What’s Success Got To Do With It? (Part 2)
Success isn’t just about reaching an ultimate destination. It’s about finding joy in the journey and satisfaction in the present moment. By focusing on internal validation and embracing a holistic approach to life, we can create a more fulfilling and satisfying existence.
Part 2: Shifting from Success to Satisfaction
From Success to Satisfaction
In our last post, we explored how success means different things to different people. Today, we're shifting gears a bit. Let’s talk about satisfaction. As I’ve navigated my own journey, I’ve come to realize that chasing traditional success isn’t the be-all and end-all. What really matters is finding deep, personal satisfaction.
A Little Bit of My Story
Let me take you back a bit. Growing up as the oldest daughter, I naturally took on responsibility early. I was the high school valedictorian, then graduated at the top of my class at UC Berkeley, and went straight to medical school. I was always chasing the next big achievement. And sure, these accomplishments felt great at the moment. They were milestones that marked my progress, but did they bring me lasting joy? Not necessarily.
Fast forward a few years, and I’m a practicing physician. On paper, everything looked perfect. I had the career, the accolades, the respect. But something was missing. I was always reaching for the next goal, the next rung on the ladder. It was exhausting, and after a while, it started to feel empty.
That's when I began to question my definition of success. Was it really just about these external achievements? Or was there something more? This introspection led me to a profound realization: true joy doesn’t come from ticking off boxes on a list of societal expectations. It comes from finding deep, personal satisfaction in who you are and what you do.
Redefining Success
One quote that really resonated with me during this period of reflection was from philosopher Søren Kierkegaard: "Life must be lived forward but can only be understood backwards." Looking back, I could see that my pursuit of success was always externally oriented. I was chasing after things that society told me were important.
But as I started to shift my focus inward, I began to understand that true success is about satisfaction. It’s about those moments when you feel truly content with where you are and what you’re doing. It’s about finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.
Internal vs. External Validation
This shift in perspective brought me to another important realization: the difference between external and internal validation. Daniel Pink’s book "Drive" delves into this topic beautifully. (Totally recommend it!) External validation includes things like money, praise, and status. These can be powerful motivators, but they’re often fleeting. They don’t lead to lasting fulfillment.
Internal validation, on the other hand, is driven by intrinsic rewards like personal growth, a sense of purpose, and the joy of the activity itself. This means finding satisfaction in the process, not just the outcome. For instance, if you’re a teacher, internal validation might come from seeing your students grasp a difficult concept, not just from their test scores.
Pink shares insights from his research and interviews with experts, showing that focusing on intrinsic motivators leads to higher satisfaction and sustained motivation. This aligns perfectly with my own journey. When I started prioritizing internal satisfaction over external achievements, I felt more fulfilled. I found joy in my daily work, in the little moments of connection with my patients, and in the simple act of doing what I loved.
Practical Steps to Shift from Success to Satisfaction
So, how do we make this shift from external success to internal satisfaction? Here are a few practical steps that have helped me along the way:
Daily Reflection: Take a few minutes at the end of each day to reflect on what brought you joy. What small victories did you achieve? What moments made you feel truly satisfied? Writing these down can help you focus on the positive aspects of your day.
Set Micro Goals: Break down your big goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate each step you complete. This not only makes large goals feel more achievable but also allows you to find satisfaction in the progress you’re making.
Mindful Presence: Practice being present in the moment. Whether you’re at work, with your family, or alone, take time to appreciate where you are and what you’re doing. Mindfulness can help you find joy in the everyday moments that often go unnoticed.
Seek Internal Validation: Focus on what makes you feel fulfilled rather than what will earn you external praise. This might mean prioritizing activities that align with your values and passions, even if they don’t come with external rewards.
Embracing a Holistic Approach to Success
Integrating these practices into your life can lead to a more holistic approach to success. This means seeing your professional achievements and personal joys as interconnected parts of a whole, rather than separate entities. It’s about finding balance and harmony between your various roles and responsibilities.
For me, this holistic approach meant rejecting the notion of balance in the traditional sense. Instead of constantly trying to juggle work and home life, I embraced an integrated approach where both aspects of my life support and enhance each other. This shift has allowed me to live a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Redefining Success and Satisfaction
As we wrap up this second part of our series, I encourage you to reflect on your own definition of success. Are you chasing external achievements, or are you finding true satisfaction in your daily life? Take a moment to think about what brings you joy and fulfillment. Don’t be afraid to redefine success on your terms.
Success isn’t just about reaching an ultimate destination. It’s about finding joy in the journey and satisfaction in the present moment. By focusing on internal validation and embracing a holistic approach to life, we can create a more fulfilling and satisfying existence.
Personal Takeaway
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned that true success is deeply personal. It’s about finding what makes you feel genuinely happy and fulfilled. It’s not about meeting societal expectations or chasing external rewards. It’s about living authentically and fully, finding joy in the little moments, and feeling content with where you are.
So, what does satisfaction look like for you? How can you shift your focus from external success to internal fulfillment? Take some time to think about it, and start making changes that align with your values and passions. You might be surprised at how much more fulfilling life becomes when you focus on what truly matters.
Let's continue this journey together, exploring what it means to live a life filled with satisfaction and joy. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive into practical strategies for integrating success and satisfaction into your daily life.