3 min read
What defines success?
Often of times, I feel as if we see it as a long term goal or something we want to achieve for the future.
Whether it be having a decent paying job, having a family, or even just graduating from college, everyone views success in their own way.
However, does success just have to be a long term goal?
What about having a milestone birthday or finishing a book you have been reading for a month?
If you are achieving an aim or purpose, couldn’t the little things be considered this as well?
As an incoming senior in high school, I have found myself wrapped up in the topic of how I want to live the next chapter of my life.
I have always viewed going to a certain college or having certain grades as being successful because I thought it would bring me happiness in my future someday.
Boy, was I wrong.
With my last year of high school approaching, I have come to the realization that I have spent most of my days stressing out about the future and how to get there, rather than just enjoying the ride.
It is safe to say, that I am an excellent student.
I have always strived to have straight A’s and the goal of being valedictorian of my class. With that, after my extracurricular activities, I would stay up late every night to complete my homework assignments and study.
I am not saying that I regret staying home every night to do my work. However, if I could go back in time, I would try to let loose a bit more.
It’s funny, because three years ago, I went into high school with the aim of being valedictorian as my biggest goal. This was how I viewed success for myself.
I was too consumed in that one goal of success, that I wasn’t paying attention to the smaller victories I was having.
I am extremely blessed to say I’ve done some pretty cool things throughout the last three years that many other high schoolers may not have had the privilege to experience.
I have been to other countries outside the U.S.  I have started my own blog.  I have learned how to play new instruments.
These are all smaller goals I had for myself and I achieved them without giving myself enough credit. I was too consumed in the idea of overall success, that I didn’t pay attention to these smaller successes.
These things make me happy and will most likely continue to make me happy for the rest of my life.
Therefore, I have concluded to myself that happiness is success.
A piece of me has always known this, but now I feel more prepared for the future ensuring that my decisions will be based off of what makes me happy.
I encourage you to do the same.
Ask yourself, are you happy with your lifestyle?
It’s easier said than done, but if you are unhappy with your life, change something!
Try the activity you always wanted to try.
Have a cheat day.
Get a new hairstyle.
After all, it is never too late to make change.
Life is too short, so do it while you can.

Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.