Back then, when I was still young, my own thought was that success is about showing off. I thought happiness was all about shiny stuff. I would look at our neighbor who bought a generator and the one who had solar installed. I would look at the woman who dressed as if she would never use those legs to touch the ground. Furthermore, I thought success was about people noticing you, and I spent years thinking that if I could match what others had, then I would feel successful, so... I chased it.
One evening, my phone was dead, and the electricity distribution company had refused to give us light. I just sat down, staring. My younger sister (a cousin) was on the dining table struggling with her assignments under a very weak light. The house was so quiet, and everyone was just looking as if... I moved close to her; she looked frustrated. I smiled as I sat down beside her; she had almost given up. First off, I helped her sort her notes that were scattered on the dining table, and then I explained to her the problem she was trying to solve in mathematics.
I even thought she wasn't paying attention, because when I first started, she was acting reluctant, but then it seemed she had lightened up. Not until I heard, "Wow, thanks...now I understand.” I looked at her, saw the smile on her face and the relief that shone through her, and I felt something warm inside of me as she shouted.
Success goes beyond all the noises and showoffs; success most of the time is often not seen. Success is you being able to help someone; success is making a difference. Ever since then, I have seen success in another light. As I help to plan events so they will go smoothly, then go with caterers to cook so they won't stress, then send messages and show up for people, including strangers who need help in tough and trying times. There are times I even take time to teach or support someone, even when I don't have much to give, even when no one sees it. Success is showing up, not because anyone is watching, but because it matters.
Success can at times be invisible... It is about taking actions that do not necessarily make it to the news headlines but are changing lives. There was a time I helped a family in my community; it wasn't finance related, but even I know I made a good impact on that family. Up until tomorrow, they appreciated it. I once gave a close friend advice some time ago too. I was glad he took to my warning; he was grateful he listened as well, as he would have made the biggest mistake of his life back then. Changing/impacting lives is the real success and the real reward as well. The applauses are good, trophies are not bad, and the likes from social media are good too, but beyond all of that, knowing you made life a little better for someone else is the real deal.
How do I define success? Success to me is about touching lives, and leaving good legacy behind. When you wake up each and every day knowing you have the chance and another opportunity to do something meaningful and change a person's world. If at a time like this, I can look back knowing I had helped someone rise, or made life a bit better for someone, or inspired someone, then I'm successful, even without the noise.
Success is never a destination. It is the combination of small acts, little impacts, and personal growth. Success is choosing to live life in a way that matters to those who need it. To me, that is the realest and truest form of success.
Success Beyond The Spotlight.
All pictures are mine.
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