To me, being successful means...
Finding the intersection between your talent and your interests. Learning to practice self-care and self-compassion. Learning to be yourself unapologetically.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo 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...
Striving to do the best at whatever I do. Leading a positive example for/and watching my children grow up to be good people.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Getting to a place in your life when you offer advice and opinions without looking around the room for confirmation that you gave the right answer.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Not about money or position but about a confidence that you know you are now the grown up in the room.
To me, being successful means...
Being true to yourself. Following your dreams. Finding what makes you happy. Being comfortable with your place in life.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Not really. I always wanted to make my way. I never really bought into all of society's ideas of who or what I should be.
To me, being successful means...
I feel nothing but contempt and frustration toward the use of words like "success" and "failure" being introduced to adolescents. I've always had a huge problem with the idea that from a very young age, I'm supposed to measure my self-worth by my ability to "get stuff done", whether that means fulfilling my own goals or those of someone else. And while this frustration emerged mostly out of a youthful nihilism that I'm beginning to think is endemic to Palo Alto kids, it became even more emboldened as the years went on and I realized a vast amount of my time in the Palo Alto School District was spent disciplining my body and mind rather than liberating my spirit.
People will tell you that there are things you "need" to do to survive in this world, that you have to play the game because you don't want to end up like "them". Don't listen. Your youth is precious. Don't waste it worrying about someone else's idea of "success".
My definition of success has changed not over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being financially stable doing something that makes you fairly happy doing.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to think it was one or the other, financially stable versus being happy with what you are doing, defined success. Since I have come to the conclusion that it's a fair balance of the two.
To me, being successful means...
Personal contentment with that choices I've made. Enjoying laughter, music, dancing, poetry, museums, concerts and the great outdoors because there is nothing like the weather, flora and fauna we grew up with anywhere else.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Career path equals money equals happiness is no longer a belief! More like a myth!
To me, being successful means...
The way I measure my own success is in how much I am learning, how much I am creating, and how mindful I am of others and my environment.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to care so much about what others thought of me... I've always been an anxious person and a people-pleaser. I used to feel validated when someone would compliment me on my achievements, and I think that the amount of praise I received became my metric of success. Now, though, it's much different. Compliments are appreciated, but they are not things that I cling to so tightly and I certainly don't let them define me. I don't define success as one thing, but rather how in balance my life is as a whole: am I being generous enough to others? to myself? am I learning and growing and exploring? am I throwing myself wholeheartedly into my art? These are the things I care about now, and this is how I define how "successful" I am.
To me, being successful means...
Being to take care of my needs and help out with the needs of those I love. To be able to be meaningful work that uses my unique brain and skills. To be loved and valued by family, friends and clients.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I was more focussed on my achievements, and my immediate family, and less on my extended web of relationships
To me, being successful means...
To be passionate about what your spending most of your days doing "work". A career that allows you to grow and improve and that your well compensated for.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When I was younger success was more about "stuff or things" - as I've matured it's more and more about how I can help others and improve my skills in my career.
To me, being successful means...
Having been a good husband, father, brother,son and a respectable of others
My definition of success has not changed over time.
At first it was how much money I could make to be successful then I learned how to be #1 answer!
To me, being successful means...
Living your life to the fullest, and being happy (most of the time) in your family, job, fitness, etc.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Being happy. Proud of myself. Content with my life. Making others happy.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreThis 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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Black and white photos on this site courtesy of Palo Alto Historical Association. All other photos taken by us. Website by us.
