Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. If I accomplish what I have set out in my life to do – I will have a successful life. I can only be successful in life if I accomplish what is most important as defined by me and not someone else. 

After my father passed away, I realised how short life is and that time is our most valuable possession. I realised that, in order to make the best of my time left, I wanted to spend it (in the following order of priority)

• With the most precious people in my life
• Visiting the most precious places I have been to in my life
• Working on my most precious projects (this website is one of them)

I have also made a list of practical things I would like to be able to say at the end of my life, if I was to regard it as successful:

• That I had a very happy and fulfilling marriage
• That my children love me a lot
• That my wife and I have travelled a lot
• That I have good relationships with all my siblings
• That I have good friends
• That I have a legacy that will help other people to lead a better life
• That I am a child of God and can personally attest to His power, love and presence in my life

Each of us has his or her own idea of what our definition of a successful life for ourselves is. And that is how it should be. It is a personal thing. Some of us will base it on what we believe God wants of us, some will base it on what we believe the world expects of us. Personally, I know God has a purpose for my life. Therefore, I am ultimately successful when I live my God-given purpose in life – the reason why I am here, my calling. 

Wouldn’t it be great living a life in which you make the best of who you are? A life that pleases God because it fulfils the purpose He has made you for? Your calling will give you unique personal significance. 

Real success is not about having fame and fortune – although this is what many people aim for in this world. Sure, we all need some money and will gain some fame during life. But real success is to aim for, and succeed in, what God has set as the purpose for your life. It is also not necessarily an accomplishment that the world will take notice of – even you could be unaware of the full impact of what you have accomplished. But rest assured that it is an important role you have to play in God’s plan for this world.

Real success is success with self. It is not in having things, but in having mastery, having victory over self

Stephen R Covey

You can read here more about your calling and discovering your calling. Then start living it.

The Mandela Effect: when you can create enduring success not because you are perfect or lucky but because you have the courage to do what matters to you

Jerry Porras

If you want to be my disciple, follow me and you will go where I am going.   And if you truly follow me as my disciple,   the Father will shower his favor upon your life. “Even though I am torn within, and my soul is in turmoil, I will not ask the Father to rescue me from this hour of trial. For I have come to fulfill my purpose  — to offer myself to God.  So, Father, bring glory to your name!”  Then suddenly a booming voice was heard from the sky, “I have glorified my name! And I will glorify it through you again!”

John 12:26‭-‬28 TPT

You’ll never look back and think “I spent too much time being me”; so keep going. It’s impossible to fail at being you.

Katrina Ruth