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Writer's pictureBrian W Arbuckle

Success: The Big Lie


You’re being lied to. No, this isn’t a conspiracy post about “the media.” Nor “the government…” or any other nonsense that your social media connections are yammering about.


It’s about the lie of “success.”


You see…influencers, the super-wealthy and the hustle-bro crowd wants you to believe in their version of success.


It goes something like: success means you’ve built (or are building) the next Amazon. Or, success means having a Linked In following of tens of thousands. Success means owning a super-yacht.





Nothing is inherently wrong in wanting the above. The lie is:


…whose version of success is that?


Is that really your version? Or are you living someone else’s lie? Are you striving for what you think success looks like?


Want to hear my version of “success?”


Living life on my terms.

It’s as simple and beautiful as that.


If I were to work myself to owning the next Amazon or purchasing a super-yacht…I would have failed myself. Because that version of success isn’t mine. It’s someone else’s…and therefore, I’m not living life on my terms. I would have failed myself.


I want to be beholden to no one. No company will have “leverage” over me. No debt will hang over my head. If I were to lose my title or even my job tomorrow? I would be just fine. Life on my terms. That is my version of success. And it may not work for you. That’s OK!


Perhaps your version of success is indeed to build the next Amazon…great! Go do so! And if you make it…bask in your version of success.


Maybe your version of success is to run a 5k? Do it. Don’t fall for the lie that you have to run a half-marathon or a full marathon to be considered a “successful” runner.


Whatever you do, don’t buy into other people’s version of what success is in order to feel fulfilled. It’s a lie. And a trap.


Working ungodly hours per week to impress people you don’t even care about? What a waste.


“Crushing it” at a job you hate because you have a fancy title and the name on the building makes you look good? You’re living someone else’s lie.


Live life on your terms. Define your own version of success. The hustle-bro culture is toxic…not because it’s wrong for them, but because it’s wrong to assume it’s right for you.


Success should never be defined for you, but by you. Otherwise? You’re living someone else’s lie.



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