How to Measure Success

"To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch . . . to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our culture supports a drivenness to succeed. Many shows on TV are about eliminating the competition and being Number One, no matter what the endeavor....music, dance, games, you name it. We Americans love competition... and winning is everything.

Don't get me wrong. I am not against a certain amount of healthy competition. It contributes to the continual improvement of life as we know it. But like everything else when done in excess, it can lead to an unhealthy life.

What can a "succeed at all costs" mentality create? Stress, fatigue, loneliness, strained relationships, loss of self-respect, anxiety, insecurity... 

I could go on but you get the picture.

What is your measure of success?

 "...outdo one another in showing honor." -St. Paul