Redefining success: Choosing integrity over illusion in a temporary world.
THIS time I do not wish to dwell on the grand concepts of sociopolitical discourse, economic strategies, or any intellectual “big stuff.” Instead, I want to talk about something more mundane yet deeply human – something that often shapes the quality of our fleeting existence on earth.
It is the manner in which we live our lives, the choices we make, and the paths we chart. In many ways, these choices define not just our personal success, but our sense of purpose, peace, and contentment.
It’s easy to get caught up in the prevalent narrative of modern life: the relentless pursuit of success, often defined in material terms. We hear it constantly – be persistent, stay goal-oriented, be competitive, and sometimes, even be “harsh” to achieve what society deems as success.
It’s not uncommon to hear motivational talks and business gurus celebrating a cutthroat attitude toward reaching the top, no matter the cost. And to some extent, material success is indeed important. We live in a world where financial stability and recognition can open doors, provide security, and bring a certain level of comfort. But I invite you to ponder – at what price are we achieving this so-called success?
Having observed many so-called go-getters in my life, I can say with certainty that the price they pay is often far too high. The single-minded pursuit of worldly success, of temporary glory on this earth, comes with sacrifices that may seem justified in the moment, but which eventually erode the very foundation of one’s peace and happiness. In many cases, it also leaves the world worse off.
I’ve seen individuals climb the corporate and political ladder, amassing wealth and accolades, but in their journey, something essential was lost.
For many, it was their time with loved ones and themselves. For others, it was their personal integrity. And for some, it was their health, both mental and physical. When we place all our value in external markers of success – wealth, power, fame – we inevitably neglect the internal compass that governs our sense of fulfillment.
On the other hand, my late father taught me not to define myself by things external to me and not to compete with others.
What fascinates me is that, by and large, most people are not wired this way.
I believe that the majority of people, the so-called masses, understand instinctively that success at any cost is a hollow victory. There is a quiet wisdom in those who recognise that life is not a sprint toward material gain but a marathon where relationships, ethics, and personal contentment matter most.
However, this wisdom seems to elude some of the people at the top – corporate executives, politicians, and even some high-ranking civil servants. In their quest for power, they often adopt unethical, even inhumane methods to achieve what they perceive as success.
They engage in ruthless competition, manipulation, and sometimes outright dishonesty. Their choices are driven not by a sense of service or contribution, but by a desire for status, wealth, and influence.
What these individuals often fail to realise is that their relentless pursuit of success is ultimately a futile endeavor. They may achieve temporary power, but power is fleeting. Age catches up with everyone, and as they grow older, they find themselves increasingly ignored, irrelevant in a world that no longer values what they once offered.
This is particularly true for those who built their lives on a foundation of selfish ambition, trampling others along the way. When their power wanes, so too does the attention they once commanded. What remains, often, is a sense of emptiness and regret.
It’s not just the ageing and irrelevance that haunt them – it’s the realisation that they missed out on what truly matters.
They may have houses filled with luxury, but their hearts are often empty, devoid of the love, respect, and companionship that come from living a life of integrity and kindness. They may look back on their lives and see achievements, yes, but what of the relationships they neglected? What of the kindnesses they could have shown, the friendships they could have nurtured?
There’s a kind of narcissism that blinds such individuals to the long-term consequences of their actions. They live in a bubble of self-importance, believing that their power and success will protect them from the inevitable realities of life: ageing, illness, loneliness. But these realities spare no one, and when they arrive, they can be particularly harsh for those who built their lives on shaky ethical grounds.
What’s heartening, however, is that this isn’t the story for most people.
The masses, the regular people who live their lives with a quieter sense of purpose, often understand the balance between success and humanity. They know that life is not just about climbing the ladder but about how you treat others on the way up – and on the way down.
They understand that real success is measured not by how much you accumulate, but by how much you give, how much love you spread, and how much integrity you maintain along the way.
It’s important to remember that we are all living a temporary existence on this earth. The things we accumulate –wealth, power, fame – are transient. What endures is how we lived our lives, how we treated others, and whether we found a sense of inner peace along the way.
So, as you chart your own life and make your own choices, I urge you to consider the price you’re willing to pay for success. Is it worth sacrificing your integrity, your relationships, or your peace of mind? Or is there a way to achieve success that allows you to remain true to yourself and your values?
The good news is that we always have a choice. We can choose to prioritise compassion over competition, to value kindness over ruthless ambition, and to seek contentment in the things that truly matter.
Success is not a race – it’s a journey. And how we walk that path is far more important than how fast we reach the finish line. We exactly become who we are, and that may be a pity, if we are not mindful.
Senior lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is the founder of Rapera, a movement which encourages thinking and compassion among Malaysians. The views expressed here are entirely his own.
