What 103 Seniors Taught Me About Success
“Every morning, I wake up and say ‘Thank you’ for another day,” the 92-year-old told me. “You’ll never get today’s time back. So go make something of it.”
After interviewing 103 seniors for my research, I discovered that their definition of success had nothing to do with LinkedIn profiles or bank accounts.
What Actually Matters (According to Them):
Relationships > Achievements
• “I don’t remember my job title, but I remember who made me laugh” • “My greatest success? My grandson knows I love him” • “The only promotion that matters is from stranger to friend”
Purpose > Productivity
• Small acts of kindness count • Being present beats being busy • One meaningful conversation > 100 tasks checked off
Growth > Goals
• “I learned to paint at 85” • “Every day I try to be less judgmental than yesterday” • “Mistakes at 90 are still teachers”
The Success Redefinition Framework:
- Impact – Whose life is better because you existed?
- Connection – Who truly knows you?
- Growth – What did you learn today?
- Joy – What made you smile?
Statistical Reality Check: When memories fade, professional achievements blur first. But moments of connection? Those stick around