Modern definitions of success have always been associated with fame and fortune.If you have reached a certain level wherein people look up to you for your respectable title or envy you for your riches, you are deemed successful. While I understand the allure that this status brings, I can’t help but wonder what comes next after you have achieved this? If you are neither popular nor wealthy, does it mean you aren’t successful?
In perhaps thousands of definitions of success, I have found an inspiring definition of success that we could all adopt.
It is a beautifully worded poem entitled “Success” by the 19th century American writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson.
To laugh often and love much:To win respect of intelligent peopleAnd the affection of children;To earn the approbation of honest criticsAnd endure the betrayal of false friends;To appreciate beauty;To find the best in others;To give one’s self;To leave the world a little better,Whether by a healthy child,A garden patch,Or redeemed social condition;To have played and laughed with enthusiasmAnd sung with exultation;To know even one life has breathed easierBecause you have lived…This is to have succeeded.~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
I believe success is being able to live each day with passion and centered on a purpose. If I were to make a quote on how to live a successful life it would be this:
“Go ahead! Apply yourself! Go out of your comfort zone! It doesn’t matter if the world responds in kind.You have touched the world.You have left your mark.”
How about you? How do you define success? Is there a particular success definition you’d like to adopt? Feel free to share your thoughts !
We have different story and success. Nice Poem and Nice Post!
I believe that success is being happy, nothing more and nothing less. Beautiful poem and beautiful post.
Madz,
Very nice post you did. Questioning what success is a step towards 'success'. You are right to say success is often associated with fame and fortune.
Personally, I believe success is indeed, fame and fortune, by way of making other people successful first, to attain my success.
Beautiful! I love the idea that even touching one person's life and then you can breathe easier. Thanks for sharing!
totally agree! great things happen when you step out of your comfort zone 🙂
Success for me is living a simple life, not really being wealthy or having expensive things. Just a simple life that serves a purpose. 🙂
For many people, success means being wealthy (money). For me, it's simply having a peaceful and loving home. On a personal level, I feel like a success when I do something for others and they appreciate it. 🙂
What a beautiful poem. Hope you don't mind me sharing it. 🙂
We often associate success with money, career, and material things. For me, success is also about doing what you love most that gives you self-fulfillment 🙂
Success for me is simply seeing my loved ones in good health and happy. Such a lovely poem. 🙂
Mhaan <3 | Mommy Rockin' In Style Blog
Inspiring words from Emerson.. I agree, I often question what define's my success. And my answer is my family <3
This is such a sweet post. I myself have a completely different idea of success now compared to my idea 10 years ago. A lot of things can define success!
Success isn't in money or materials things but in the beauty and love around you. Ralph Waldo Emerson always gets it just right.
What an inspiring poem. A great read.
Success for me is being able to use yourself in the best possible ways. For me, it's actually a sin to be lazy and just being contented on what the world can offer you. We need to give back.
Success is different for everyone, I believe.
I always equate success to contentment and being able to appreciate what you have in life 🙂
What a lovely poem. Success to me is having to raise my kids the best way I know how. =)
For me success is when you go home, see the contentment and love in Baby Charley's and my husband's faces. 🙂 Success. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Mommy. 🙂
I feel you, you are full of love and inspiring words to share. Keep it coming, mommy.
The poem made me smile! I may not have the glitz and glam of life, but I'm happy. I think being happy and contented is being successful. And also, to see my child happy, responsible, kind, contented. Thankyou for sharing!
Inspiring poem! For me, success is when my kids are grownup, responsible and independent, that means they are doing good in life. 🙂
We have one of Ralph Waldo Emerson's sayings on our bedroom wall. Such a great poet/philosopher.
Success for me is seeing my boys enjoy their life as tweens, not forced to do something or deprived of anything. I could see smile in their faces, hear thank yous and receive hugs because you let them be themselves. The happiness and contentment they are enjoying now will make them look forward to their everydays and in no time, be successful in their chosen field because they do not have backlogs and worries of tomorrow. Happy Monday!
Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem spoke to me. Beautiful!
Very beautiful poem. Well for me, success is a feeling of fulfillment. You don't have to be rich or own a mansion etc. When I make someone happy, reach my goal or get an achievement it already means success for me.