Definition of Success in Life

Different levels of our life and career

Level 1 - Aimless

You have no earthly idea what you're doing or where you're going. You have no direction.

Level 2 - Stuck

You can envision yourself doing better but can't seem to get out of a rut. You might work hard but experience very little progress.

Level 3 - Coasting

You are going through the motions. Your life is on cruise control. You do what you have to do to survive.

Level 4 - Developing

You are steadily growing. You've had incremental improvements over the past few years, and your relationships and career have excelled.

Level 5 - Thriving

You are operating in your sweet spot. You don't have to do anything. You get to do everything.

Level 6 - Mastery

You are doing so well that you're in a place to help others do the same.

from "Leveling up" by Ryan Leak

I came across the above while browsing IG and it made me reflect on how success in life and career is defined.

Which level am I at now?

In my early 30s, I was at level 2 until I figured that I did not want to climb the corporate ladder anymore, it just doesn't seem worth the effort for my field of work. 

Thus, regretfully, I am now stuck at level 3 if I go by the above classification.

As I aged, I realized that progress is not all about trying harder, being smarter, so as to get that promotion and earn more bucks.

Real progress, without getting stuck in a rut, is about self-actualization, being promoted into a role that taps on my potentials and able do something meaningful. As much as I want recognition, I also want learning and development; not just getting a promotion to get more workload of the same nature. I guess the only way to get around this is to switch job/ career. Sometimes it takes a bit of luck to find the right environment, right people (mentor, leader...) etc. in order to flourish and grow in a role.

Quoting Albert Einstein -  "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Another version by SMOL - "10 years of experience should not be first year experience times 10." 

What could I have done better towards success?

One of my terrible weaknesses is procrastination. If I can do things slowly, I will do things slowly. I am a little reluctant to venture out of my comfort zone, perhaps as doing so will make me feel insecure. As such, I have failed to seize multiple opportunities and learn more new things.

At times I felt that I have spent my 20s in too much ignorance. I should have read more, network more, travel more, dated more, try more things while I was young and without family burden. Life in the 30s simply past me by too quickly without achieving much. I have experienced a few years of independence by moving out from my family. However, when my mother suffered from dementia and Covid stuck, I have to move back and assume a caregiver responsibility.

A major problem I had in my 20s was a lack of direction - I don't know my passion and what kind of career I am looking for. Overwhelmed by choices, I went with the most popular choice, choosing whatever course that seems to be the "best option" -  one with high entry criteria. Pushing my limits and making efforts but not enjoying it. I just want the approval of others (eg. my parents) for being able to achieve what others (eg. my cousins) could not.

Setting life goals, not just financial goals

Life and financial goals should go in tandem. At the end of the day, reaching $xxxxxx by age xx can feel meaningless if we don’t know what we truly want out of life.

What does happiness look like to you? What defines a rich and fulfilling life?

Financial goals are often easier to set—there are formulas, frameworks, and plenty of textbook guidance. Life goals, however, are far more personal. We all think and live differently, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For people like me, who once had no clear direction, it was easy to say, “Just leave it to fate,” or “Maybe I’m not destined for this or that.” We find excuses: the timing isn’t right, I’ll figure it out later. But I eventually learned how wrong that thinking was. Opportunities and luck tend to show up for those who are prepared—and actively looking out for them.

Life is short. We shouldn’t waste time climbing ladders that are leaning against the wrong wall. There’s no better moment than now to define what a happy life means to us and start moving intentionally toward it. Different people have different destinations—each of us has our own wall to climb.

I like this quote from the InvestmentMoats:

"The goal of managing your money well is to fulfil your life goals in your life."

Success shouldn’t be narrowly defined by bank balances, property, luxury cars, or high-flying careers. Money is essential and could be a mark of success, but the happiness it buys is often fleeting. True success can be as simple as having a loving family, being free from debt, and being able to spend your time on things you genuinely enjoy—with financial freedom as a bonus.

Success in life can be simple in concept, yet challenging to attain. Perhaps it's because we have too many wants, are paralyzed by too many choices or just can't stop moving our goal posts.

Thanks for reading!

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