To me, being successful means...
creating an intentional community of people who support each other, growing into relationships in every way. It is truly not about your own success.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I slowly learned that it's not about the popularity, the brand, the namesake...
To me, being successful means...
Being happy with myself and achieving the goals that I have set out for me.
My definition of success has changed over time.
The realization that personal success and happiness comes through reflection and being exposed to different things in life in order to identify what is truly important.
To me, being successful means...
Living comfortably, having good health and enjoying my time with family and friends.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Health... something you take for granted when you're 20, but not when you're more than twice that age.
To me, being successful means...
Being financially independent, making enough money to work less hours, being able to support my hobbies and passions and spend time with my boyfriend and baby.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Success for me was very goal oriented: get good grades, finish high school, then college, then vet school. When I finished college and made the decision not to go to vet school, I was completely stumped about what to do. I then decided to go to grad school, and the goals came back into my life. BUT when I finished grad school... there I was again, unsure what to do next!! In the 7 years since finishing grad school, I have realized what is most important is that I am able to live my life exactly how I want to. I enjoy my work but feel most successful when I am doing the things I love outside of work.
To me, being successful means...
Being faithful to the gifts God has given me.
My definition of success has changed over time.
After you retire your career becomes less and less important.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think success was based off money and position within society/job. I look at it now as a feeling. You are successful if you are content with the stage in life you are at without comparison to others
To me, being successful means...
Enjoying the little moments in life and appreciating what I have.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When I was younger, success always meant how much money one makes, or what title one has, and what materials one owns. Now that I am in my 40s, materials don't mean a thing, waste of money actually. Title and money mean nothing if you don't have a time to enjoy life.
To me, being successful means...
doing "good" in the world and helping make it a better place, even if it is just one person at a time.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When I was younger, I presumed success was about prestige and measures of intelligence (ie grades). Then I got into the working world and realized that no one cares what grades you got - they really care about how you interact with other people, not how "smart" you are.
To me, being successful means...
There are quite a few areas in which "success" can be applied. There is professional and personal arenas. But most of them involve building heathy relationships in which you can invest in cheerfully and draw upon when needed.
It would be disingenuous to say that money isn't a factor, but the reality I've come to realize is that you have usually make a trade with regards to where my time is applied. I have spent a lot of time focused on making money, so I can have some comfort, some self control and indulge in a little excess.
For me, Success is the ability to balance between those aspects and where it is spent (on myself or on others).
My definition of success has changed over time.
Yeah, it was originally about power and money. Recognition by others was what I was trapped by. I've started 2 companies, joined 4+ startups and had been part of 3 acquisitions. It felt like it was wasted, not that these are bad things, but the attitude and expectations I had, did not allow me to enjoy them for what they were. Now it about the ride, the journey and those who will come along side you. It about building up grit, the perseverance to go through "hard stuff" and not run from it or be frozen by it, but to move through it. If you learn the most from your mistakes, then don't be afraid to make them and to own them. That is not the same being stupid or lazy about things and trying to learn from them ... put the best effort in that you can, do the prep work, run through the obstacles ... let the chips fall where they may. Be proud of the effort.
To me, being successful means...
being ok with who I am.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Money used to factor into the equation
To me, being successful means...
Being happy
My definition of success has changed over time.
I think it's relaxed a lot over the years. Gotten more inclusive and simpler
To me, being successful means...
Looking back at an experience and feeling satisfied with what I have put in and what I have gotten out of it.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When you are just starting out, school and careers seems to be the most important areas to focus on. Now it's all about my relationships.
To me, being successful means...
Leading a happy, productive life.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Having fulfilling relationships with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and acquaintances; being able to provide for your family by doing something that feels valuable and beneficial; being the best person that you can be, and constantly striving to be even better.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I have been blessed materially, through a combination of really good luck and hard work, but I have become convinced that at least part of my success has been due to the way I choose to treat others. Growing up in Palo Alto, there was such emphasis placed upon money as a measure of success, I was lucky that my family always reminded me that money is not everything and that people are more important.
To me, being successful means...
being able to realize goals that help you support yourself in an increasing complicated world, be able to make choices regarding the impact you want to have on the earth's resources, and be able to safe and happy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I was able to meet all my career, monetary and lifestyle goals. I was not able to meet all my relationship goals but learned how to be okay with that and think out of the box.
To me, being successful means...
being able to take care of myself and my family. While having a stable job and housing are important, it has also been very important to me to maintain a balance of free time to spend time outside and connect with friends and family.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Helping others while reaching my own goals.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being a person I am happy and proud to be, doing my best to be good to people, animals, and the earth.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It's more reflective of who I really AM, and less of what I thought I would DO.
This is a collection of anonymous life and career stories from Palo Alto alumni for everyone. They shatter the myth that there is only one path to success.
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