In one of my favorite quotes of all time, Ralph Waldo Emerson gives one of the best definitions of ‘success’ I’ve ever read.

What is success?

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Every time I read this, I feel inspired to put the most important things first.