How do you define success?

Conan21 · Oct 8, 2004

This really isn't a bodybuilding post.

I was just wondering what you guys feel is a successfull life?

Lately I've been somewhat uneasy about where I am iand what my future is. I was pretty immature when i graduated H.S; didn't have a clue what i wanted to do with myself. I went to college for IT b/c it was what my Dad wanted me to do and I found I did not like it. Did not have enough money to switch my major. I graduated with an IT degree and am now doing a computer job that makes no money which I don't even enjoy at all. I don't think I will every enjoy any type of computer job.

To be honest, i can't stand the wearing a suit and tie or dress clothes on a regular basis and working with these SERIOUS people. Seems today, companies want your blood and they want to pay you the least as possible. and also I feel like i'm surround by zombies who don't have any life or enthusiasm in them.

Don't get me wrong, I love nice things. Nice house. Nice clothes. But I'd so much rather enjoy my life than just make alot of money (if i'm luck enough to even get that).

I think it would be great to do something in Fitness but I'm not educated enough in nutrition and some of the finer points of things; so I do not feel comfortable persuing that. Being an antrapenuer of sort like Big A would be great too. Owning a store, restauraunt, something!!! I would so much rather move around a little bit. get some air in my face, break a sweat, than sit at a desk couped up all day. I know this is how MOST people live, but i guess i'm not like most people. I know a kid who just moved to Vegas and got a job being a life guard makin top buck at some fancy hotel and Casino. yes, the boy is getting paid to sit there and check out HOT Ass all day long at a pool. I would not mind this at all. ahah

what do you guys feel about this? Should you enjoy what you do? or is a pay-check all that matters?

Vander_V · Oct 8, 2004

2 words define sucess "TRUE LOVE " thats where the real happiness and sucess in life is.

BigMatt · Oct 8, 2004

I don't work cause i enjoy it...
I work so i can enjoy life out of my job.
I don't know anyone that like his job 100%.
There is always something that will bother you.

Brining G/F to restorant when i want,paying gym membership,going to movies..

I always wanted to not own money to peoples,business,that's my way of thinking...
So by that i can be totally independant.

Live each day like it's your last one, you never know what await you tomorrrow,enjoy your life and do what make you happy!

Frusciante · Oct 8, 2004

success is a journey,not a destination

jawbreakerkid · Oct 8, 2004

just try to live your life to the point where when you're 75 years old and reflecting on it, you'll have no regrets. We only get one shot at this, so make it worth while.

bigbadasian · Oct 8, 2004

Reply

|--[\\\\]>----------- Make a career move. you have a degree, you have work experience, find s'thing else. just b/c you have worked in the computer industry and have an IT dagree does NOT mean you HAVE to work w/computers all your life. I know a guy at my gym who has worked with computers all his life and just recently he and his wife quit their jobs and opened up a Taco Del Mar, and he's doing very well and is liking what he does now. I myself have been in the gym industry for about 5 years now and i'm thinking of switching over to the banking biz. how long hve you lived in your area? if you have for a long time, you prob. know a TON of ppl...it's all about connections these days....

Doggtales · Oct 8, 2004

SUCCESS...

Success is making goals and completeing them. I started a business Jan.1st of this year. In a career field that I only had 2 yrs of experience in. The business is a success because #1. I wanted it so badly. #2. I wasn't affraid of taking a chance/risk. #3. It is something that I enjoy. #4. The goals are being completed. I think each one's individual success is measured up to 2 major components. Your ability to carry out your goals and your desire to reach your goals.

BigBoyJ · Oct 8, 2004

I definitely feel ya on this Conan. I am 30 years old now and since the age of 17 I have had over 60 jobs. NO SHIT! I have done just about any type of work you can think of from fast food to the medical field. I CAN NOT and WILL NOT spend so much of my life at a place where I can't stand to be. The reason I have changed jobs so often is because I get bored sooooo easily and also because I'm always looking for something better. I have to admit that my lack of stability has caused a lot of problems in relationships and financially. I literally get a feeling of "why should I even bother trying to live if I hate what I do for a living?"

You'd be surprised at the jobs you can get if you know what to say on your resumes and in interviews. I've had many jobs I was definitely NOT qualified for

. I know that I have to do something and stick with it now though. Going from job to job causes A LOT of shit. On the other hand I don't regret all the jobs I've had. Hell, I can do anything from build a house from the ground up, to helping an 80 year old woman recover from a stroke. My range of experiece is pretty well rounded to say the least.

My advice to you would be, if you are truly unhappy in your current situation, start making the changes so that you can persue your passion. If you want to persue a career in fitness, just stay at your current job and in your spare time, start taking some nutrition classes. Order some study materials from the American Council on Exercise, or another reputable certifying organization. Get a nutritionists license, it isn't hard. Become a certified trainer...not too difficult either. But whatever you do, don't spend your life doing something that you hate. You'll definitely regret it later if you do.

As for me, I just got a job as a fitness consultant for a MAJOR sporting goods store in San Antonio. I will be responsible for helping customers decide what equipment will be best to help them reach their goals. I will also be working directly with equipment manufacturers and doing the buying of the equipment for my store. It will be my responsibility to train other empoloyees in proper exercise form and equipment usage. Basically, I'll be a personal trainer FOR the business. I'm really excited about this job because it falls right in line with my area of expertise. I will get a good base salary, plus commission. Now if I can just keep my social anxiety under control, I know I'll be fine.

Anyway, good luck to you.

zephyr22 · Oct 8, 2004

I would have to agree with doggtales...

I think success is totally in the eye of the beholder. We all have different gifts and talents in life. Your success should be measured how you feel about your life. Hell if you dont like something about your life "change it". It is never too late to change. Hell even lately ive been thinking of making some major life changes going back for my Pharmacist degree (RPh or DPharm). The only reason Im thinking of this is that in my job my freaking back will be straight up snapped at 40yrs of age. Being a pharmacist will enable to me to work well in to my old and grey years. To me success=feeling fullfilled, feeling like you have made a difference in someones life no matter how small or large. Just my opinion. Later.

drgoodbody · Oct 8, 2004

I measure success by comparing myself to myself last year. Am I happier? Am I enjoying life more? What has improved? If the trend is upward, happier, better, wiser, more enjoyment, then I feel like my path has been successful and that I am succeeding.

Of course the best situation is finding that thing that you are really good at and that is very rewarding (intellectually, financially, emotionally, etc). I've been very lucky - I went to college for 10 years (undergrad, 2 masters and a phd). Long time huh.... why would someone endure that? Well today I love what I do, and I get paid a small fortune - I seldom brag about it, but I am one of the few people I know who never worries about $. Oh and of course having money lets you work on improving other things, like your body, without worrying about what it costs, or how you'll find time to do it since you have to work. I am very lucky - but it is the life I created. I grew up in a family that was middle class, my dad never made more than $70k in a year. I made considerably more than him my first year out of grad school, and that was nearly 10 years ago. I went to school on academic scholarships, and yeah, I was a nerdy, chubby kid - no life, and no lifting. Today when I look back, its funny - alot of those popular jock types I knew are living hand-to-mouth... So yes, I consider myself a success, but I am still driven to get better - every day in every way.

My advice is to get yourself headed in a direction that will make you happy - because you will be willing to work harder if you are happy, and ultimately that will make you more successful. Persistence and hard work will pave the way - it did for me, it can for anyone in my opinion.

Go for it bro,

DrG

xcelbeyond · Oct 8, 2004

Another thing to consider

Your current field "can" be lucrative - in both pay and working conditions. There are LOTS of companies in my area where both apply - like Nike, Intel, Symantec, etc.

But if you really hate doing this type of work you should find something more to your liking.

Big A · Oct 9, 2004

Being succesful means being happy. It doesn't matter what you do, but if YOU are happy, then you are succesful, because that is what success is all about - to make one happy.

G.E.R.M · Oct 9, 2004

..

being able to do what u want when you want and having the resources to actually do it, without missing a step........

meaning, i know a lot of guys go on vactions when they want..but they really cant cuz when they get back from their 3k vacation they cant pay that months rent on time...or buy food etc...

dragonfire101 · Oct 9, 2004

2 words define sucess "TRUE LOVE " thats where the real happiness and sucess in life is.

Maybe ,lately I havent felt that way.Even with my true love.

i have a degree a good job ,but dont feel successful.I feel I need a better degree and a better job lately.Probably the work I'm doing I dont feel I 'm helping people at the moment.

Self Actualization is suppose to be the true meaning of hapiness and sucess,but most may never reach it and for the few that do it usaully takes a lifetime.