Redefining Success

Success. Typically, this word is associated with notable achievements, wealth, power, status and fame. Recently, I've been internally challenging these notions and broadening what encompasses success, particularly as a 27-year-old. Here are a couple of revelations.

• Success is overcoming clinical mental health challenges.

• Success is finding myself in a world that dictates what “normal” is supposed to be.

• Success is having the audacity and courage to live and embrace an authentic life. Being an Asian trans guy who's gay and autistic, it's been an uphill trek in choosing to stay on the divergent path, instead of succumbing to “who I'm supposed to be”. It means no more self-neglect, no more dishonoring my inner voice and gut instincts, and being assertive despite the risk of opposition.

• Success is starting a YouTube channel in the midst of debilitating social anxiety, and choosing to keep the video online despite overwhelming fear.

• Success is leveraging pain from life's adversity as fuel to continue rising from the ashes.

• Success is having established close friendships and a sense of community.

• Success is having the confidence to fail and keep going.

Most of us aren't going to be Olympic medalists, CEOs, worldwide famous, have millions of dollars or be successful in the stereotypical definition. The “ideals” are unrealistic and shallow. I encourage you to analyse your existing mental narratives about success, and rewrite your own story if such a narrative is damaging and unhealthy. Don't let narrow ideas define success for you; don't give it power. Reclaim your power and leave a scorched trail behind you.