I repectfully disagree, with a lifetime of experiences that I believe are valid but are only valid for me, obviously.

There is “Success”(tm) - in the American style - which is being the right person in the right place at the right time. Completely outside anyone’s control. It’s a century of propaganda about “who matters” in society. Some are respectable but the vast majority are not respectable human beings.

And I understand that you know this, I’m just venting….

I’m convinced that Conventional “success” has nothing to with individual merit or hard work or talent. Not that we shouldn’t live our lives in accord with character and hard work and talent, because those things are “proof of work” which is undeniable!

But far too many people work hard, far too many have ability, far too many put in their ridiculous “10,000 hours” and we’ve never heard of them and they can barely pay their rent. So I balk against equating hard work and building character with Success(tm) in life. Because it won’t.

IMO: yes, work intentionally toward what You wish to accomplish in your life

yes suffer what you must for yourself, but don’t put your suffering on those who count on you

And…always keep in mind that you will likely never “succeed”. But you can abide. You can prosper even.

I’ve found its most helpful to keep the genuine question “What Do I Want?” continually before me. That’s the only true guiding star in my outward life, as I see it.