Success Is for the Misguided

I realize I already posted today...twice...but after having a few celebratory drinks with my brother and sister to recognize how awesome I am at getting a job, I was able to chat a little with Noah and we had a quick discussion on what success is.

I recognize the dangers in dealing with generalities but generally, I think people want to be successful in life. Human beings, as inhabitants of Earth, like the feeling of accomplishment in response to hard work and dedication. But what does success mean? Does it mean owning a house in a nice neighborhood with your spouse, children, and dog? Does it mean selling millions as a musical artist and hearing your name spoken in 26 different languages on radio stations around the world? Could success be finishing a novel you've been reading on and off for weeks?

Success is intriguing. Its ambiguity makes even discussing it difficult. It means so many different things and in the end, doesn't really mean anything at all.

No one is ever completely content. There are always things in life that are out of reach or out of reach for the moment. It is the trial and experience of getting to those out of reach things that makes life so bearable. Success is a bitch to master and is better left untouched.

One of the biggest problems people have with reaching success is that we are always telling ourselves we want things or the things we are going for are what we truly want. We're constantly talking ourselves into doing things because we think it is the "best choice" or the choice that best represents what we ultimately want when in reality we have no idea what we ultimately want because we don't have the experience of those things.

The best we can do is live in the now and try to make ourselves happy by exercising truth and solidarity. Each person on this earth should have opinions and emotions and feelings and live his and her life to its fullest extent based on what is best for those things.

I know I am constantly remolding myself to fit whatever form I'm presently in. I am constantly fighting to stand out while trying most desperately to fit in, being pulled from each direction. It is tiring and time consuming and most of all a waste of breath because although I say I need this and want that, none of it really matters in the end. All that matters is I did my best to get wherever I end up, doing the things that make me the best person I can be. I think that this is truly success. I find that I am consistently disappointed with the decisions I make in life and internally live by the "grass is always greener on the other side" philosophy. It is so draining that sometimes I am so tired out I am physically exhausted.

We just need to live by what we know and know by what we live. It's the only way to ever be satisfied. Try your best to learn and know and success will come. Otherwise, what's the point?