Defining Success

As humans we have a tendency to conflate status with success. So, we go chasing after symbols of status that we can show off to others. A piece of paper with a big-name institution, a new outfit, a pristine social media feed.

I’m coming to terms with the fact that I fell into this trap. I have to admit that one of the reasons I came to Georgetown was that I thought it would validate my hard work in high school and my intelligence. It would make me feel and look successful.

Unfortunately, in making this decision I disregarded what would actually make me content. (Not that I’m not grateful to be here, I am). I just know that prestige or status doesn’t equate to learning. But instead of listening to that rational part of me I gave into what everyone else was telling me success looked like.

But, all of the symbols I listed previously are just that, symbols. They don’t define what success is unless you let them. As the minimalists say, it’s just one template for success. It’s time we take control of our lives again and start living based on what we value and not what society or other people tell us to value.

So, I’m challenging myself to take a hard look what I’m really proud of and what I really love and do more of that and less of what doesn’t really matter. Because at the end of the day my diploma is just a piece of paper but it’s my actual life.