<p>For the sake of philosophical discourse, let us have a discussion on our own individual definition of success. As all of us are in college or are soon to be in college, this is a pertinent subject to think about as we set forth on a one way road. </p>
<p>It is at this point in our lives that our decisions truly matter. We cannot reverse time or undo what has been done. We only live so long: if, after pursuing one path I find a longing for another path, it may be too late.</p>
<p>So how do you define success and how are you going to seek this out in your life?</p>
<p>Hope this doesn’t sound rude, but did you really have to write that in such a didactic manner? :P</p>
<p>I define success as being overall happy with your life; for most people that means having close family, friends, and being financially stable (obviously this varies person to person).</p>
<p>My family’s culture has a history of repressing women and treating them unfairly. Several women in my extended family have dealt with domestic violence and ended up screwed because they couldn’t get a job (little education; no skills) after their husbands left. If I get a job and don’t end up as a timid housewife married to some guy my parents forced me to, I’ll be the first woman in my family to do that, honestly. My parents were very controlling and raised to me to be extremely submissive, so the thought of being independent and financially secure one day (that doesn’t mean rich lol) makes me happy. I also hope I’ll have a happy, close-knit family in the future because my own family growing up was kind of screwed up.</p>
<p>Do whatever you want and be happy. If you’re not happy, then you’re not successful. Success is a stupid concept and I don’t think life can be quantified in any way. Some shlub driving a BMW and living in a big white house but wakes up miserable every morning is not successful.</p>
<p>My definition of success is having a house with its own backyard, BBQ, television, a dog that can go for a walk without a leash, a wife, some children, and doing productive and meaningful work.</p>
<p>For me, success is being happy. If I can be happy on a 30K/year wage, well then I’m successful in my own eyes.</p>
<p>My ‘goal’ I guess isn’t lofty. Make enough to own a small house in a nice neighborhood, drive a conservative car, have a nice TV, cell and computer, be able to afford putting some money away in a college fund and retirement fund. Go out to eat a couple nights a week. Travel a few times a year.</p>
<p>I really don’t need much. As long as I’m happy, that’s good enough for me. If I go on to change the world, great, if not it’s’ not a big deal… in 1000 years the majority of us will have contributed nothing but dust.</p>
<p>If you care to look at the original quote he did say a “majority.” But yes, our legacy will likely not be left with fame or writings, but likely lost after a couple generations.</p>
<p>Yes, but my dust will be the mightiest of all. They’ll test plants for extra-terrestrial terra-forming in my dust. They’ll use your dust for the floors of middle school shop class.</p>
<p>Personal Wants/Needs:
~ A better sense and acceptance of who I am
~ Husband, kids, dog(s)
~ Stable income to support family^
~ A job that pushes me, but allows me to feel good about what I do
~ A fulfilling life (according to what I value)
~ Meaningful relationships with friends, family, random people, etc.
~ Good health; mind, body, and spirit - no stress
~ Live in the moment; live with no regrets
~ Reasonable security</p>
<p>Bonus Wants:
~ A horse
~ A medium-sized house with a large backyard
~ Achieve all items, or a good majority, on my Bucket List
~ Pilot’s license
~ Magic carpet
~ Deluminator (Put-Outer); imagine how useful this could be to turn lights off right before you go to sleep at night…would never have to leave your bed.
~ 8-9 hours of sleep a night</p>