Redefining Success

Success, an overused word that has lost its true meaning.

In today's society, success is often defined by following a predetermined path: studying hard, obtaining a degree, joining a company, working tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder, and earning a good salary. But is this truly what success means to you? Are you merely defined by your professional achievements, or is there more to your identity beyond the confines of your job?

By all means, if this is you, then you are successful according to today’s standards, but that’s not success how we define it. Ask yourself, who are you when you leave the company? Do you have an influence only when there, or do you maintain it when you come outside of it?

The first, and most important detail, is that you define for yourself what is success. If you feel satisfied and fulfilled with your current view of success, then this isn’t for you. BUT, if you don’t, it's time to break free from society's limited definition of success and discover your own path. Each of us has the potential to achieve greatness in our own unique way. It begins by questioning what success truly means to you and embracing your own personal vision.

So, what is actually success for a man?

Many men find themselves torn between pursuing their passions and achieving extraordinary success. However, it is possible to merge these two pursuits and redefine what it means to be successful. Instead of simply dedicating yourself to a singular passion, develop a passion for success itself.

For me, success is characterized by two fundamental pillars: Freedom and Time. It encompasses having the freedom to pursue what I truly want and the time to do so. This means freedom of location, freedom of financial constraints, and freedom from the constraints imposed by others. If you're going to invest your energy and effort, do it for yourself. Build your own business, chase your own ideas, and reap the rewards of your hard work and dedication. Don't relinquish the fruits of your labor to someone else. When you work tirelessly for someone else, trading your time and efforts for a paycheck, you forfeit true freedom. You become subservient to the whims and expectations of others, forever subject to their mercy and control.

Embracing the challenges and responsibilities that come with being accountable for your own success may seem daunting. It might require more effort and entail greater risks than working for someone else. However, the satisfaction and fulfillment you'll experience will far surpass anything you can achieve by simply being a cog in someone else's machine. The journey may be demanding, but the rewards will be immeasurable.

And so, this also begs the question, how do you become the type of person that can strive for success?

The foundation of success lies in self-control. As a man, you must cultivate discipline and emotional resilience. It's easy to be swayed by momentary emotions and follow the path of least resistance, but true success requires the ability to prioritize long-term goals over short-term impulses. Nowadays there exists too big an emphasis on listening and acting out what you feel. The truth is, most of the time you won’t feel like doing the things you need to do. When you remove self-control from men, not only are you losing out on all of their potential to do good, you are also creating weak, and truly dangerous men. Weak men are dangerous because they have no control over their emotions. Lacking this quality, they become susceptible to impulsive actions that can harm others and even themselves. Embrace self-control, for it is the bedrock upon which success is built.

To be a well-rounded and respected man, it's crucial to develop a multifaceted skill set. Being physically capable, knowledgeable in various areas, and skilled in communication are essential attributes. Embrace the concept of being "dangerous," not in a harmful way, but by honing your physical presence, learning self-defense, sharpening your intellect, and learning how to think and talk. Combine this "dangerousness" with the self-control and discipline you have cultivated, and you will command respect and influence.

Remember, success is not a solitary journey. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your drive for achievement, for it holds true that you, are the sum of the people you spend most time with. Build a network or even a team of ambitious individuals who inspire and challenge you. Your companions shape your path, so choose wisely. By surrounding yourself with disciplined individuals, you create an environment that fuels success. By surrounding yourself with procrastinators, you create an environment bound for failure.

Above all, humility is key. Arrogance hinders growth and blinds us to opportunities for improvement. Stay humble and open to learning from others. I myself have been a victim of my hubris, which led me astray for years that could have seen bigger improvements. Embrace collaboration and the power of teamwork. Together, you can accomplish far more than you ever could alone.

Embrace the ethos of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Success is not handed to us on a silver platter—it must be earned. Surround yourself with the right people, command respect through your actions, and be physically capable. And when you stumble and fall, rise again with resilience and determination. Success may not come easily or quickly, but by embodying these principles and refusing to give up, you will undoubtedly achieve it.

Remember the wise words of Confucius, "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." Stay true to your vision of success and keep pushing forward, for greatness awaits those who dare to redefine it.