Are you "successful"?

After reading this article, you’ll learn:

1. What are inner and outer scorecards?

2. How to define & live per your inner scorecard?

When you listen to the word “successful”, what comes to mind?

Someone who is is rich, famous, and has a hot wife?

OR

A regular, middle- class person, happy, content with his work and life?

If you selected the first option, you may be living your life for an “external scorecard” - chasing things so that society will say - Yes! He/ she is a successful person, rather then the “inner scorecard” - living per your values and principles.

Why should you care? Because it is important to understand what we spend our time & energy on. And because chasing the wrong things in life is not worth it.

i.e., are you living and earning to buy things which you don’t need, so that you can impress people who don’t care?

Compromising your principles and values is not worth anything, ever. There are many people who have done this, and fallen to disgrace. Bernie Madoff, Charles Ponzi & Elizabeth Holmes come to mind, among a few more. Read more.

These people compromised the truth to seek “success”, fame and money. The problem is, you’ll think “Oh, if I had ₹ 1 Crore, I’ll be happy for the rest of my life”. Unfortunately, the world does not work like this.

The best example that comes to mind for someone living per the inner scorecard is Sudha Murthy, the Indian philanthropist, author and chairperson of the Infosys foundation. She has made a major contribution towards Education, upliftment of the oppressed, and continues to be an inspiration to millions because of her outlook on life and simplicity. If you listen to her speak, you will see how down - to - earth she is.

How to define your inner scorecard:

1. Identify your principles &values.

What do you feel strongly about? What will you stand up for, even if it’s unpopular? e.g. environment, education rights, the truth.

2. Stop comparing yourself to others.

In today’s hyper - connected world, it is easy to get caught up in the maze of the money and fame. Everyone is fighting their own battles, and the grass is always greener on the other side.

3. Consider your purpose.

With your life experiences and skills, you’re unique. Where can you make an impact in the world? You don’t have to quit your job today and go to Africa to help. You can make an impact by engaging in your local community.

Let me know your thoughts and if you have defined your inner scorecard.

Further reading:

• The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America by Warren Buffett

• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown

• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle