The Road to Significance by Michael Josephson

"The most traditional way to measure the quality of one’s life is to list accolades, achievements, and acquisitions. In its simplest terms, success is getting what we want, and most people want wealth and status. Yet as much pleasure as these attributes can bring, the rich, powerful, and famous usually discover that true happiness will elude them if they don't have peace of mind, self-respect, and enduring loving relationships.

Peace of mind doesn’t preclude ambition or desire for material possessions or high position, but it assumes a fundamental foundation of contentment, gratitude, and pride – a belief that whatever one has is enough and an active appreciation for the good things in life.

Feeling successful can generate satisfying emotions of self-worth, but feeling significant – that one’s life really matters – is much more potent. Peter Drucker, the great management guru, captured this idea when he wrote of the urge many high achievers have to "move beyond success to significance. "

The surprise for many is that one of the surest roads to significance is service. It doesn’t have to be of the Mother Teresa missionary variety. Parents who sacrifice their comfort and pleasure for their children are performing a service, as are teachers, public-safety professionals, members of the military, and volunteers who work for the common good.

In addressing graduates, Albert Schweitzer said, "I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts."

My comment: This reminds us why billionaire Bill Gates is giving away his fortune. Rich men like him knows the significance of service to others, of giving his material wealth as well as his time.

But we need to be of service to others and give out of love for our fellow human beings, not to be just significant or feel "important". To quote apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Conrinthians 13):

"If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body [to hardship] that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

To read more inspirations by Michael Josephson, please click here to visit his "Character Counts" commentaries.