What is success?
We often fall into the trap of playing bought-status games, obsessing over material possessions. Display culture is so strong that we chase the newest or most expensive items, just to signal our wealth to others. With that, we end up defining success according to what we have.
Meanwhile, the earned-status games are often forgotten or neglected. This game is quieter, harder, but infinitely more rewarding. We need to realise that the most lasting, enduring fulfilment actually comes from within us. To achieve earned status, we need to be disciplined and put in real effort to become someone trustworthy. Only then can we define success according to who we are.
- THE BOUGHT-STATUS TEST -
This question forces you to reflect on why you want something: Does it bring you joy? Is it aesthetically pleasing, helpful or useful? Or do you just want to show off?
- THE EARNED-STATUS TEST -
This question guides you to the correct path of success. The true measurement of success is not money, but achieving something that even the richest person cannot buy.
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Reflecting on the idea of earned status has truly changed how I define success in my own life. While it’s easy to get caught up in bought-status games like acquiring the latest gadgets or luxury items, this often leads to fleeting satisfaction tied to others’ opinions. Instead, I’ve started to focus on developing skills, integrity, and reliability—qualities that money alone can't buy. For example, mastering a craft or overcoming challenges through perseverance feels far more rewarding than any material purchase. It’s a process that requires effort and discipline, but the sense of accomplishment and self-worth it builds is deeply fulfilling. I now use the "bought-status test" when making purchasing decisions—asking myself whether I’d value an item if no one else knew I had it. If the answer is yes, it’s likely a genuine source of joy. If not, I recognize that the purchase might just be for show. Similarly, the "earned-status test" helps me focus on achievements that even the wealthiest can’t buy, such as trust and wisdom. These come from consistent contribution and personal growth, not from financial means. Pursuing these enduring forms of success has strengthened my confidence and sense of purpose. Ultimately, true success is a personal journey of growth and contribution rather than outward displays. Embracing this perspective has allowed me to find greater peace and motivation in my financial and personal decisions.