To me, being successful means...
Being to take care of my needs and help out with the needs of those I love. To be able to be meaningful work that uses my unique brain and skills. To be loved and valued by family, friends and clients.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I was more focussed on my achievements, and my immediate family, and less on my extended web of relationships
To me, being successful means...
Sharing my life with a kind loving companion, children and grandchildren. Living simply so I don't have to worry about the mortgage or bills. Being able help those that I love in little ways. Being able to travel at least once a year. Feeling useful and content but not stressed with my work. Being happy with myself and being consciously grateful for all the blessings that I have experienced so far.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Coming from an environment that puts a high value on traditional ideas of financial/professional success, I've realized that there are many paths to, and many definitions of success. For me, success is being able to take care of your family, if you choose to have one, and living within your means, whatever they are.
My definition of success has changed over time.
"stuff" is less important to me
To me, being successful means...
Love of family! THE most important thing. Being satisfied with "enough" - not worrying about excess. Someone once told me to value "People, Places and lastly THINGS" - in that order. People: friends and family. Places: home, places you've visited. Things: don't matter as much as we think they do at the time. Does NOT mean money and power.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Earning a living by doing what makes me tick. It makes me happy to be in my profession, and yet I would do it anyway, even if I had to earn my living some other way.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
I'm a musician/educator/performer. If something isn't working, I always have another opportunity. People like me are always "auditioning." Every job we do is a resume for the next job.
To me, being successful means...
Being able to work at a job you love instead of one that just "pays the bills".
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used work in a career I hated for the money. Now I make slightly less, but I'm happy and enjoy what I do.
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 happy with my life and grateful for everyone and everything that has challenged and rewarded my life.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Most of all being happy
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
making a difference in other people's lives without requiring credit (even though credit may be due).
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Experiencing the love of family and friends
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
being able to realize goals that help you support yourself in an increasing complicated world, be able to make choices regarding the impact you want to have on the earth's resources, and be able to safe and happy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I was able to meet all my career, monetary and lifestyle goals. I was not able to meet all my relationship goals but learned how to be okay with that and think out of the box.
To me, being successful means...
Feeling fulfilled, making a difference in peoples lives and in the world we live in.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I value the simple things, health, happiness, volunteering, family.
To me, being successful means...
Being intelligent, educated, and being content with what I have.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think it meant how successful I was in terms of jobs/income.
This 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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Black and white photos on this site courtesy of Palo Alto Historical Association. All other photos taken by us. Website by us.
