Is the richest man in the world the most successful?

Defining success is about as personal as it gets. Truly, even though many mistakenly believe it hinges on what other people think , they’re wrong. Of course, if others perceive you as successful, it does wonders for the ego, but it doesn’t necessarily mean their perceptions are correct.

One person may define his success by his annual income, while another may measure it by his son’s graduation from college. One little league coach may measure it by the amount of wins his team manages. Another might measure it by how much fun the team had during their season, regardless of wins.

Since I’m now a senior citizen, I can look back and reflect on how the meaning of success changed for me as I got older. When I was younger, it was measured by my accomplishments and to some degree how I affected others…including my husband and children. During those years of nurturing my children, my life revolved around them. When they grew stronger, I felt a sense of accomplishment…thus success. Now, I don’t think that is a true definition of success. I don’t think we can ride the coattails of someone else’s accomplishments and call it our success. Doing your job to the best of your ability, whatever it is, should be a natural goal for all people, so why should doing it be the measure of success? To me it’s more a measure of maturity and honing your capabilities, whether a rocket scientist or a wheat farmer.

I had good reason to reflect on my success recently while recovering from a heart attack and bypass surgery. During those long weeks of recovery, the answer became crystal clear to me. It came with the multitude of cards and well wishes from friends and complete strangers I’d met on the internet. In some small way, I’d affected these people and they aided in my recovery by their kindness. Most were aspiring writers who asked for advice. I discovered it’s not what we do for ourselves, but what we do for others and how they respond that is a true measure of success.

We saw ‘real’ examples of success after the horror of September 11th. People in New York and around the country volunteered time, labor, blood and money to strangers.

Humanity is the highest form of success. If the richest man on earth lacks humanity, he lacks success. If the poorest man in the world shares with his neighbor, he is successful.