Success

Recently I was asked to think about what "success" is to me. I realised that I didn't really have an answer. I don't have any particular career, relationship or health goals right now - I just endeavour to be making constant progress. As long as I can keep on moving forwards I am content.

I wasn't satisfied with my answer, I wanted a difinitive answer - I wanted success to mean something specific to me. I thought carefully about times in my life when I have felt successful and I thought about all the things I want from life. I realised that I could define my own success: I feel successful when the people around me are happy.

It has long been my philosophy that the best thing I can do with my time on earth is to spread joy as far and as wide as I can. If I focus solely on my own happiness I can, at best, have a positive effect on one life for maybe 80 years. If I am prepared to help others my influence can be infinite. It seems like a better use of my time

I think I get a little down on myself sometimes and, though I am often self-assured and appear confident, I don't really think that highly of myself. I derive self-worth from the effect that I have on others - I care little for myself.

I'm not depressed, I'm really content with where I am at the moment. Another chapter of my life is coming to a close and I relish the opportunity to splatter some ink on the crisp white pages which sit infront of me.

This is just a reminder to myself for times when I am highest and times when my obstacles seem insurmountable: Just remember why you are doing it. Remember what success is to you.