Living Beyond Success…

“We have to be good all the time. We cannot afford not to be.” -  The Royal Navy Way of Leadership by Andrew St George.

Human development is a layered journey—beginning with the values instilled in childhood and evolving through education, professional life, and personal introspection. At each stage, the individual absorbs, questions, and refines their understanding of the world and their place within it.

Upbringing begins at home. Parents impart family values—love, discipline, honesty, and respect—through teaching, example, and emotional presence. Children learn not only by instruction but by observing behavior, absorbing conversations, and engaging with digital media that now permeates daily life.

As children enter school, they encounter a broader social framework. Teachers, alongside academic instruction, introduce values like fairness, cooperation, and civic responsibility. School becomes a training ground for navigating relationships, rules, and societal expectations.

Teenage years bring self-awareness and a desire for independence. Adolescents begin to challenge the values they've inherited, comparing them with personal experiences. This phase may involve rebellion, but it also sparks ambition. Many focus on academics, recognising that success in examinations leads to admission in prestigious institutions and opens doors to careers in engineering, medicine, law, or other fields. This pursuit is not merely personal—it reflects the aspirations of family and society.

Achieving professional success is a moment of pride—for the individual and their family. It is the culmination of years of effort, sacrifice, and resilience. The confidence gained through professional accomplishments fuels further growth. Financial stability enables the fulfilment of family responsibilities—from education and healthcare to housing and social commitments. This phase brings a sense of fulfilment, dignity, and societal respect.

Upon entering the professional world, individuals encounter a new value system shaped by organisational goals. In business, profit is paramount. Innovation, creativity, product development, marketing, and employee satisfaction are valued—but often secondary to financial performance. Professionals undergo training that emphasises Management by Objectives (MBO), aligning personal goals with organisational aims. This alignment is crucial for career advancement and organisational development.

Yet, this environment can challenge one’s internal value system. If a professional has cultivated clarity through reading, mentorship, introspection, and purposeful living, they remain grounded. Their values act as a compass, guiding them through ethical dilemmas and competitive pressures.

Professional life is a significant chapter—but not the final one. Beyond success lies the deeper question: How do I live meaningfully? Eternal values—love, gratitude, empathy—become central. These values enrich personal life and empower one to uplift others.

Recently, a U.S.-based acquaintance of mine—who had risen to a senior leadership position in a global credit risk firm serving infrastructure, aerospace, and maritime sectors—chose to take voluntary retirement. In a remarkable shift from corporate life, he now helps visually impaired children to learn. His journey stands as a testament to how enduring values—compassion, empathy, and service—can lead not only to profound personal satisfaction but also to meaningful societal contribution.

True fulfilment comes not only from what we achieve, but from what we give.

Professional success builds pride. Personal values build a legacy.

Success is a milestone. Meaning is a journey. Let us live beyond success!