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What is Success?

Writer's picture: Brandilyn HallcroftBrandilyn Hallcroft

Updated: 18 hours ago

Our world is bombarded with advertisements, social media posts, corporations, and political leaders telling us that success comes from money and materialism. We look up to those who entertain us and those in power. However, only a tiny portion of the population gets to this level, and few have fame, power, and money. But what happens if the money is gone? What happens when all the obtained material items are taken away in a flash without notice? If something is lost in a natural disaster, such as a fire or flood, does that mean the success is removed? Does it mean that most people who do not achieve power, wealth, and fame fail in life? 


Buddhism and psychology offer a different perspective that shifts the focus from external validation to internal peace. True success is not found in what we own but in the state of our minds and the depth of our inner well-being.

What Is Success

Impermanence and the Illusion of Material Success

Buddhism teaches that everything in life is impermanent. Wealth, possessions, relationships, and status can vanish in an instant. Clinging to these external markers of success creates suffering because they are fleeting by nature. When we attach our sense of worth to what we own or achieve, we set ourselves up for inevitable disappointment.

Psychologists refer to this as the hedonic treadmill. In this phenomenon, people believe they will be happy once they attain a goal, only to find themselves chasing the next milestone. This cycle of endless striving leaves many feeling unfulfilled, even after achieving what society deems as success.

True fulfillment comes not from what we possess but from how we navigate life’s uncertainties. Those who cultivate resilience, mindfulness, and emotional regulation are better equipped to handle loss and change without losing their sense of self.

Inner Peace as the Highest Form of Success

The Buddhist concept of Nirvana is the state of liberation from suffering, achieved through inner peace and detachment from external validation. Success, from this perspective, is not about accumulating wealth or power but about mastering the mind. A person who can remain at peace despite life’s inevitable hardships is far more successful than someone who has everything yet lives in fear of losing it.

Psychology supports this idea. Research on emotional intelligence shows that people with higher self-awareness, self-regulation, and mindfulness experience greater overall well-being. They do not rely on external circumstances for happiness but develop an internal foundation that remains steady regardless of life's ups and downs.

I observe behaviors often and try to observe them without judgment but more to gain understanding. I use these observations to self-reflect, understand the world around me, and help me understand myself. I had an experience in a work environment that serviced wealthy people. One of the most interesting observations that I had in that experience was how paranoid and anxious people were about losing their money. It was as if money was their identity, and their attachment to it was actually destroying their inner peace. This is such an interesting phenomenon that I was witnessing; the experience changed me and helped me to truly understand success and appreciate the path that I was on. I have never been very good at valuing money, so I don’t have much of it. I appreciate it because it provides me with the things I need to survive in the world I was created to live in, but I have always placed more value on my ability to learn, grow, and love. This experience reiterated the beliefs that have always been inside me. I don’t think money is evil; I feel that it tends to draw curtains over what is important when it becomes something one is attached to.

Measuring Success Through Contribution and Growth

Instead of defining success by personal gain, Buddhism and modern psychology suggest measuring it by contribution and inner growth. The Bodhisattva ideal in Buddhism teaches that true fulfillment comes from serving others and cultivating compassion. Success is not about how much we take but how much we give, how we improve the lives of others, and how we grow spiritually and mentally.

Psychologists have found that acts of kindness, gratitude, and purpose-driven living contribute more to lasting happiness than material wealth. Those who seek meaning over money report higher life satisfaction, stronger relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose.

I have experienced this in my own life. There was a time when I was caught up in societal norms, and I felt the anxiety, fear, and hate within myself. I was unsettled and restless all the time. I still have times when I get distracted by things happening in the world around me, but I can now bring myself back to what is long-lasting and reconnect my inner peace. I pay attention to things, but I do it mindfully and with understanding to help others get to a better place within themselves. Knowing what is going on helps me relate to better guide others. However, I don’t want the world to create my path. I want it to be a tool of understanding.

Freedom from Fear and Social Conditioning

Much of the modern pursuit of success is driven by fear of failure, judgment, or inadequacy. Society teaches that a person has little value without financial wealth or status. However, Buddhism and psychology emphasize that freedom comes from breaking these conditioned beliefs.

Mindfulness practices help individuals detach from fear-based thinking and develop an internal locus of control, believing that happiness and success are determined by one’s mindset rather than external events. When people shift their focus inward, they no longer seek validation from wealth, fame, or power. Instead, they find fulfillment in self-mastery, wisdom, and deep contentment.

The Ultimate Success: A Life of Balance and Meaning

A truly successful life embraces balance, inner peace, and meaningful connections. Material success is not inherently wrong but becomes problematic when it is the sole measure of worth. Buddhism teaches the Middle Way, a path that avoids extremes and encourages a life of moderation, mindfulness, and ethical living.

When success is defined by inner peace, resilience, contribution, and self-awareness, it cannot be lost. Unlike wealth or status, these qualities are not subject to external circumstances. A person who has cultivated a strong mind, an open heart, and a balanced life has achieved the highest form of success, transcending the material world and leading to lasting fulfillment.


Disclaimer: Journaling is a powerful tool to support your healing process. The CBT exercises in Journals to Healing journals are intended to help you analyze and reframe your thoughts as part of a personal growth journey. However, these journals do not replace therapy or professional help. If you are experiencing intense emotions or feelings beyond your control, please seek professional assistance. Resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741) are available 24/7 for support. Remember, reaching out for help is a strength, and healing is a process.

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