I don’t know anyone who gets up in the morning and says, “I hope I fail today.” Whether we like it or not, our need for success subtly–and not so subtly–influences how we move through our lives. Success can drive us, but also plague us. What’s more, it can be defined in so many ways. Money, fame, happiness, and many things can be considered hallmarks of success. So what are we chasing really? And are we chasing the right things?
Success and Culture
When I think of how multidimensional the concept of success can be, I actually feel overwhelmed. Sure, I have a personal definition of success, but how much of it is truly mine? How much is shaped by my family, my culture? And then all the micro-cultures: my work, my neighbourhood, my circle of friends. It is so expansive, it makes me dizzy.
You picked wrong…
And even more dizzying, according to Alain de Botton, you can fail at prioritizing the right kinds of success. Our need for achievement can lead to unhealthy life choices and hyper-focus on external rewards–which can make it harder to listen deeply, take risk or to experiment freely. In Alain de Botton TED talk, he exposes his own struggle with success and some of the hidden forces that may shape the ambitions we chase.
Warm up
- Name someone you consider successful?
- What makes them successful? Money, fame, happiness?
- Put the following elements in order of priority: happiness, family, work, relaxing, spouse, exercise, health
- How is our relationship with success: healthy or unhealthy?
The Video: TED A Kinder, Gentler, Philosophy of Success by Alain de Botton
- Divide the presentation into 5 min segments and do a Tell Back
- First 5 min: What is snobbery according to Botton?
- 5-10 min: What is meritocracy? How might it be destructive?
- 10-15 min: What can literary tragedy teach us? Why does nature attract us?
- If you have time, I would suggest doing a Mind Map of the main elements that contribute to our notion of success. Perhaps group them according to those that are good and bad.