I was thinking about my grandson and the twins and the joy they experience when they first succeed at something, anything. We were in the park and one of the twins who are three, was trying to climb up the slide, it was steep for him and he slipped back at least a dozen times, but he kept trying. Each time he almost made it to the top, slipped back, laughed and looked around. No one was watching except me, and he continued, after about the 20th attempt, he made it to the top. Turned around, looked at me, laughed and gave me a thumbs up and then slid down and then climbed back up again. This time with no failure. He had mastered the climb. It was much more exciting and faster than walking around to the stairs.
Young children don't measure success the same as some adults. Watch young children, your own or your grandkids or their friends as they try something new. They work very hard at trying to get it right, and when they do, big smiles appear, and/or high fives are given and/or applause and praise by peers given.
Watching little ones is a reminder that sometimes success is better measured in smiles received, giggles heard, and hands held than in dollars earned, deadlines met, and kilos shed.
And I must say, I've done well for myself and you can do, if you embrace the idealism of youth.
So true. However, after years of working where success is measured with targets, sometimes we just have to remind ourselves that success in retirement is simple in comparison: feel happy and you're doing it right.
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