The Failure In Success

How can one define success and how does that definition dictate how we feel about ourselves and those around us?  We are a society driven by praise, adoration and awards that somehow seem to validate our importance and determine our self-worth.  Wealth, worldly achievements and millions of followers have become the standard in which we measure ourselves by.

Even if we have accomplished a great feat we still desire those accolades that serve as a validation.  That recognition that "legitimately" etches our name in history. If we fail to ascend to the same height each and every time or beyond, what has been achieved before is almost nullified.  We are only as good as what can be quickly called to one's remembrance.  Our talents are even diminished when someone is hailed to be more gifted. With passing time we become less extraordinary.  Although we are still in possession of that same greatness, the paradigm has shifted and thus the general public's views and feelings somehow transform our success into utter failure.  

Every time we have reached the mark, it seems to have moved. Even those who appear to have arrived at this plateau, are doubtful and struggling to remain in this illusive space called success. We cannot measure ourselves against something that has no true value. We must stop looking to the world to define and validate who we are.  If we insist on the world's approval then success will always lead to failure.  Yet, if we only look to ourselves and stay determined to live our best life then failure is never an option.

Thinking Out Loud!