of success has changed over time.
Sure, why not...
To me, being successful means...
Feeling fulfilled with the decisions you have made to have gotten to where you are today.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be about money and title.
To me, being successful means...
Living and loving on my own terms, within my means in the company of beloved family and friends.
My definition of success has changed over time.
My worth as a human being is no longer defined by my work, my employer, my income, my college "pedigree," or even having grown up in Palo Alto.
To me, being successful means...
Pursuing a life that makes me happy. Having balance with my work life, social life, and relationship with myself. Being able to afford my independence.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think success was based on more tangible identifiers. Such as my degree, my car, my job status, whether I was still asking my mom for money. Now I look at it in a broader more wholistic lens.
To me, being successful means...
Experiencing life
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think I was a failure or didn't measure up to what was expected of me because I didn't have the prestigious career or college under my belt. What I learned was I actually got to live life and see what the world had to offer and in that, I grew and became a better person.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to focus mostly on academic and financial success. But that matters less and less as you get older. Success as happiness (a measure that comprises love, friendship, leisure, good and interesting work, etc.) is my focus now.
To me, being successful means...
being happy
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being true to your values. People are much more important than possessions.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I went through a dark period where the acquisition of money and material possessions was most important. In the process, I lost my soul - my spirit. With material things, enough is never enough. I looked inward and realized that my values were being compromised and I was truly unhappy. I returned my focus to an appreciation for people and the earth - I enjoy my days now.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think success was based off money and position within society/job. I look at it now as a feeling. You are successful if you are content with the stage in life you are at without comparison to others
To me, being successful means...
Doing something that I'm good at and that I enjoy. For me, it happens to be business.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think getting into the best college was the most important. I've literally kept a mental notebook of many of my peers and I find little correlation between what college one attended and job and/or life fulfillment.
To me, being successful means...
I've come to believe that success is really relative. Some might define success by major financial success, power or name recognition. I think I'm successful. I've got three kids who are doing great, I can feed them and my wife and have money for luxuries like Ice Hockey, concerts, meals out and seeing new movies if we like. I'm not wealthy by any means, but I'm certainly successful compared to a lot of situations.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to feel that being recognized was the definition of success. After all, only those whose name is thrown around are what seemed successful. They were known, they had influence, recognition and power. It always seemed like school and TV said it was so easy, it wasn't. I had to move the goalposts. Success became not being a failure rather than being any verb which implied privilege. When that level of success(close to the dictionary definition) is your bar, all of a sudden its black and white: succeed or fail. So not failing became the yardstick of success.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy
My definition of success has changed over time.
I think it's relaxed a lot over the years. Gotten more inclusive and simpler
To me, being successful means...
Making enough money to live comfortably and have a little left over. Having a career where I'm enjoying what I'm doing, but also having a great family life.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being happy
My definition of success has changed over time.
Less about title and money, more about relationships
To me, being successful means...
Having deep, loving relationships (new and old); taking care of my health as best as I can, being financially sustainable and having a strong, mutually respectful, loving and honest marriage.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be more of a fairytale picture. Now it's real and includes going through the mud puddle to get to the other side, rather than walking around it.
To me, being successful means...
Being free to share my soul and my unique gifts with my community, following my passions.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Not a material measurement
To me, being successful means...
Health and being a good friend, a good husband, a good father and a good son. providing a safe environment for my family is my top priority.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be financially based. Money is still critical or a source of stress but a happy and healthy family trumps all else.
To me, being successful means...
Setting goals for yourself and going after them with all that you have
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreThis is a collection of anonymous life and career stories from Palo Alto alumni for everyone. They shatter the myth that there is only one path to success.
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