success -v- fulfillment

It is of no secret that the entire world is filled with individuals seeking some level of success in their lives, it is what education, promotion and recognition is all about, it is where IQ takes over from EQ, in support of this the government a few years ago suggested that by the year 2020 the greatest majority of people of school leaving age would enter the world with a degree, the reality is that this adventurous initiative has for sure resulted in more people having degrees than ever before.

in 2008 I put together a collage piece headlined with the outline of the great and good of history, from philosophers and scientists to artists and men of great faith and wisdom, a question was raised and put forth,
''Is this what you aspire to be, successful?''
My answer at the time still holds good today, '' I have a roof over my head, food in my belly and a paintbrush in my hand, I am happy, I am successful!''

In reality it is not his vision of success that drives me but a mission toward ''fulfillment'', it is this which creates the security in success rather than the success bringing security, how many great people have found a somewhat awful and early retirement from life, an overdose of drugs and alcohol being just one of the many ways that some of the most wealthy and successful people have used to escape from their demons in life, their own unfulfilled life, they did achieve, they did excel, they became what it was they sought, a number one hit song, a great painting, directorship of a huge conglomerate, it matters not, for each died unhappy despite life bringing them all that most can only dream of having or achieving.

Success remains for me only as a single step in the great journey of life, beyond this is the search for 'fulfillment'

Noun

1.

fulfilment - a feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires

IT'S NOT HOW MUCH MONEY WE MAKE THAT ULTIMATELY MAKES US HAPPY BETWEEN 9 AND 5, IT WHETHER OUR WORK FULFILLS US.  -- malcolm gladwell, author, The Tipping Point.