In your opinion, what actually defines a successful life, once you strip away everything society tells you it should be?

[Anonymous]

We’re often taught that success is money, status, education, relationships, or having a family. And for most people, that becomes the default definition without much question.

But I keep wondering, if all of that external validation was removed no comparison, no social expectations, no pressure to look ‘successful’, what would still make a life feel meaningful to you?

Because from what I’ve observed, a lot of people can reach everything they were told would make them successful, and still quietly feel lost or unfulfilled.

Which makes me question whether success is really about achievement, or something more internal that we don’t talk about enough.

So I’m curious, what do you think survives when everything external is stripped away? What part of success still remains, if anything?

And if your life didn’t match any of those common definitions, would you still be able to see it as success or would it feel like something else entirely?

[abc3643]

There are lots of ways to answer this question but, instead of an essay, I'll give a bulleted answer.

• If you made the world a better place than when you were born because you were in it, that's a success.
• If you haven't made the world a better place, did you live in such a way that you made the lives of others better? If so, then you're a success.
• If you haven't made the world a better place, did you live in such a way that you tried made the lives of others better even if you failed? If so, then you're a slightly less success. If you made their lives worse, well, that's not a success, but you did try and that's still a good thing.

Remember what The Beatles said:

And in the end,
The love you take
Is equal to
The love you make.

[Anonymous]

Each person has to decide this for themselves. I can't tell you what life means to you.

I can tell you for me it's getting closer to God. There are 8 billion people on this planet and everyone wants to feel special. Everyone is special to God. But to each one of us unless you have a close relationship (and even sometimes WHEN you have a close relationship) people get treated as ordinary. Everyone wants to take, but nobody wants to give.

I heard once the Dalai Lama said, "only true happiness comes from helping others". And in my experience i have to agree. But that doesn't mean I've found complete and everlasting happiness. I don't think that's possible. I think you have to work to refill your peace each day. And understand this world will always try to take it from you.

[4ngelic]

one where you were happy and were able to accomplish your dreams and goals during it

[sage2021]

I believe that if you are a terrific parent, then you are a successful person.

[exitseven]

Success is defined differently by different people. Many define their success in dollars and cents. I know a few very wealthy people and I know that they are not happy. I had several goals that I wanted to accomplish and I have succeeded in most of them.

A local artist wrote this song and I think it is a nice sentiment and it is one of my goals in life.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/xN9rZSKKi3Q

[Godihateyou]

My grandfather said you could judge a man by how many people show up to the funeral. He said he didn't care if you were crying or happy he was dead, you showed up. My dad was a humble VP of sales that became a cable man so he could be there for me my twin brother l, older brother, and little sister after my mom ran out on us. We lived roughly. We had all left Philly for at least 10 years but during COVID in Philly 200 people showed up in a Phillies game parking lot to say good bye to my dad. Many of my friends that I lost contact with. Very few people that were happy he was gone. That's my answer

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

You have Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
You have your own space to live in peacefully.
You have your own money to provide your own needs.
And you enjoy good health.

If you have all these then you are very successful in my opinion.

All that jewelry and fancy cars and very expensive clothes is BS and just for showoff and to try to impress others for ego purposes.

[Tomislav7]

Money makes a successful life. you're unburdened by the chase to live and are able to worry about other things. To some friendships and family is a successful life, to others like myself that everyone wishes was dead including family and who never was friend worthy, money is your only hope

[Lliam]

Health, happiness, simple comfort, beautiful surroundings, good food, and a wonderful partner to share it with.
I don't care one bit about status and I'm not into consumerism with fancy cars and expensive clothes.

[Iron_Man]

I’ve been an athlete for many many years I succeeded with great excellence. I’ve been an entrepreneur owned businesses and I did very well. I’ve helped people out in life and guided them and I did very well. I would say I definitely succeeded.

[strateguy632]

you succeed if you have your children and family if not. then not.

[NathanDavis]

the people in your life... and their happiness

[katiesmuff]

If you are happy and content it is successful!

[Cidknee]

In my view I always wanted to get through without hurting or killing anyone and live an honest life. Then when over have Christ greet me. That is success.

[Texaskid1]

Peace and quiet. This is priceless.

The economic freedom (which is NOT the same thing as opulence) to walk away if needed.

[msc545]

You are reasonably happy, you have most of what you want, and people care about you and love you.

[Kelly6]

@MontBlanc i see success of things I love doing and I achieved, not what society told me to do

[Dargil]

You raised healthy successful children.

[Malwi93]

Hvumg what one wanted

[noohair]

Contentment and peace.

[megan20022]

Happiness