It Was a Success, But How?

It was a success in the eyes of society, but was it a success in the mind of the individual?  This question goes beyond the surface level to the heart of the matter of how one processes and defines success. 

The dream of becoming financially secure seems far away until it becomes a reality for us. When we reflect on how far we have come, we may wonder if it was our money or our mind that enabled us to play our cards correctly. 

If money were the primary reason, our minds would be secondary because we already have the resources. If our mind were the primary reason, then money would be secondary because we know how to use fewer resources effectively to achieve the same result over and over. 

While it is possible to use both money and our minds to achieve success, most of us have to make trade-offs. 

Choosing one over the other necessitates careful consideration and a clear understanding of what we consider to be at the top of our priority list. This article will analyze what causes our success.

What Does It Mean to Successful in Life?

The call to action that follows our declaration of intention to act is a confrontation with fear, failure, and uncertainty. It is this package deal that separates those who simply dream of success from those who actively pursue it. 

Our unwillingness to give up on our quest determines how far we go. Each passing day is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser, to build upon our previous efforts, and to refine our skills. 

Success means having the freedom to experiment with, modify, and ultimately mold life to our liking. The luxuries that success brings can be purchased immediately, but the hours we put in on a daily basis cannot.

Late nights and early mornings are the price we pay. Our decision to say "no" in the face of widespread support for initiatives that promise instant gratification will be perplexing to many people on the outside.

It could be said that a burden that success brings is that we can't identify with what most people consider normal. Ambition dominates our lives, and this keeps us removed from other people's typical routines and experiences. 

How Much Is Enough Money?

As one paper bill is piled on top of another, the stack becomes more valuable. Each dollar represents a certain amount of purchasing power, which speaks for itself. It's not just about the number on the bank statement, but rather a sense of accomplishment and validation. 

When we consider the context in which we live, the question of how much money is enough becomes more complicated. Is it enough when we can afford to be impractical and indulge in our desires without worrying about the consequences? Or is it enough that we have a safety net that can catch us if we fall?  

The world around us appears to operate on a different frequency, and if we do not adapt to the latest trends, we may feel left behind or inadequate. As we consider why we strive for more money, the line between necessity and excess becomes increasingly blurred. 

It's possible that we may claim that our motivation is primarily a desire to better ourselves and the world as a whole, but our pursuit of financial security may actually be more egotistical in nature. 

We may become trapped in an endless cycle of comparison and competition, constantly striving for more to validate our worth. Finally, it appears that the concept of "enough" is a moving target, shifting in response to our changing circumstances and desires. 

Exploring Happiness

In a perfect world, financial stability and happiness would go hand in hand. We would find contentment in having enough to meet our basic needs and a little extra for comfort and enjoyment. However, in reality, happiness doesn't always come from financial stability alone. 

When a need is not met by acquiring more items, a void can form and grow.  Although society has cast us as winners, we could also be cast as losers.  Happiness is ultimately a state of mind. 

"Faking it until you make it" can only take us so far in terms of true happiness. The struggle to find what else is missing from our lives becomes more apparent. It becomes a search for purpose, meaning, and fulfillment beyond material possessions. 

Without money, we are stripped down to our core essence, left with nothing but our thoughts, emotions, and relationships. This bare condition compels us to look within and acknowledge the parts of ourselves that the pursuit of money may have obscured. 

We are confronted with the need to find fulfillment in the intangible aspects of life—love, connection, personal growth, and contribution to society. 

Intelligent Behavior for Success

Real-world situations necessitate a formula that cannot be found in textbooks or taught in a classroom. In times of seclusion, our intelligence is all we have to rely on. It is easier to adopt someone else's ideas than it is for us to develop our own. 

Furthermore, while it is possible to be mentally astute, being intelligent in how we act calls for a different set of skills. Self-awareness, self-discipline, and emotional intelligence are all required for monitoring and controlling our behavior. 

If we stay out of certain situations, we can observe how others interact and learn from their actions. This kind of observation can provide valuable insights into social dynamics and help us develop strategies for success.

Looking past what is immediately visible requires a keen eye that can spot hidden opportunities that no one else sees. A calculated risk is determined after weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various options. 

Success takes a strong character to carry out what we say we are going to do. This persistence adds to our story, which can be used to create an emotional connection with those who admire us. 

Success on Our Own Terms

Everyone seems to have their own version of what is best for us. Regardless of how well we present ourselves to the world, someone is going to find something to say about our choices and decisions. 

If we were to follow all of this noise, we would be constantly pulled in different directions, never truly living our own lives.  To break away from this, we have to define what success means to us on our own terms. 

What we applied to our lives yesterday may not be applicable today. When we are able to acknowledge and accept that something is not working, we can then make the necessary adjustments and course corrections. This requires a level of self-awareness and a willingness to let go of our ego and pride.

It is not easy to admit when we have made a mistake or when we need to change direction, but it is essential for our growth and personal development. 

This mindset is built on the understanding that we are constantly evolving beings. It is not our responsibility to continue acting or thinking in the same way we have in the past. 

Closing Thoughts

Success can come at a time when we least expect it. It can be found in the smallest of moments, in the quiet victories that go unnoticed by the world. When looking at whether success started with our intelligence or money, the answer lies in what we value most. 

Many people have all of the resources and opportunities available to them but lack the intelligence and creativity to capitalize on them. 

Those with a sharp mind and a thirst for knowledge, on the other hand, can turn even the most insignificant resources into monumental achievements. 

While having access to a large amount of money can provide opportunities and resources, it is our ability to use them wisely that sets us apart. Our unique perspectives and experiences ultimately determine where we fall on the spectrum of money vs. intelligence and creativity. 

Neither is enough to succeed, but when combined with others, the likelihood increases. In the end, success is a subjective concept, and it is up to each individual to define what it means to them.