An Ode to Fact That What’s Really Important Changes as We Age

“WHAT SCREWS US up most in life is the picture in our head of how it’s supposed to be.” I don’t know who said it but I doubt they ever expected it would become as well-known as it is.

It’s the start of a new year; it’s only natural that many of us are taking stock of our lives… celebrating the unanticipated wins and mourning the disappointments. I am not sure I ever really knew where I would be at this point in life, but I can honestly say, I never expected it would be where I am.

I had a vague idea I wanted to be successful and happy but I didn’t know what that looked like. Having more money was certainly involved, though I can’t say I’m particularly disappointed with how things turned out.

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It makes sense that what we consider important changes as we gain life experience. I wondered if others agreed, so asked readers if they believe their definition of success had changed as they aged. Nearly 80% said it had and nearly every single one said they thought money would be a greater measure of success than it turned out to be.

Quality of life and spending time with family have become the true gauge of a life well lived. (Read more on page 49.)

We also wanted to know how much readers believed luck had to do with their success. And this is what they had to say:

• 20% You create your own.
• 49% Luck is just hard work meeting opportunity.
• 10% I don’t believe in it. Everything happens for a reason.
• 0% Makes me nervous: What comes around, goes around.
• 14% Successful people don’t credit luck enough.
• 7% None of the above.

So 83% of you think luck is a factor in your success. Why not read some tips for increasing your chances of a fortunate outcome in the Big Story on page 30?

As for me, I am going to count my blessings and trust what life has in store … while continuing to apply a little judicious influence here and there. After all, what else can we do?

Best wishes for your business,