Redefining Achievement in a World of High Expectations

From a young age, I've always been driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact on the world. The exact path wasn't clear, and over the years, my ideas have evolved significantly. Yet, the core goal remained constant – to contribute meaningfully to others' lives.

During my 30s, a scholarship led me to the University of Oxford in England. Surrounded by high achievers, I felt a mounting pressure to carve out a special place in the world for myself. This pressure intensified at my PhD graduation at the University of Toronto. The commencement speech was a reminder to leverage my education and skills for impactful change.

But defining "impact" and "success" has always been challenging.

I’ve often wondered, what is success? What does it look like? How big of an impact should I make?

After traveling the world, pursuing higher education, and engaging in various professional roles – from research and teaching to consulting – I've realized that impact doesn't always equate to global change.

Each role, whether it involved publishing research or coaching teachers, contributed in its own way. These contributions might not have revolutionized the world, but they've certainly touched individual lives.

Looking ahead, my focus is shifting. Inspired by Elon Musk's philosophy, I've begun to view success and impact through a different lens.

In an interview, Musk stated that he thought there was a greater than 90% chance both Tesla and SpaceX would fail completely. Yet his focus remained steadfast on driving innovation. It wasn’t about success for him. Or outcome. He merely hoped his efforts would move innovation forward.

Adopting this perspective, I'm learning to place less emphasis on the magnitude of impact and more on the passion behind my actions. Whether a project succeeds or fails is secondary to the value I find in engaging with it.

Success, I'm realizing, is deeply personal and can't be measured solely by public recognition or grand achievements.

So, as a challenge this week, I encourage you, as I remind myself, to reflect on your journey. Consider what truly drives you. What areas spark your passion and curiosity?

I also encourage you to consider redefining your own measures of success. Is it about the number of lives you touch or the amount of money you make? Or is it more about the fulfillment you derive from your actions?

Allow yourself the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them.

Remember, success isn't solely about grand achievements. It's about finding joy and purpose in the process, and sometimes, in the right thing to fail at.

Let’s strive not just for success in conventional terms, but for a life rich with passion and purpose.