What is Success?

Finding the one thing that’s simple, free, and almost impossible to find - And how letting go of the unknown led me to the one thing I couldn't buy.

How do you define success?

This is not a trick question.

And there is no right answer….

Perhaps it is having a well paying job that allows you to pay your bills, live comfortably, and afford other little things. Or maybe it’s simply having a stable life. Perhaps owning your own business and being your own boss? Or maybe it’s having a balanced and healthy life between work, health, and fun.

I notice so many people worrying about what they're going to wear, or what to buy, even necessities like food or gas. Of course these things are important, but worrying about the future and price tags just creates constant noise in your head.

The unknown is called the unknown for a reason—because it’s not meant to be known…

—Lizzy the Ronin

Therefore, we should not worry about things out of our control. Simple.

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How do I define success?

Well, it took me a while to realize what it actually is until just a few days ago…

I’m a full time student seeking a business degree in entrepreneurship and I am going to have my bachelor’s degree this fall. Have I had any internships? No. Solid no. I’ve been working a part time job since I graduated high school at 16 years old AND started college. For four years, I haven’t found a job in my area of study.

What did I do about it? Well, as an entrepreneur student, I can confirm that I do indeed have the mindset of an entrepreneur. My mind is scattered all the time. I’m always searching for opportunities and ways to be my own boss and work for myself. Yes, my dream was to have a little cafe, but when do I get free time? I realize that my mind is always busy and there is no room for fun. So I take time off to spend my free time doing things I love: cooking, reading, writing, baking, drawing, watching movies…

Then I think about my work schedule, school due dates, and other responsibilities. Is this really the life I want? After multiple anxiety attacks, I told myself I need to calm down. I took one step down the ladder, and cleared my mind. I took a break from any extra work that I created for myself. And I realized something when I took so much extra weight off my shoulders….

I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time…..

Peace….

I didn’t need material things.

I didn’t need to always think about work and money.

I didn’t need to constantly get ahead in school to “make” time for other stuff.

I just needed to calm down…and find peace.

It’s crazy how something so simple and free is impossible to find. We’re always trying to keep ourselves occupied, engage in senseless and superficial conversations, until you put it all behind you and realize “how much of this was actually affecting me, personally?”

I now take the time to clear my thoughts and do things for both my physical and mental health—not because I want to “look” or even “feel” good, but to feel satisfied in my mind, heart, and soul.

Just take one step off the ladder…remove the extra burden. Get off of social media. Stop eating before your 100% full. Rest. Don’t force yourself to “get 8 hours of sleep” or wake up early. Let your body rest as it needs to…Let it talk to you. Don’t let the world tell you what’s right and wrong. Trust your body and your mind. Let your mind and body work together to absorb everything you do. Every decision you make. Don’t rush into anything. Just breathe and live. Things will come to you if you do what you need to. Don’t give yourself problems that don’t concern you. Find peace in your heart.

Because if your mind and body are healthy, your soul will finally find its peace.

Take care of yourself—however you can.