To me, being successful means...
actualizing your goals
My definition of success has changed over time.
success for me today is defined in more personal ways, whereas when I was younger I looked to others for clues on what it means to be successful
To me, being successful means...
I think success is being generally happy with what you are doing. I don't mean overjoyed happy every minute of every day but I am achieving success when I wake up ready to start the day and go to bed feeling I accomplished something and had time for those I love. I also think success is making that happen while balancing my family/friends and being there for them and enjoying my time with them as much as I can.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Growing up I thought of success as being the most educated I could be and then working the hardest to get the highest paying job or best job title no matter what sacrifices I had to make in my own life. Honestly, I have none of the above things now (except the education piece perhaps) and I feel better about my life then ever.
To me, being successful means...
living comfortably, working at a job I don't hate, and spending as much time as possible with those dearest to me.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I think free time and flexibility have become more important over time.
To me, being successful means...
doing something enjoyable that also makes a positive difference in the world.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to tie success to some sort of rank: the university I went to, grades, job title, salary. Now those things seem less important than a life that brings meaningful purpose and joy.
To me, being successful means...
Feeling contentment in ones life. Having balance with all aspects of life; work, friends, family, and play.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
I didn't really think much about my specific definition of success until this survey. Contentment drives me but I don't know if it always did.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy. To be happy I consider 3 factors - my healthy, my friends/family in my life and the work that I do. Therefore I ask myself – am I in good health? Do I have friends and family in my life that care for me and vice versa? Do I wake up every day content with what’s in my life or am I unhappy? Am I able to make an impact and help people on a weekly basis? If I can answer yes, then I can feel successful.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Yes. I previously thought that to be successful you had to have a job, any job. Now I think it’s a bit more than just having a job. You have to have a balance of good things in your life and it’s certainly not all about having a job. It’s about having the opportunity to experience good things in your life and that can come from a result of relationships, traveling, reading, listening to music, living in a place like the Bay Area, etc.
To me, being successful means...
Primarily it means having good, healthy, happy, fulfilling relationships. Relationships do take time and resources, so i'd also like to have enough. Enough to me means, most/all of what I need, some of what I want and hopefully enough to share.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I thought it would be defined by scholastic, professional, financial success. Phase two came after college when it evolved to be one that embodied personal satisfaction and fulfillment and religious discovery and pursuit. Phase three evolved into finding my satisfaction in relationships with others, and learning to love, care for and seek the good of someone other than myself, while also becoming content with knowing that I will not and cannot know all the things I want to know.
To me, being successful means...
Having fun, being content., recognizing what is truly important: the relationships we build and maintain. Free of overriding worries, i.e., not enough food/shelter and means of earning income.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Growing up, I thought success was defined by how successful one was in their chosen career.
To me, being successful means...
being happy, having people to love and who love me, having a home and community
My definition of success has changed over time.
It is less focused on outward appearances (i.e. having a fancy car, house, job, etc…I could care less!)
To me, being successful means...
Pursuing your passions.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Formerly thought more about making good money, having a "respectable" job.
To me, being successful means...
being happy!
My definition of success has not changed over time.
I thought it was more about accomplishments and things earlier on than my feelings and experiences.
To me, being successful means...
Living your life to the fullest, and being happy (most of the time) in your family, job, fitness, etc.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Finding the right balance between all of the things that I do in life (work, being a parent, hobbies, etc.)
My definition of success has changed over time.
I didn't understand or value the "parent" part of it until I became a parent.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy. Spending time with family and friends -- being outdoors, cooking and relaxing. Helping others.
My definition of success has changed over time.
used to think success meant what career I had or how much money I made.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy. Proud of myself. Content with my life. Making others happy.
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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