Common wisdom often equates success with financial status or prestigious job titles. This is a narrow view, one that has been refuted even by those we consider the pinnacle of such achievement. As Steve Jobs reflected on his deathbed, “Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me… Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me.” True success is not external; it is the deep, abiding happiness that comes from a pure satisfaction with who you are, a feeling that transcends material possessions.

This journey requires active participation, which is where luck finds its true definition. Luck is not a random lottery but the direct result of perseverance. It is about trying, repeatedly, and leaving your comfort zone. While new endeavors may not bring immediate happiness, they spark essential change, learning, and a renewed sense of life. We must take constant baby steps to improve all facets of life we value, but also pause to reflect: did that new car bring lasting joy, or just a fleeting shot of satisfaction?

Our short and unpredictable lives demand that we live to the fullest, seeking a better version of ourselves daily. This version is not defined by what we own, but by the positive impact we have on our environment—our family, our community, and our workplace. When we strip away the material facade and focus on making a meaningful contribution, we find that material gains may follow, but they become far less relevant. We are left with our authentic self, and being content with that person is the purest form of happiness and the truest measure of success.