How Successful Are You?
Life Positive|April 2017

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
How Successful Are You?

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.

This story is from the April 2017 edition of Life Positive.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2017 edition of Life Positive.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM LIFE POSITIVEView All
Miracles of Mount Maunganui
Life Positive

Miracles of Mount Maunganui

A hike to Mount Maunganui in New Zealand filled Rashi Bunny with a sense of awe and wonder equivalent to witnessing the glory of the Divine Himself

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
Navigating Your 20s: A Simple Guide
Life Positive

Navigating Your 20s: A Simple Guide

By embracing the tumultuous journey through her 20s, Abhilasha Srivastava learnt to triumph over the challenges encountered and carve the path for her future

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
Inducing Sweet Slumber
Life Positive

Inducing Sweet Slumber

As we are well aware, lack of sound sleep can give rise to physical and mental problems. To ensure a good night's rest, you could follow the suggestions given by Jamuna Rangachari in the next few pages

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
Days for the Divine
Life Positive

Days for the Divine

Guided by her mentor Megha Bajaj, Meghana Acharya sends positive vibes into the Universe to ensure the well-being and success of others

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
Voices from the beyond
Life Positive

Voices from the beyond

Near-Death Experiences (NDES) have long fascinated humanity-a glimpse beyond the veil, a sneak peek into the unknown that pulsates with wonders, mysteries and intrigue. Jamuna Rangachari takes us through the narrations of a few who went to the other side and returned to share in great detail what they experienced and how it transformed them

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 2024
All for the best
Life Positive

All for the best

An academic disaster turned opportunity led Rajeev Hallur to understand the jigsaw puzzle of life, initially incomprehensible to most of us

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
Many Lives, One Master
Life Positive

Many Lives, One Master

Dr Bijal Maroo probes into the enigmatic charisma of Swami Omkaranandaji to discover the story behind his uncanny healing powers

time-read
9 mins  |
September 2024
Modern art with a tribal touch
Life Positive

Modern art with a tribal touch

Gautam Bharati and Avani Jain, based in Dungarpur, Rajasthan saw the incredible ability and passion of tribals for arts and decided to do something about it.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
Laugh your way to health
Life Positive

Laugh your way to health

Rupa Bannur, a former IT professional turned holistic health coach from Bangalore began turning to laughter yoga in 2001 after she faced profound loss of precious family members.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
Healing Hands
Life Positive

Healing Hands

When Rupesh Budh Ahmedabad from was 15 years of age, he learnt meditation from his martial arts (Karate) teacher. His teacher also introduced him to Reiki as a healing modality that can cure with just a touch. He told him that advanced Reiki practitioners can cure even from a distance without touching.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024