Defining Success

One of the podcasts I listen to regularly is called Farnam Street. It is hosted by a man named Shane Parish who had previously worked for the Canadian equivalent of the CIA. He interviews people from all walks of life who are top in the field: Four four-star generals, Fortune 500 CEOs, Hedge Fund Managers, the elite of the medical and engineering fields, top psychologists, and on and on.

For several years, he ended every interview with the same question: How do you define success?

These are people who have achieved the very top of their fields. And it is interesting. I’ve listened to all of them and I have never heard anyone mention status, or job title, or money, or things for that matter. The answers vary. But they almost all revolve around the themes of giving, loving, and serving others, and making an impact on the world for the better – even in small ways. One CEO, in particular, said that he defined his entire life, family life, work life, and community life, all through the lens of service. His entire goal is to make life a little better for others.

Today, I invite you to reflect for a moment on how it is that you would define success. What are the things that matter most in life for you?

Let us pray: You have created us, O God, in your own image. You are a loving, giving, relational God… Empower us to align our hearts and our lives with yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.