I recall a program I volunteered with at a local church looking to help students with truancy problems. In every training session they stressed that we must redefine what success means. Where most of us were accomplished professionals success for them might be merely making it to school for two weeks straight. We had to rethink the individual milestone concept.
Up until about 5 years ago I always wanted to have a large estate like the Biltmore mansion above. Growing up with little means (but great blessings) I have always longed to gain esteem and social status. Not necessarily in the egoist way but a pure desire for high brow culture where people have a sense of properness. While the desire may be pure the trek to get there can be overlooked if not careful.
As I mentioned, up to about 5 years ago this is how I felt. Recently I have re-evaluating that desire. I’m not abandoning my dream for properness but I no longer want the Biltmore estate type of life. I haven’t given up the desire to be successful, in fact I’m pushing all the more toward it, but my focus has shifted. I am in the middle of redefining success for my life. If what I’m working toward brings me to elite status (as in the old definition of success), great, but if I never reach that level, great. I don’t need a 500 acre, 10,000 sf estate to be happy. If it comes my way I’ll take it, but it’s not my goal. My goal is to find contentment in where I am at in life all the while reaching for a better me. It’s about redefining success.
Attempt it. Chance it. Try it. Get to It!