To me, being successful means...
Learning new things for a better tomorrow, everyday. Never be afraid to fail, as that is what makes us stronger.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be about money, and material things. Now I’m just glad for all I have and enjoy the little things in life.
To me, being successful means...
fulfilling my purpose in life
My definition of success has changed over time.
Success used to be much more achievement based. I would be "successful" when I checked certain boxes, but realized that's so empty.
To me, being successful means...
being happy, and not living under a bridge. Optional: leaving the world a better place than I found it in some small way.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being happy, content, and free...
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Not settling for what is “automatic/expected/the norm” but actively participating in shaping your outcome and the outcome of your work.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I just assumed that I would continue on the track I was on and gain success that way, and even though I have I am not satisfied with the environment or how I arrived at the decision, so I am changing it.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy!
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to focus on career as an indicator for success, but I now realize mental health well being is just as (if not more) important than career goals
To me, being successful means...
creating an intentional community of people who support each other, growing into relationships in every way. It is truly not about your own success.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I slowly learned that it's not about the popularity, the brand, the namesake...
To me, being successful means...
finding meaning in the way I live my life, and the blessing of experiencing a wide range of positive emotions along the way.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It's not about money and prestige anymore.
To me, being successful means...
being a happy and productive citizen of the world.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think success was dictated by the brand names that made it onto your resume. Letting go of those expectations for myself was the most productive decision I have ever made.
To me, being successful means...
being happy and confident in myself. having positive relationships with people who love me as much as I love them.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
loving my life and making the world a better place.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being successful means not being afraid to try, fail and try again.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to associate success quantitatively. Especially growing up in a community that values high achievers, never receiving 100% or A+, I grew up constantly feeling like a failure.
To me, being successful means...
Being in an industry that you as passionate about and excited to be involved in.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Growing up in Palo Alto, I associated success with money. Now I associate it with happiness. If you are getting up for a job you hate everyday, where you are uninspired, what is the point? What I do literally gives me butterflies in my stomach. I may not be making money yet, but that's not my first priority. I live for it.
To me, being successful means...
Happy. Creative fulfillment.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Pursuing a life that makes me happy. Having balance with my work life, social life, and relationship with myself. Being able to afford my independence.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think success was based on more tangible identifiers. Such as my degree, my car, my job status, whether I was still asking my mom for money. Now I look at it in a broader more wholistic lens.
To me, being successful means...
Pushing myself to learn more every day, to be a better person every day, to enjoy every moment as much as I possibly can. It means not wasting the precious time I have in my life, on making a difference in the world as much as I can.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When I was in high school I thought there was a rigid path to success. That the only way I could succeed was by getting the right grades, doing the right things and picking the right career. As I got older, I realized that there are many different paths to the same place. I am lucky to have had the opportunities that Palo Alto afforded me, to have gained the work ethic that I did there. But it wasn't my grades that defined me, it was my experiences.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy with yourself and seeing as much as the world has to offer as possible.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think money and status was the most important thing. I realized rich and powerful people were still unhappy with themselves.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy with myself and achieving the goals that I have set out for me.
My definition of success has changed over time.
The realization that personal success and happiness comes through reflection and being exposed to different things in life in order to identify what is truly important.
To me, being successful means...
Engaging in work that is meaningful to you; work that you feel makes a positive impact on others.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think my work or position as a "successful person" could only be so if there was a tangibly measurable output.
To me, being successful means...
Being able to relax and enjoy life. Specifically, not having a high stress career, and having friends that are similarly laid back.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think of success in terms of being able to make a lot money and probably having some kind of high tech job. But it's a big world out there with a lot of time to find what you are passionate about.
This is a collection of anonymous life and career stories from Palo Alto alumni for everyone. They shatter the myth that there is only one path to success.
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