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How to tell if you're successful in life? Essentially, to resolve this question is dependent upon a number of factors. The most important factor to be taken into account by the individual when they are assessing whether they have succeeded is to understand what criteria they will be basing that judgement on. Essentially, in most cases this measurement will rely upon one of two elements, these being either evaluating the position they have reached in life as measured by comparison with others or, in the second instance, by judging their achievements against their own expectations and aspirations.

For example, some people will measure their achievements by purely assessing their material gains. Money and possessions will be the goal for those who have set themselves these criteria for achievement and success. An example of this in a practical sense can be found in the UK, where the Times newspaper publishes an annual Rich List,' which provides a table of the top one hundred wealthiest people in the country. This provides some wealth driven people with a target which, when they see their name on this list, they can then use an indication to say they have made it and are therefore truly successful.

These material objectives can even be seen in the lives of those within our immediate circle of family, friends and neighbours and, ultimately, even within ourselves. We all have some element of future material achievement in our psychological make-up. As we move into adult life we want to make a comfortable life for our families and ourselves and also, in most cases, want to improve our material possessions, whether that is by aiming to have better cars, houses or financial investments of some nature. There is nothing wrong with these aims as long as we do not become so obsessed with them that we are never satisfied. A constant striving for improving our material lot must be balanced with the ability to be satisfied with what we already have and to consider success by small steps rather that an end goal. Otherwise the enjoyment of our lives will be marred by always wanting more and the feeling that we have never made it.'

Conversely, there are those amongst us who will gauge whether they are successful by other, less materialistic criteria. People within this group set aims and objectives that are not based upon possessions or assets. Their aims might still be competitive, as would be the case with a person who wishes to reach the heights in a chosen sport, but the financial rewards are usually secondary to these. Alternatively, there will be the individual who feels that they have made it when they have achieved a role within a particular vocation, such as nursing, caring or similar careers, where material rewards are often not commensurate with the efforts they have to put in to their chosen career. The same success criteria can often be attributed to those people who wish to devote their lives to other forms of public duty, such as politicians or even scientists and those who choose careers within academia.

It is apparent from this brief overview that being able to tell whether or when you are successful will mean different things to different people, all dependent upon the criteria by which they will judge their lives and, additionally, whether that success is based upon material or psychological goals. However, as has been mentioned, what is important is to ensure that the striving for goals and ambitions does not detract for the ability to enjoy every stage of you life's development, whether the goal of success has been reached on not. By taking this approach every day will be its own little successful oasis in your life.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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