SUCCESS IS A SCAM(unless you define it yourself)

Success Is a Scam (Unless You Define It Yourself) Success. Just one word, yet it carries the weight of our dreams, our insecurities, and often, the expectations of everyone but ourselves. From the moment we’re old enough to walk and talk, someone, somewhere starts shaping what “success” should look like for us—be it through grades, jobs, marriage, or even social media followers. But here’s a quiet truth that echoes louder with age: Success is a scam—unless you define it yourself. The Manufactured Blueprint of “Success” The usual formula we’re told is: excel in school, get into a good university, land a high-paying job, buy a house, marry, have kids, retire, and be happy. But this assumes one mold fits all, and many people walk this path only to find themselves miserable, unfulfilled, and emotionally burnt out because they never paused to ask what success actually means to them. Who Benefits from the Standard Definition of Success? The mainstream definition of success often benefits systems, not individuals. Schools benefit when students chase grades and awards. Companies benefit when people compete endlessly for promotions. Influencers and brands benefit when followers crave lifestyle envy. But you might end up tired, bitter, or emotionally lost. The Power of Defining It for Yourself When you take the definition of success into your own hands, you realize it's personal. Real success isn’t universal; it’s about waking up excited, sleeping peacefully, and feeling like yourself every day. It’s about creating something valuable and having time for your mental health. When Success Becomes a Trap There's a strange moment that happens in adult life: when you get what you once thought you wanted… and still feel empty. This can happen when you land a job you used to dream of, only to feel unfulfilled. It takes courage to realize you have the right to redefine success for yourself. Success on Social Media: The New Illusion Social media often portrays success as followers, viral videos, luxury hauls, and aesthetic lives. But behind the scenes, creators may admit to breakdowns, burnout, and loneliness. The truth is, you can’t win at someone else’s game. Not forever. You have to step out and play your own. So, How Do You Define Your Own Success? Here’s a small guide: 1. Ask: What makes me feel proud of myself—when no one’s watching?2. Notice what drains you vs. what energizes you.3. Write your success statement: “I’ll consider myself successful when…”4. Detach from timelines. Life is not a race.5. Accept that your definition may change. You’re allowed to evolve. Redefining Success Doesn’t Mean Settling This isn’t about “giving up.” It’s about choosing what matters most. It’s not small. It’s not failure. It’s authentic. Success is about living your truth, not someone else's expectations. The Risk and Reward of Owning Your Narrative Redefining success means you’ll be misunderstood. People will question your choices. But the reward is: You’ll wake up with peace. You’ll walk in alignment. You’ll feel whole, not hollow. Final Thought: Be the Author, Not the Actor In a world that scripts what “making it” should look like, be the author—not the actor. Tear the pages. Rewrite the plot. Your story is too important to be lived by someone else’s standards. Success is only a scam when it’s not yours. Own it. Define it. Live it.

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