My Idea of Success

The idea of success is a subjective thing that people must decide for themselves depending on their personal ambitions and goals. However, the media has some influence on how we view successful people. When I was little, I always dreamed of becoming a famous pop star like Britney Spears. I danced around in my pink tutu because my mom would not let me wear the skimpy clothes Britney would wear in her music videos, I put silly purple hair extensions in my hair, and sang “Baby One More Time” all around the house. I remember thinking that I sounded just like her, and if I could become a successful pop icon as well. Needless to say, my hopes and dreams have changed since then, and now I know that is not the kind of success I want. Hollywood and the media show successful people as having several multi-million dollar houses, flashy cars, and a plethora of fashion model lovers. However, I believe success should be measured by the amount of respect you have for yourself and others have for you, the love of your family, the ability to comfortably provide for that family, and lastly, knowing you left the world a better place.

Most celebrities are not in the media to show their respected achievements. Although they become famous through their hard work, determination, and talent, we often see them later in their careers for their flaws. Celebrities like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton are put on TV and talked about in the tabloids, not for showing their great accomplishments, but to make fun of them and show how bad they can mess up their lives, like getting DWI’s and going back to rehab. If I cannot wake up and look at myself in the mirror and feel proud of my achievements and what I have accomplished, then I do not respect myself, and therefore others will not respect me. I want everyone to treat me with respect, not because I was given lots of money by my family, but because I have earned it by working hard to achieve my goals. I feel that is part of what will make me successful.

Success is nothing without having someone to and share it with. It seems like a large number of celebrities get married, sometimes have or adopt children, and then get a divorce a few months or years later. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore, and Carmen Electra are all examples of “successful” celebrities that were in marriages lasting under 8 months (about.com). I believe everyone should have significant people in their life that love them, whether it be a spouse, children, or a close longtime friend. I will feel that I have been successful in life if I have a loving husband and children that care about me.

Most people use the amount of material things they own as a measure of their success. There are entire shows like Cribs and My Super Sweet 16 that are designed to show the whole world all the expensive and flashy things celebrities have and what “success” can buy. I do not understand the concept of having three houses or five cars, other than to show off how selfish they are and how much money they have. You can only live in one house at a time and drive one car at a time. I also want to make money - who doesn’t? However, I do not wish to have multiple lavish homes that cost millions, and cars that cost more than most families’ annual income. I would like to be able to provide a good education for my children, a stable environment, and live in a comfortable and safe home in a good area. I would like to be able to provide stability for myself and my loved ones because if you are never home for your children, then that is not being overall successful in life.

I believe the most important question that I need to address when determining if I am successful is whether or not I feel that I will leave the world a better place. I will never feel truly successful if I make six figures working as a tobacco lobbyist, as opposed to being paid much less as a teacher or counselor helping improve people’s lives. Selling your soul to become rich is not success in my eyes, it is greedy and selfish.

The idea of determining whether you are successful is an individual decision. However, the media and how they portray celebrities contributes to how most people in our society evaluate their own success. I believe success is achieved when you respect yourself and others have respect for you. Also, when you have a loving family behind you and can provide for them comfortably. Finally, success is achieved when you feel you have contributed to the overall welfare of our species. All of these factors contribute to what makes a person truly successful in life.

Work Cited

Nina Callaway, “Shortest Celebrity Marriages,” About.com : weddings. 2002

8 October 2007 <http://weddings.about.com/cs/justforfun/a/ShortCelebWeds.htm>