The Danger of Striving For The Traditional Model of “Success.”
“Success is nearest to those whose efforts are intense and sincere.”
-Patanjali, the founding father of yoga
There are real dangers for striving for the traditional model of what mainstream media defines “success.”
You may find in your own personal development that external factors such as, society, well meaning parents, and others people you encounter, may want you to follow in the old traditional views of “success.” It seems very safe and nice knowing that you are striving for something that others would seem to be the “right” move.
The truth is that there is a danger the moment you begin doing things that others want from you, that aren’t in fact direct alignment with who you know yourself to really be.
Where The Danger Comes In
The danger comes because the traditional model of success is very limited. From my experience and observations, you can actually run the risk of unhappiness and confusion by trying to chase the traditional model of “success.” The reason is because, the traditional success route is generally designed from the outside-in. In other words, traditional success says that once you receive this material item, or status or position you are “successful.” The focus with the traditional success model is on the external things.
There is nothing at all wrong with pursuing things for material gain and wanting a higher perceived status.
Working for and achieving your material goals are very important, and have it’s place in the grander scheme of things. I personally like having a lot of money. I enjoy and appreciate the finer things in life and the good life, so by no means, am I saying not to try to acquire this.
Traditional Success: Outside-In Approach
However, realize that the total focus and approach towards “traditional success” takes your inner self out of the equation. With the outside-in approach, your first step is to look outside of yourself to define yourself. But in reality, the only way you are ever going to really know yourself and find happiness is to look within yourself first. Therefore, the model for real happiness in people is the inside-out approach.
Looking outside of oneself to determine one’s happiness is dangerous. It leaves you too open to the potential of having the material world and circumstances define you. As you play into this illusion that society wants from you, you have only two choices. Quit and get out of this situation, or let the situation continually control you. These two choices are really the only answers you will have once you have found yourself inside of the illusion that society tries to seal you into.
The real danger with striving for the traditional model of “success.” Is in you running the risk of losing out on who you really are, by focusing on having the external circumstances in society define who you are.
Today’s World
I think this message is actually a lot more relatable in today’s world, as we are seeing many individuals loose their jobs at record levels. As people continue to loose their jobs, they are beginning to look inward. They are starting to question the old model of traditional success, and are waking up to a whole new reality of the world they live in. Today’s downward economy is allowing more people the opportunity to focus on the inside-out approach.
Creative Expression
One of the reasons I enjoy writing these blogs, is because I can creatively express my true nature, and my thoughts in written form. The process of writing these posts, allows me the freedom to be me, fully and authentically. While setting up the ideas for each post, I am coming from the inside-out approach. Wherein, I first look within me, and see what is it that my inner being wants to express outwards to the world. This is a joyful experience, that I feel very fortunate to be able to access and share.
By creatively expressing my ideas from within me on this post, I don’t run the risk of having outside circumstances define what I choose to be at the moment. You can say that writing these blogs is my version of keeping it real.
Beyond Success!!!
Traditional success is not something that I can really say inspires my way of life at this point in my life. My intent is to allow people to go beyond that which mainstream America glorifies as traditional success. With a Beyond successful attitude it allows the indvidual to look within themselves, to allow their own inner light to shine through for others. The intent is to just to get people dreaming big again, being that which they know that they truly are. I believe the moment that people begin to go beyond the traditional model of success, they will find their own freedom. They will be free to be themselves honestly and creatively sharing with the world the best parts of the their self. From this point, people are empowered and are in control of creating the reality they choose to create. Dream Big!!!
I write for the people that deep within know what they want out in life, and know that there is a higher calling for them that is inside of each of them, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to shine through in whatever there talent may be.
Begin now to think in terms of “beyond success,” which puts the focus back on your inner heart desires and eliminate the potential danger and trap of the traditional model of “success” that tries to keep you looking outside of yourself for answers. The answers are within each one of you. Tap into this and express this true power within you. By choosing beyond success, you eliminate the danger of striving for the traditional model of success that keeps many people trapped. Beyond success is freedom for your soul.
Make sure to leave a comment above with your thoughts and feedback on this post. 
Great points Baker.
As you say, western society is so immersed in ‘chasing success’… looking and reaching for it outside.
I also think that the truest sense of success, happiness, and wealth are all available to be experienced from the inside out. When I slow down and appreciate the seemingly small marvels that we so often take for granted (sight; breath; organic food; comfortable shelter; sunrise; friendship; logical thought; etc), it gives me a wake up call as to the immense riches and success we have to be thankful for.
Thanks for the reminder
Hey Cathy,
Thank you for your feedback on this post. I agree with you that the simple things in life really does bring about a sense of fulfillment for our spirit. The inside-out approach has always made a lot of sense to me, I’m grateful when others like yourself can help affirm that awareness that’s inside me. Thank you.