If you were to ask someone what their definition of success is, chances are they would say that it is an accomplishment of some goal or aim. If asked this question yourself the answer becomes a little more daunting. Would you begin to list all the achievements and awards you've ever received? Would you display all your wealth and possessions? Oftentimes we find that the things we are "successful" in are due to them being recognized by others and yet in some weird yet satisfying way we find pleasure in it. It is ironic that we find our self worth in what others think of us. Its as if we are to take on any task or purpose it must end with some form of acknowledgement. And though this is natural to some degree because of our humanity and need for attention, it becomes dangerous when we allow it to trap us in the theme of this generation, narcissism. This not only applies to monetary wealth but to wealth in other respects. We begin to start on a path led not by intrinsic motivation to accomplish things but a path that is solely for acceptance from others in order to display all that we are and all that we have. Wealth begins to lose value if it isn't worth showing and those who have it must do all that is within their power to make it visible. Because of this, things quickly lose value, trends constantly fade, and everything becomes tired and mundane.
Why this state of mind has become a common practice is easy to follow simply because everyone wants to be better than someone else. If we can demonstrate that we are superior in some way we find ways to make the line of distinction clear. The result of this is that it belittles people and creates a sense of inferiority to those not as fortunate. To me, it is almost disgusting that someone would want to walk around praising themselves for all the successes they've accomplished and wealth they've accumulated but are consciously aware of those who can barely get a hold of two dollars a day to live on. It has become too commonplace in our society that the acceptable thing to do is get more, more, and more. We are never content or satisfied and our efforts are beginning to only be directed towards doing things that benefit ourselves. So why does this continue to happen? Because people have not yet learned that life doesn't mean anything if we continue to live only for ourselves. Being diligent in making a better situation for yourself is fine, but once your begin to amass all that you wanted and more, it begins to cloud your judgement and you forget that success should be shared and not flaunted.
