True Success: Redefining Achievement Through Purpose and Faith

In previous articles, we discussed the actualization of true enjoyment that G-d gives us.

Success is another goal sought after by people living without purpose. Many try, in utter desperation, to escape anonymity, sacrificing everything in the process. Some people waste their entire lives trying to become known and recognized.

In modern society, success is one of the strongest motivators. We often hear phrases like, “That’s the only way to make it,” or “People will hear about you…” These expressions are directly tied to the speaker’s concept of success, and they assume that anyone who doesn’t succeed according to their criteria is a failure. But what do these people truly understand about success?

Success is perceived as satisfying the need to feel important and well-known in society, something that assures a person that their life is not lived in vain. Today's world believes that success is entirely dependent on how one is perceived by others. A successful person, according to this view, is someone others admire and envy. Sadly, this perspective is disastrous.

According to this approach, not everyone can be successful, because human nature cannot handle recognizing and attributing importance to everyone, but only to a select few with special privileges. Along these lines, it follows that most people are deemed insignificant.

This erroneous belief creates a society based on competition. In order to reach the top and be considered valuable, one must compete with others, while knowing that there isn’t room for everyone: it’s either me or you.

Over time, people begin to be evaluated only in comparison to others- either as better or worse- but not based on their unique personal qualities.

According to this line of thinking, you’re not worthy of praise if you scored 90% on a test and your peers scored 100%, but only if others scored lower than you. The negative effects of such competition are many, including jealousy and low self-worth for those left behind, and arrogance and selfishness for those who manage to shine. Competition causes us to think only about ourselves, and it can even lead us to wish for others to fail.

This version of success is not real because it’s based solely on how others view us. Human perception is limited and superficial and doesn’t see our true essence or who we truly are.

In fact, this worldview is a direct result of the widespread lack of self-esteem in modern society. People fail to recognize their G-d given inherent worth, and therefore seek validation through others. In most cases, they don’t succeed in receiving this validation, and their self-esteem suffers.

Another kind of success that takes into account our true essence, is the value of someone who lives according to the Torah. This success is not achieved through a prestigious position, winning an Olympic race, having an impressive resumé, or appearing on the cover of the country’s leading magazine. On the contrary, it is attained through simple, routine actions.

Its formula is simple: we all have value- we just need to discover and develop it. If we’re convinced this value belongs to us, then we are successful people. This success does not at all depend on what others think of us!

True success differs from false success in two main ways:

Firstly, it can be found in small, everyday actions. In one moment, you can be a successful person, and in another, possibly not. If you woke up this morning with a smile, made breakfast for your parents or spouse, prayed to G-d, smiled at someone in need at the synagogue or on the street and gave charity, studied Torah, fulfilled a few commandments, and helped the people around you- you were a successful person. These special acts reflect a person’s true value, regardless of whether they are recognized in the street or have built impressive buildings.

The other key distinction is that true success doesn’t depend on the final outcome of our efforts, but on our intention and effort. This is a much fairer view, because it rewards the person who tried, rather than the one who possibly received someone else’s credit.

It's important to continuously ask yourself: What constructive action am I engaged in right now? I know that G-d is watching me all the time. Is He pleased with what I’m doing? If the answer is yes, then you are a successful person right now!

Analyze your behavior in everyday life and consider your importance to the people around you, and the negative consequences your absence might cause. Recognize that you are the only person who has your exact combination of traits, which makes you valuable and successful.

Lack of fame or popularity does not diminish a person's value, because their true worth comes from their unique qualities. Have you ever considered that there is no one else like you? That your mission is unique, and without you, the world would not be the same? If G-d created you, it means that the world needs you, and G-d loves you. Every moment of your life, you must know that G-d loves and deeply values you.

With this awareness, everyone can be successful. The one who determines each person’s true importance is G-d. Only He can fully see the value of every one of us.

From the book "The Journey of Dan for the Meaning of Life," by Roni Dayan. To purchase the book at Hidabroot Shops, click here