What is the true definition of Prosperity?

Situation 1: Character A: “I just don’t understand why you’re so obsessed with making money. It’s not everything.” Character B: “Well, it certainly makes life a lot easier. I can afford to help others, travel the world, and pursue my passions without worrying about financial burdens.” Character A: “But at what cost? You’ve become so focused on wealth that you’ve neglected your relationships and happiness.” Character B: “I disagree. My success has allowed me to build strong relationships with people who genuinely care about me, not just my bank account. And as for happiness, I’m more content than I’ve ever been.”

Situation 2: Character A: “I heard you got that promotion. Congratulations!” Character B: “Thanks. I’m excited about it. It’ll mean a significant pay raise.” Character A: “That’s great, but I hope you’re not just doing it for the money. It’s important to find a job that you’re passionate about.” Character B: “Of course, I’m passionate about my work. But let’s be honest, money is a major factor in job satisfaction. It allows me to provide for my family and live comfortably.” Character A: “I guess you have a point. But I still think there’s more to life than just making money.”

Situation 3: Character A: “I’m thinking of starting my own business. I have a great idea that I think could be successful.” Character B: “That’s great! But have you considered the financial risks involved? Starting a business is expensive, and there’s no guarantee of success.” Character A: “I know, but I’m willing to take the risk. I believe in my idea and am passionate about making it work.” Character B: “Well, I admire your ambition. But I hope you’re not just doing it for the money. It’s important to have other motivations, like positively impacting the world.” Character A: “Of course, I want to make a difference. But let’s be realistic, money is a major motivator for most entrepreneurs. It allows us to pursue our dreams and create something truly valuable.”

Is your pursuit of success a bridge or barrier for you?

People commonly equate success to earning more money, having a high-paying job, running a business, owning a bungalow in a good city, owning their favorite car, and so on. However, these are merely the goals one wants to achieve in life. But whether or not these goals are bridging their way to fulfillment or becoming a barrier instead is a thought worthy of reflection.

There is nothing wrong in pursuing the path of creating more wealth for oneself. It is when that pursuit turns out to be something that’s not really fulfilling you or is leaving you emptier than before that it becomes a concern.

What is the true definition of success?

Success is based on the result it brings. For instance, let’s say you want to land a dream job in your dream company. It has been challenging because they have no vacancies to fill. So, you take up a job at a firm that is near-next to your dream company. However, your eyes are still set on the prize.

You call the organization every once in two months to ask if there is a vacancy that fits your role and job description. After several months, almost two years, you get the same reply that there is no vacancy. You continue working at the same workplace until you can gain more experience in what you do. Another year passes and you grow tired of getting the same response from the firm. They’ve started to ignore your calls.

Five years pass by; you’ve been promoted to a higher position at your current workplace. It’s been quite a journey where you’ve experienced the highs and lows of the job, the role you evolved from, and the people with whom you worked. One fine day, you get a call from the organization you’ve longed to work at. A position is vacant and they want to interview you for it. However, you find that they are offering the same position you were in before you got promoted, so you ask if they have a position to fit your new role as branch manager. Again, you get a negative response.

But in all of this, the journey so far at the current organization is where you’ve been able to manage things well. You were promoted five years into joining the firm. You’ve gained a considerable amount of experience and expertise along the way. It’s been great so far. Now, you wonder whether the firm you wanted to join is still something on your mind.

You think that maybe you should not have considered that company, but rather kept your options open. You also think wishfully that if you did get a job there, how life would be.

Success to us may often mean that we are almost in close distance to what we want. Until we get it, we feel like life has not yet been completely achieved in its fullest sense. Our circle of completion is broken. 

The truth of the matter is that success, which means the achievement of something valuable, also has a journey connected to it. A journey of either fulfillment or lack thereof. If you feel that your pursuit of success is making you feel incomplete all the time, it’s possible that you need to transcend from it.

On the other hand, if you feel that the result of your success is making you feel complete then you are successful.

What happens when you are not successful?

Success has no formula until it is personalized by you. Most people frown upon worldly success. It’s not bad until it’s bad for you. By this, I mean that if your success is making you condemn yourself, it’s not success. It’s just a road that you took and now must change direction.

Why disparage your journey when it does add value to your life? Why disparage money, fame, or even any kind of success? An individual with a high SiQ will know how to differentiate between success and failure. In other words, spiritual strength will guide them to admit whether their success is a bridge to fulfillment or a barrier to their progress.

So, what if success was not achieved on the path that you took? Maybe the path taught you more before you took the right one. Some of us work very hard to accomplish our milestones but we just don’t see much success in it. That’s when some of us might condemn our decisions and the pursuit we ventured into. However, remember that condemnation will not take you anywhere. Allow transcendence to take you to the next step.

By transcendence, I mean that instead of regretting your decision or thinking that your dreams were the wrong dreams, just let it go. Transcend into a higher state of accepting that which is not in your control and seeking a better path either towards the same goal or another that has found your interest.

Ultimately, the true definition of prosperity lies within each individual’s heart. It’s not merely about accumulating wealth or achieving societal milestones. It’s about finding fulfillment, peace, and purpose. As we navigate the complexities of life, let’s strive to cultivate a balanced perspective, cherishing both material and spiritual riches. Remember, true success is not a destination, but a journey marked by growth, gratitude, and the unwavering pursuit of happiness.