Do the most inspiring success stories prey on people’s insecurities?
I come from a lower middle class family. I never had the resources I needed to start my dream business. I had been working mediocre jobs for a number of years when I realized that this is not something I can keep doing forever. I quit my job, worked day and night to fulfill my dream and two years later I am running a successful business with a team of 400 people working for me and an annual turnover of more than a million dollars.
It sounds too good to be true? Probably because it isn’t! Don’t believe everything people share on the web. The biggest success stories have turned out to be scams and there are always more in development. The entire advertising and public relations industry is basically based on selling lies. Overnight success, instant stardom, and the realization of the wildest dreams are the common ingredients of best-selling success stories.
Our minds are fed with so many unrealistic dreams that anything short of a miracle does not satisfy us. This only causes anxiety, self-doubt, and an inaccurate estimate of one’s abilities. Eventually, a person ends up feeling extremely dissatisfied, unhappy, and less grateful for the things he has, and becomes a self-proclaimed failure.
what is the truth measure of success? Is it about making huge amounts of money, creating unlimited wealth and becoming the talk of the town? Or is it about being able to smile? effortless and find time for yourself despite all the commitments and challenges? If it affects your mental health, is it worth the success?
We are often so absorbed in our efforts to win the race that we forget what is at stake. When life’s journey is nearing completion, the joy comes not from how much has accumulated, but from the little moments spent with loved ones that caused genuine laugh.
“Continuous pursuit of riches will only turn a person into a twisted being, like me. God gave us the senses to allow us to feel the love in everyone’s heart, not the illusions brought about by wealth. The wealth I have gained in my life I cannot take with me. What I can bring are only the memories precipitated by love. That is the true wealth that will follow you, accompany you, giving you strength and light to go forward. Love can travel a thousand miles. Life has no limit. Go where you want to go. Reach the height you want to reach. Everything is in your heart and in your hands…”
– Steve Jobs (1955-2011), former CEO and co-founder of Apple Inc.
Do you feel inspired? I’m afraid this is also a lie.
It’s unfortunate that the success stories we find most inspiring today are those of the richest and not the happiest. When, if ever, this whole system of capitalism begins to correct itself, I am hopeful that we will find more and more people smiling, instead of being sad about the materials they couldn’t get their hands on.