New year. New you. For many people, it seems like a great time to start fresh. We can finally start to eat healthier, start an exercise regime, maybe set some money aside in a separate bank account every week (which I actually tried last year, and made it an entire 7 weeks).
Not because I failed at last year’s resolution to save money (but I totally did), there are a NUMBER of reasons I will not be making any new year’s resolutions moving forward in my life.
Every once in a while we come across stories that can be life changing. While reading the book “The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff, I was introduced to just such a tale.
You should. We should. They should. I should….
Should – used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone’s actions.
The word “should” denotes an expectation. Families should have children. Children should learn and grow according to the recommended timelines. Parents should send their children to the best schools and enroll their children in physical activities. Young people should go to college. Everyone should get a job. You should save money to buy a house. You should save money for retirement. We should spend money to boost the economy.
Is this word really damaging though?
I have my entire life tried to “do more”. I wanted to read novels before I knew all the letters in the alphabet. Over achiever right here! I strived for perfection because I was led to believe that is how one becomes successful. I wanted to get into college, get a career in veterinary medicine and make a good living. I had a list of goals: become an RVT, get a car, get a Rottweiler, get married and buy a house. Those were my goals. By 2006 I had completed college, became an RVT and was driving around in my car with my Rottweiler puppy and my future husband. In 2010 we bought our house.
What is success?
Most literally, success is simply the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. (Google Dictionary)
Success comes and goes, and our own versions of success can change as time goes on. Everyone’s version of success will always be unique. When someone feels successful personally, others may still judge them as unsuccessful only because their version of success is different.
Some people feel success is tangible, like a new car or a better paying job. Others will argue success is intangible, like the fulfillment people feel that comes from helping others, such as volunteering.
There are positives and negatives to both sides.
