How do you measure success?
;)
I just returned home from a brief business trip to France. During the flight from Paris, I spent half of the time trying to determine if I was successful or not. I wondered if it all ended today did I live a productive life?
Just before landing at Newark Airport, I reached the conclusion that I have so much to be grateful for and so much more living to do. I have children to teach, people to inspire, causes to bring awareness to, and believe it or not, many places I would love to visit.
So, am I successful? Absolutely. But, the definition of success is subjective. I've never defined success solely by how much income I've generated. It factors in but it's not the only indicator.
From having a lemonade stand on the corner of 118th Street & 7th Ave in Harlem at the age of 12, to starting a web development company called United Camps, I've always earned a living doing what I was passionate about. Passion produces payment.
I believe that in order to achieve real success, you must first find a career that makes you happy. Financial gain will eventually be the by-product of spending countless hours building a business doing what you love.
Don't waste another minute of your life doing a job that provides no self-fulfillment. Find your passion and start living.
Success 
Reader Comments (26)
Passion will lead you to what your purpose is. If you can't live without it, dream about it, don't want anything else but it.. then do it. I was a foster child as a child, my father returned from Germany and took my brother and I out of the system. I knew from 8 years old that this would be my passion to help foster children and to adopt children. I worked in the entertainment industry as a CPA for years to make a living to retire early to live my Passion. We've fostered 63 children since 2000, and we've adopted 6 wonderful children. Passion gives life........
I really appreciate this D. Thank you!
Very well said. I'm inspired. Continued blessings to you D.
Passion produces payment...LOVE It! Enjoyed reading your Paris tweets. Safe travels as you navigate the world. God bless you!
I totally agree, more people would have fulfilled lives if they were more receptive to their gifting and walked in them,
Truer words were never spoken! The man who never has to give other's an itemized list of what he owns, possesses so much, namely character! God gives us all gifts to be used for His honor and glory! At the end of the day, the question should be, "Was God honored by my actions, words and deeds?" Your spirit Sir testifies on your behalf! Be blessed and continue to walk in favor! @visadklline
You been reading "Super Rich" too? Wonderful post.
Thanks for this post, it's right on time!
Very insightful. It's good to look into oneself from time to time.
Ashe! A success you are indeed. You are such a jewel. You have profoundly added to my life and making a difference for others is sure success ( Super Rich in the house). So is this part of the new introduction to your forthcoming book? Just for you to be at the realization of gratefulness, speaks volumes. It's the place that so many want to get to but the typical trappings and measures for success put a fork in the path i.e. how much income one generates. True wealth is happiness and I do believe when we have the courage to be our full sweet selves, when we assert ourselves as the powerful beings we are, we not only find ourselves but we make this world a better place. And the resources are there to partner with us and advance that sweetness. I love you D-Nice. Scratch that on the ones and twos, play it on Serato if you choose. Your generosity is inspiring. Your humility is endearing. And your talent is undeniable. Keep doing you and inspiring us to do us. There's so much more in store for you, but at this very moment you are Super Rich. I'm so glad you're here. Thank you for sharing.
wow...not only am i inspired by your revelations of passion-directed living (light-bulb moment like in "Up In the Air"), I am further moved by Melody's post to you. It is so wonderful when we witness someone excel and can sincerely, wholeheartedly express pure joy for them; a mixture of our pride in their success and inspiration by their example. It's uplifting when we applaud and congratulate each other without judgment, envy, exception or asterisk...this brief exchange of thought and response has inspired me to 1) be more thoughtful in my gratitude, 2) STOP my unfulfilling practices NOW, 3) take time to tell people in my life more than "wow, that's great" when they accomplish something. Support and praise mean more than we think. Oh, and, I guess I need to read "Super Rich," too. (Tell Uncle RUSH I'm on it!) Thanks for being a regular inspiration to me through your tweets and posts!
I can dig these words D-NICE. this is something to think about really! And I hope to one day be a success such as yourself man.
Very true, very true. I feel your elation man! I've been searching for 34 years for something to grab me, thrill me, give me a burning purpose in life. Have tried many things, but have yet to make that 'connection' you describe. Congratulations!
D-Nice, you have no idea how inspirational of a a role model you have become to me. I picked up photography because I was intrigued by your works. And although I've been djing for probably just as long as you, I feel I still have a ways to go in terms of being your level. With that being said, I am so proud of the succcess you've enjoyed as I know its well deserved. Passion produces payment? Lol...gotta love it!! That's gonna be my next Facebook status!! Keep doing what you do.
Signed,
Superhero DJ Jon Quick
this is so in line with what i've been thinking about lately. i've been listening to earl nightingale conant's video "the strangest secret in the world," because i've been thinking about success and "making it." there's something beautiful about recognizing what is required from ones self, instead of from others, in order to succeed in life.
thank you for sharing.
I to have had those same thoughts on similar flights. I've often heard my mothers & past teachers & mentors words linger in my head "Get an education, become a DOCTOR or a LAWYER". Since I didn't pursue those careers can I consider myself successful? Also in the career that I am in I have not achieve the level of some of counterparts and that to has me questioning whether I am successful or not. Happiness and how passionate I am about what I do has produce Joy and has brought countless blessing into my life so I wold have to agree with you D......Yes I am very successful.
D-Nice,
Thank you for this thought provoking and introspective post. I was just having a lunch conversation where I was explaining to someone how I moved 700 miles away from home, renouncing a lot of my past work, experiences, and "friends" to start a new life more focused on ensuring my daughter's future success and working in the entertainment industry through service. I am an educator teaching young adults and I find that seeing the gleam in the eye of a 21 year old is incredibly gratifying because the information you are teaching them has to travel through so many filters.
Service will eventually lead to success, it is not a new idea, and while "Super Rich," is a great new book, the ideas are ancient. A person who serves, who is following their passion, who is so enlightened as to know what their gifts are and being dedicated to them is a sucessful person whether or not that is defined by monetary gain. However, being paid for one's work is a reasonable expectation. Passion definitely produces prosperity, but the greatest prosperity of all is peace.
Very well said...I am truly inspired. These are words I will remember as I continue my journey. Each day brings more of an urge to relinquish any fear, step out on faith, and let passion guide my pursuits.
Thank you for the wise words...just one of the reasons you're amazing!
-KC
Hey D. As always, I am inspired by your words, Thanks for sharing your life, stories and experiences with us. I deeply understand the importance of loving what you do. I am even more motivated today after reading this... Passion and Purpose!
Thanks D',
I needed that email this morning! I'm in the airport pondering who or what cause I'll help next...which defines me because I enjoy seeing other's smile ;[) Positive MOTIVATION from others helps one's personal development in achieving true SUCCESS!!! See you in the "Vegas Lights" tonight @ Chateau!
All The Best,
Jamel "Shout!" Mitchell
@shoutinya
ENJOY YOURSELF!
D, i've watched you since I was about 9 years old and I would never think of you not being a success. But I guess we all have these moments. I truly needed to read this today. I was having one of those days where I questioned "what is the point in doing what I'm doing?" I find comfort in knowing I am not alone. I measure success based on the number of goals I have set and accomplished. I had to realize that I have accomplished a lot and that while I'm on this planet I will no longer measure success by OPS (other people's standards) or OPA (other people's accomplishments).
Thanks "D". I needed to hear/read that. I'm putting in work to become happier with my achievements.. If you pray, keep me in your prayers and if I'm blessed to cross paths with you brah' I'd be the dude giving you a brotherly dap and saying thanks. Keep up with the good work. Hip HOP and Humanity. One
Peace D, this is what i had to read right about now ! Perfect timing. Chris
I agree. Thanks for sharing D.
D,
My brother, you keep me inspired no doubt. I've been Blessed by you before we ever met but I'm so appreciative for the opportunities that God provides for me to get to know you better. Indeed you have been and continue to be very successful. One of my favorite quotes on success is by MLK and reads:
"We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles rather than by the quality of our service and relationship to mankind."
— Martin Luther King Jr.
I've been privileged to ride in one of your automobiles but by far I'm way more honored to be a witness to your kind and generous relationship to mankind. Thank you. Wishing you much more success than your dreams can ever imagine and many continued Blessings too.
@rayllanos