The Illusion of Wealth

At 18, I relocated to Canada, convinced that my dream of owning a Ferrari was just around the corner. However, life had different plans for me.

As I began my first corporate role, I realized it wasn't my dream job, but it was a start. That initial paycheck felt exhilarating, signaling my journey toward success — or so I believed. With a prudent lifestyle and a thriving economy, I accumulated wealth quickly. While it provided comfort, I felt an underlying emptiness. Despite having everything I thought I desired in my 20s, I remained unfulfilled.

The inner voice that urged me to reflect on my life grew louder. I recalled discussions with peers at university, where I shared grand ambitions of wealth and fame, only to be met with indifference. One friend expressed her dream of living in a van and traveling the world, devoid of luxury. At the time, I dismissed her as unmotivated.

What happened to the dream of a mansion with ten bathrooms?

The True Measure of Success

Fast forward a few years, and that inner voice morphed into an incessant reminder, prompting me to question my desires. Was this truly what I wanted? My emotional state deteriorated; I felt irritable and isolated from loved ones. I recognized that I needed to reevaluate my understanding of success.

Why was I so certain about my standards? If wealth and luxury were the benchmarks for success, why did so many affluent individuals still feel unfulfilled? Had society conditioned me to think this way?

A Personal Approach to Success

Through extensive self-reflection, I realized that a universal definition of success is flawed. Success is deeply personal, and I was embarrassed to discover this after so many years of adhering to others' standards.

I frequently compared myself to others: Naomi bought a house, Celine landed a six-figure salary, and Syed was getting married. I felt inadequate and left behind. This comparison trap ensnares many of us, leading to a relentless pursuit of goals that may not align with our true selves. It's crucial to stop measuring our worth against others and start defining success on our own terms.

A New Perspective

Eventually, I learned how to gauge my success through four personal questions:

1. Am I becoming the best version of myself moment by moment?
2. Am I present in my daily life?
3. Am I prioritizing my health?
4. Is my work contributing positively to others?

These questions resonate with me and serve as my personal KPIs for success. Affirming "yes" to them indicates that I am on the right path.

I encourage you to reflect on your life and identify who you are and who you aspire to be. As Seneca wisely stated, "If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable."

If you're unsure where to begin, consider these questions:

• Who am I now?
• Who do I wish to become?
• How can I bridge the gap between my current self and my ideal self?
• How do I want to be remembered?
• Who inspires me?

Take time to ponder these questions. Visualize your desired future and jot down your thoughts. Writing can help clarify your emotions and ambitions.

Once you establish your roadmap to success, it's time to take action. Embrace your philosophy and view it as an opportunity for transformation. As Albert Einstein famously said, "In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not."

Lastly, be gentle with yourself throughout this journey. Doubt and uncertainty are natural, so practice self-compassion. Remember, there are no failures in life—only lessons learned.

I hope this article brings you closer to redefining success. I welcome your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to comment below or follow me on Medium for more insights.