What Success Meant Then and What It Means Now

Success. That word used to feel like something big and flashy. Back in the early days, maybe when I was around 16, it meant winning stuff. Getting the best grades. Being the best player on the pitch. Making people notice you. It was all about recognition and having something to show off. The more people clapped for you, the more successful you felt.

Then I got to 20, and things shifted a bit. Suddenly, success was about gaining independence. Being able to move out. Even if the fan in your room sounded like an old generator and the only water you had came from plastic kegs you dragged upstairs, it didn’t matter. You were on your own. You were free. Eating noodles at midnight, watching movies till 3am, no one telling you what to do. That feeling of freedom? That was everything.

By the time I hit 25, life got real. The noise slowed down and comparison started creeping in. You look around and people are getting jobs abroad, driving good cars, getting married, launching businesses. You start to wonder if you’re behind. At that point, success started to look like stability. Having a decent job, a calm space to come home to, and someone you can talk to about life without pretending. You just wanted something steady. Something that made sense.

Now though? I think success has become even quieter. It’s not about being loud or being noticed. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about waking up and not feeling like the world is pressing down on your chest. It’s about being proud of the life you’re building, even if it’s not perfect. It’s about loving what you do or at least not hating it. And having people around you who care, who truly see you.

What really matters now is living a life that feels honest. Not chasing what looks good online. Not trying to impress people you don’t even respect. Just doing what feels right for you. Being able to smile in the middle of the day for no reason.