How Successful Are You?

A successful person inevitably posesses a few unmistakable traits and habits, which turn her into a contented, prosperous and deeply satisfied person, says Shivi Verma.

- Shivi Verma

When I was younger, success was counted as material. Something which you get if you pass out with flying colours, get admission in top colleges and institutes, rise phenomenally in your career, and make loads of money. People strove to become a doctor, engineer, lawyer, CA or any other prestigious professional. Those who couldn’t, had to contend with a mediocre status and lifestyle.

As I began my pursuit of success, I realised I did not have the innate desire or even the ability to pursue these things. No matter how hard I tried, they dropped away like dried leaves from a tree. I eventually did what came naturally to me, writing. I also realised that it made me happy, and that the sole pursuit of money or status gave me stress. The study of spirituality also made me aware that my purpose was to do what I was meant to do without focussing on a favourable outcome.

This idea liberated me. I began focussing on things that made me happy, without bothering about material returns. If they happened as a byproduct, I was happy to receive them. With this awareness came a recognition of what I really wanted. I wanted fulfilment, satisfaction, peace and contentment. I needed knowledge of myself. And though the soul was all these things personified, it had incarnated to experience these things through physical work and achievements.

And while it is perfectly all right to pursue fame, money or glamour, it is advisable to do a self-check to find if it is coming from a deep inner urge, or simply because you are mesmerised by all the glamour and glitz.