By Dr. Linda Seger
Worldview Definitions of Success
Americans
tend to define success by money, and by what money can buy. We are
known around the world as a rather materialistic country, always
striving after things and defining success by the accoutrements that
money can buy – such as our snazzy cars, the size of our homes and
designer clothes. And that’s just what we get – more things. This
doesn’t mean more fulfillment or contributing to make the world better
in some way. It simply means more things.
Other
countries define success more in terms of whether their work supports
their family life. If they enjoy their work, and if it gives them an
opportunity to spend time with their family and have a balanced life,
they’d consider themselves successful.
For
example an Israeli screenwriter was asked if she had plans to come to
Los Angeles to try to break into the Hollywood film industry. She
replied, “Probably not since I can’t imagine being that far away from my
family.” For her, success would be defined by her ability to get her
film made in Israel, without compromising her family life.
Success and Effectiveness
For
some, success is defined by effectiveness. The question is: “Are they
making things happen? Are they achieving project goals? Are they
contributing in a way that adds value to the project?” Success for them
means the project becomes better as a result of their participation.
They can see the results, and feel fulfilled by their work, but also
know their work fulfills others, either because the product they make is
useful, or because the service they provide is helpful.
Success and Joy
Some
define success by whether their job suits them and by how much joy they
have as a result of their work. They define it by the joy they feel
when they do the work; the joy they feel when they’ve finished the work;
and by the joy that others feel as a result of their work.
If
their work doesn’t add to their sense of happiness and joy of
themselves and others, then no matter how much money they’ve earned or
how many accolades they receive, they don’t feel successful.
This
joy not only comes from their own work, but from the collaboration with
other talented people who not only bring their skills to the project,
but also bring harmony to the working relationship. Nobody wants to work
among discord. For many, if those work relationships aren’t fulfilling
and harmonious, they don’t feel good about their work, themselves, or
about others.
Success and Balance
Some
define success by the sense of balance they have between their work
lives and the rest of their lives. For them, work is not what success is
about. They believe that life needs to be balanced, and that work is
not meant to be the only thing in our lives.
John
Woolman, an early American abolitionist, cut back on his successful
work as a tailor because he wanted to be “free of cumber.” When his work
was getting so cumbersome it was controlling him and left him no time
for other things of value in his life, he did not consider himself
successful.
If
a job is driving someone, demanding all their time, and giving them no
balance between their work, physical exercise, time with their family
and other relationships, and time for spiritual growth, then the balance
is off and many would consider this is not living a successful life.
This can lead to a frenetic lifestyle, as well as illness, family
problems, and not paying attention to the values that make a good life.
