Too often, society emphasizes success as the only goal to strive essential; it is necessary to that reach personal fulfillment; we must strive not to be a success but rather to be of value. Success and material achievements are fleeting, whereas investing in serving others is a far more rewarding journey. It brings satisfaction and true purpose. Investing in being of value ultimately opens up limitless possibilities and leads to lasting legacies – ones that have an indelible impact on those around us.
Growing up in an environment where success and achievement were rare, I’ve often felt the pressure to pursue accolades. To know that I was doing something different. I didn’t want to be the kid from the small town still there in 40 years. While there is nothing wrong with staying put, most prefer what they are comfortable with; I didn’t feel that was the avenue for me. I wanted more.
But while obtaining all that I have desired has satisfied me momentarily, it was simply a step on the never-ending treadmill of ‘success.’ The competition to gain something more did not provide true fulfillment or purpose. Just as Arthur Schopenhauer predicted, my life suddenly acquired meaning when I began investing in serving others. Seeing the joy of those whose lives I could positively impact gave me greater satisfaction than any successful venture. No material achievement can compare with the lasting value bestowed to others when you put them before yourself.
As I have matured, I have come to understand that investing in being of value is much more advantageous than pursuing success. With intentional and valuable actions, we can contribute to constructing a legacy that lasts not just for ourselves but for everyone else in our lives. By leading with morality and understanding the importance of helping others, we can construct a fulfilling life where valuables are prioritized over accolades.
Leadership is critical to how our societies, businesses, and organizations function. However, a crucial job of the leader is to lead with morality and set a strong example for those following in their footsteps. When this vital part of leadership is lost to an obsession with meeting profit margins or meeting own objectives, it often leads to undesired outcomes such as moral bankruptcy or an environment without any ethical boundaries. Leaders must remember that their priority should be the people within their sphere of influence and ensuring they are healthy, empowered, and capable of achieving their goals. Leaders must focus on empowering others and helping them reach their goals; leading with morality can only help create more successful outcomes.
In these fleeting moments, the people aspect is lost.
If the people aspect is lost, your value declines.
If you intend to be valuable, you will need people.
As the only constant in our lives, relationships have the potential to make or break us. We must prioritize building solid and meaningful connections to remain valuable and irreplaceable. Not only will this benefit our self-growth and development, but it will also allow us to pour ourselves into somebody else in a way that can still be felt long after we are gone. Through such heartfelt devotion and shared experiences, we can create tangible value from intangible things — something that money can’t buy. It is by exhibiting such kindness and concern for the welfare of others that we can discover authentic and enduring contentment.