To me, being successful means...
Looking back at an experience and feeling satisfied with what I have put in and what I have gotten out of it.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When you are just starting out, school and careers seems to be the most important areas to focus on. Now it's all about my relationships.
To me, being successful means...
Being challenged every day in my job but still looking forward to it
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Not having to worry about where you'll be in 10 years
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Feeling inspired and surrounded by love and support. If I can lay down at the end of every day and know that I am following my heart, however hard the journey, then my life is a success.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Growing up, in Palo Alto, especially, I really thought that the only positive or desired future was one with wealth, and even some amount of fame. I didn't see another option for happiness.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy, providing for your family, having the things you need, and being able to have some of things you want.
My definition of success has changed over time.
After getting married and having kids family vs. just work became part of my view on success. Over time I saw happiness as part of the equation as well.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Setting goals for yourself and going after them with all that you have
My definition of success has changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Having a job that matches your values, relationships that are positive and authentic, and knowing yourself to know what you want out of life and will not put up with.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Even as recently as 5 years ago I was convinced that people earning more money than me were more successful and talented. It took a few years in the corporate world to realize that even though I may not earn as much cash in my nonprofit job, the rewards and uses of my talents are much more important.
To me, being successful means...
Spiritual bliss. Knowing yourself.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I used to care more about external measures of success like career. I still do but it's less pointed. I give more credence to the inner experience while worrying less about others' opinions about career tracks. Nonetheless, I do notice that how people see your worth does depend on external measures.
To me, being successful means...
being able to take care of myself and my family. While having a stable job and housing are important, it has also been very important to me to maintain a balance of free time to spend time outside and connect with friends and family.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
To me, being successful means feeling fulfilled and happy personally and professionally on a daily basis. It means having accomplished my goals but also making the most of each opportunity I had.
My definition of success has changed over time.
When I was leaving undergrad and starting my first job, success in my mind was all around professional success. Getting into a top notch well known consulting firm, being able to work with exciting clients and lots of business travel. But after three years of doing that, I was completely exhausted and realized that success wasn't about the job title or about the company or career ladder. It was about something more than that, something more fundamental to who I wanted to be and the kind of life I wanted to live.
To me, being successful means...
Helping others while reaching my own goals.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
Having meaningful relationships and doing work that matters to me.
My definition of success has changed over time.
In high school I thought success was about amassing friends. Now I don't care very much about how many friends I have. I just care about how much fun we have together and how well we support each other. When I was a freshman at [high school name omitted], I was feeling really stressed socially. My [junior high school name omitted] friends were angry with me because they thought I was trying to be popular. I told my mom, "It takes so much effort to be cool, have fun, and be nice." She said, "Why don't you just have fun and be nice?" That didn't feel like an option. Now that I'm in my mid-thirties I follow my mom's advice. Friendships are a lot less intense and stressful.
To me, being successful means...
...living a loving life and enjoying the journey. This is done by letting my goals and dreams inspire me, never being stagnant, being humble when I come across challenges, learning from these challenges, keeping my mind interested with knowledge and also having time to stop and enjoy it all!
My definition of success has changed over time.
Experience, time, unforeseen and unpredictable events changes our perspectives and leads us onto new paths. Then, our definition of success changes and becomes less finite.
To me, being successful means...
Doing what you want to do and having a good balance between work, family and life.
My definition of success has changed over time.
It used to be focused only on work success, now it is more holistic.
To me, being successful means...
Being happy and content with where you are.
My definition of success has not changed over time.
Read MoreTo me, being successful means...
actualizing your goals
My definition of success has changed over time.
success for me today is defined in more personal ways, whereas when I was younger I looked to others for clues on what it means to be successful
To me, being successful means...
I think success is being generally happy with what you are doing. I don't mean overjoyed happy every minute of every day but I am achieving success when I wake up ready to start the day and go to bed feeling I accomplished something and had time for those I love. I also think success is making that happen while balancing my family/friends and being there for them and enjoying my time with them as much as I can.
My definition of success has changed over time.
Growing up I thought of success as being the most educated I could be and then working the hardest to get the highest paying job or best job title no matter what sacrifices I had to make in my own life. Honestly, I have none of the above things now (except the education piece perhaps) and I feel better about my life then ever.
To me, being successful means...
living comfortably, working at a job I don't hate, and spending as much time as possible with those dearest to me.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I think free time and flexibility have become more important over time.
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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Black and white photos on this site courtesy of Palo Alto Historical Association. All other photos taken by us. Website by us.
