I see a lot of people who equate money as the only measuring stick in the game of business. The more money you make, revenue you bring in, funding you raise, or profits you earn proves your success. This is plain silliness.
I finally watched The Big Short a couple of weeks ago. Nearing the end there is a great quote from the biggest sleaze in the entire movie where he says that he is more highly valued by society because he earns more money than anyone else. It’s clear from the context that this guy thinks of himself as the big winner in the game of life even though he has gotten there through shady dealings and connections doing things that are fundamentally bad. His biggest value to those he earns money from is not asking questions or taking responsibility for his own actions.
From where I sit success is a multi-faceted goal. Sure money may have some part but the bigger part is a qualitative factor around:
- How I’m viewed by myself and others.
- My contribution to others’ success.
- Personal satisfaction and fulfillment.
These are hard to measure but I’ll sum it up: Do good things with people you like and make you a better person.
Seek out experience and never be afraid to get your hands dirty. Never hesitate to have a hard conversation that is constructive or productive. Give good to the universe because it will come back. Care about people – but not everyone.