Success versus values

Success versus values


Introduction
The term success can mean different things to different people. For some, it may be a high profile job with a hefty salary, and swanky cars. For some others, it might be doing humanitarian work, and making a difference in the lives of others. For some others, it might be making it to the position of the Prime Minister of India.

The role of values in a success story
Certain values are considered important in a business context, such as honesty, integrity, humility, fairness, etc. As long as you stick to your values, and your scruples, you have nothing to fear.

Aamir Khan’s character Rancho famously said in the movie ‘3 idiots’ – don’t run after success, aim for perfection; success will automatically follow. True to meaning, we all need to understand that if we give our best shot, with our whole heart, and keeping our values in mind, eventually, we will succeed in our venture. This success will not happen overnight, it might take a long time in coming. But that will be the kind of success that lasts. Shortcuts don’t lead to long-lasting success.

It might look like the person who has no morals, and who is taking the easy way out, is getting what he or she wants. But sooner or later, the mud wall will crumble.

There are so many examples around us. Take the case of the Satyam Computers scam. Ramalinga Raju compromised with his values, cheated the investors, and made money through wrong means. He had a wonderful thing going, but eventually, the law caught up with him. If he thought he had won his ‘success’, then he was mistaken. Later he himself admitted that he had no peace of mind, and was constantly worrying about the law catching up with him.

On the other hand, take the case of Infosys. The founders had openly stated that they would not resort to corruption of any sort, in order to support their business. They had to go through a tough time with India’s notorious red tape during the initial days of their foundation. Mr. Narayana Murthy stood his ground, and refused to pay anything under the table to authorities, who had held up a foreign consignment that was to be delivered to Infosys.

Over a period of thirty years, the company moved to the top IT firms in the country, became the first Indian company to be listed in the NASDAQ, and generated a livelihood for several thousands of Indians.

Conclusion
Success is a fruit that tastes sweetest when it has the soil of values, and the manure of hard work. If we compromise with our values to get ahead in life, we will not be successful in any of our ventures. As Albert Einstein said, ‘Try not to be a man of success, but rather to be a man of value.’
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    Discussion

  • RE: Success versus values -Deepa Kaushik (05/04/14)
  • Values of life definitely yield success if the values are morally good and practically implemented with the intention of the betterment of the society. The selfish person also possess values, but he might not be as happier as the one working for the happiness of others.

    Success again has different definitions, which differs from person-to-person. Definition could be any, but a true success should yield happiness. The good values in life anyways show us with a difficult path to travel. One needs immense courage and stamina to withstand the path on good values. But this person can march ahead with confidence of success in life.

    On the other hand, the life without values is no more than a garbage bin, leaving only junk inside. The person cannot yield anything to himself or the society. The so called success that he visualises initially is just a mirage which will not stay longer.

    To be precise, rather than keeping the two words on the opposite ends of the sea-saw, it could be better to call them as one complementing the other. Good values definitely bring success in life.
  • Success versus values -Usha Iyengar (03/27/14)
  • Success Versus Values


    Let us first begin by asking what the world defines as success. The term is used to describe professional success. Success in business and in life means different things to different people. Whether or not you feel successful depends on how you define success -- and on the tradeoffs you are willing to not just accept but embrace as you pursue your individual definition of success.

    Determining whether you are successful is based on answering one question: How happy am I? Your level of success is based solely on your answer to that question.

    To answer whether one is successful or not one has to think about what motivates one. What does one want to achieve for oneself and one’s family? What do one value the most, spiritually, emotionally, and materially? These are the things that will make you happy, and thus successful.

    The secret to success is to do something which makes oneself happy. Human beings are intrinsically tuned in towards global values of love, trust and honesty. There is no doubt that integrity and honest means to achieve one’s goal is equally important. Success and values are not contrary to each other. Success has to be achieved within the ambit of a strong value system. Broad fundamental universal values are freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature, and shared responsibility.

    In the face of such a challenge, we can reassert universal values only if we are prepared to think rigorously what we mean by them, and how we can act on them. Values are not to be used in isolation and be put up on plaques for display or for posterity. Inculcating the right value systems begin from our childhood, as we see our parents and as we respond to societal needs, we evolve and our values become deeper and more meaningful.

    Martin Luther King, Jr. stands apart from other men of his generation. He demonstrated wisdom, courage, strength and perseverance, as he led the civil rights movement in the United States from 1955 until his death in 1968. Dr. King chose the path of non-violence and led his millions of followers to do the same. His inspiration was the Mahatma- the father of our nation. One of the most revered souls of the century- Gandhiji lived a life of nonviolence and truthfulness and led a great country to victory.

    I end with this quote of his: There are Seven Deadly Social Sins: Politics without principle, Wealth without work, Commerce without morality, Pleasure without conscience, Education without character, Science without humility, Worship without sacrifice.” ? Mahatma Gandhi. There can be no great meaningful success without values.