The pursuit of happiness

Originally Posted by Divest

Now, my question to the board is this: if you're pursuing success in a non-conventional (and unlikely, some would say) lifestyle, is it a waste of time? How do you gauge your success versus someone else's? How do you gauge success at all?

I'm not looking for any insight in regards to my particular case (though if you feel the need, feel free to shoot), but if you've ever aspired (or are aspiring) to become something in a non-conventional field, how do you handle the criticism from yourself and others who say you're merely wasting your time, or are you the type person who goes with a regular conventional high school, college, job pattern and criticizes others for not doing the same?

If you are persuing something in your life that you believe will give you happiness, then it isn't a waste. If you are happy doing it then you will be more likely to give 100%. Even in more conventional professions, it can be difficult to gauge success against others. I think the best way to gauge success is to set a goal, and try to achieve it. If you write them down, they can be used when you need motivation. You can look at your list of achievements and feel accomplished. It may be cheesy, but it works.

In terms of criticism, people will talk about no matter what you do, conventional or not. Unless they have something really profound to say that can help you, then don't waste your time listening to them. It will just hinder your progress.

-Pb

Jam it back in, in the dark.