What's a "successful life"?

[tvguy]

People who love you.
Everything else is gravy......as they say.

 

[kdonnel]

I don’t think there is one definition that fits everyone.

The primary measure for me would be happiness with your life. If you are happy, you have been successful.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

It is so hard to define "successful" in my opinion.

At the most basic having a roof over your head sounds pretty successful to me.

 

[gmi3804]

Peace with where you are and where you're going. Or planning to go. Simple as that.

 

[disneychrista]

I agree (with the difficulty). Thats why I thought it might lead to an interesting discussion.

It is definitely a thought provoking question.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

So someone who never married and their parents have passed on is "unsuccessful"? I see where you're going, but I don't think this is an easy question.

They could have friends who love them. Life without love is not a “successful” life in my opinion

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think it is hard to quantify "successful." My first thought was someone who has everything they want or need is successful. But then I wondered what if there is something they want that despite everything they aren't able to make that happen, does that mean they are unsuccessful?

I agree (with the difficulty). Thats why I thought it might lead to an interesting discussion.

If you go by my definition (giving), anyone can be successful. (Not to say that should be the only definition, but I also think we shouldn’t underestimate the power of giving, to the goodness of oneself. As I said, in no way does it have to be large scale. Anyone can smile at someone or hold a door open, let someone pull out into traffic, etc.)

Being completely alone in life now that my parents are gone I'm not sure how to equate what I would consider a good life. I don't think I've accomplished it and I doubt I ever will. I guess I just don't think about it because it's not something I can change about myself.

You know I like to tease you sometimes for your commentary (or lack thereof) here, but I also know you volunteer your time in an animal shelter and that, to me, is fantastic. Don’t underestimate what a big impact that can have on you, and others. (“God knows when even a sparrow falls!”)

 

[Karin1984]

Success is being a good human who is happy and satisfied with their life. That when you are about to die you can say "I did a good job at living."

And next to that enough money to live comfortably, however you define it.

 

[TippyThomas]

If you go by my definition (giving), anyone can be successful. (Not to say that should be the only definition, but I also think we shouldn’t underestimate the power of giving, to the goodness of oneself. As I said, in no way does it have to be large scale. Anyone can smile at someone or hold a door open, let someone pull out into traffic, etc.)


You know I like to tease you sometimes for your commentary (or lack thereof) here, but I also know you volunteer your time in an animal shelter and that, to me, is fantastic. Don’t underestimate what a big impact that can have on you, and others. (“God knows when even a sparrow falls!”)

Thanks very much. I appreciate that. I promise I'm trying to do better.

 

[tinkerbellandpeterpan]

Being completely alone in life now that my parents are gone I'm not sure how to equate what I would consider a good life. I don't think I've accomplished it and I doubt I ever will. I guess I just don't think about it because it's not something I can change about myself.

Your post shocks me and makes my heart hurt. You always come across to me as a kind and accepting person who loves animals. Not being married or not having kids doesn't define success or a good life. You need to give yourself more of the grace and kindness you give others. From an internet stranger, I don't think there is one thing you need to change about yourself. Just live your best life doing things that make you happy.

 

[john7994]

I am not too old or incompetent to kick your teeth in.

I am going to go with this one as successful …

 

[DCLMP]

A successful life is whatever you think is successful. I don’t think it can be defined.

 

[Kitty 34]

A successful life is whatever you think is successful. I don’t think it can be defined.

I agree. My answer to this question was just my POV

 

[Lord Manhammer]

I’m happy. To me, that is success because there are so many who aren’t. I consider myself very fortunate.

 

[gmi3804]

A successful life is whatever you think is successful. I don’t think it can be defined.

The only exception being if what you consider successful is harmful to others, no? There are plenty of people who consider themselves successful who've hurt many along the way.

 

[Moliphino]

So someone who never married and their parents have passed on is "unsuccessful"? I see where you're going, but I don't think this is an easy question.

Can only spouses and parents love you?

 

[gmi3804]

A very wise person once said that you haven’t met all the people who’ll love you yet.

 

[slo]

For Me….a successful life is about how much of yourself you contribute to make an impact on other people‘s lives. Contributing comes in 3 ways - time, talent and treasure. When people hear that, they may think….I don’t have much of that, so does that mean I’m not successful in life. The thing is…we all have all 3 - every single one of us.

Time could be just listening to a friends problems and being there for them
Talent could be that you’re a good cook and you make a meal or dish for someone you know is sick for either them, their family or both.
Treasure could be that you go through your unused things and donate them to the less fortunate. It could be buying a few items for a local food pantry.

These 3 items don’t have to be a big all or nothing deal. A little bit every day or often is leading you to have a successful life, because your contributions are benefiting someone else. You could be the wealthiest person on this planet, but if you are not helping others, then you are not having a successful life.

This is just my opinion of course.

 

[disneychrista]

Can only spouses and parents love you?

There are definitely different types of love. But when someone speaks of finding love, they are usually speaking of romantic love - a spouse or partner. Not friends.

 

[SpaceMan5]

A successful life is whatever you think is successful. I don’t think it can be defined.

I think it can be defined, by you and you alone. And not basing it what others think