I recently read a quote from Albert Einstein that said, “Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value”.  As I have considered this thought I comprehended that success does not come by focusing on success.  Many people believe that income or wealth is the predominant measure of success.  It is true that financial mastery is a measure of success, however there are many who are successful, or feel successful regardless of their level of wealth.  After all, financial well-being is only one aspect of life.  Therefore if one is successful in their finances, it is folly to automatically assume that this person is successful.

Success in one’s career, does not translate to success in life.  I have learned that money, relationships, health and purpose all play a role, and collectively contribute to happiness and success.  If a wealthy person is unhappy the reason may be that they had leaned their ladder of success against the wrong wall.  The rich suffer from anxiety, just like middle class and the poor.  The rich suffer from depression, just like the middle class and the poor.  This is because happiness is based on values, and if you focus on becoming a man (or woman) of value, you will not only attain wealth if that is your desire, you will also obtain happiness.  The true value of life comes not by achieving success, rather it comes by adding value to the lives of others.  It was Jim Rohn that said, “If you help enough other people get what they want, you will get what you want”.  Herein lies the key to success.  DO NOT FOCUS ON MONEY.  Focus on being a person of value.  Focus on developing a character of greatness.  Then do all that you can to add value to the lives of others.  A person of value, who knows their worth and knows who they are, is rich.