Daily Gratitude: Although this isn’t the “traditional” way that people define success, I actually think it’s the best way. Many people are “successful” in ventures that they don’t really enjoy. Others aren’t happy with what they have and always think they “should” do better. Many don’t even like what they do. The key to this and it’s something I still have to work on is to do your assessments (or judgments if you will although I am trying to stay away from that word) on and for yourself without that “thief of joy” – comparison. If you throw “compared to what others do or have done” into your definition of success, you’re doomed. All you see when you’re in the process of comparing is what’s on the outside of that other person – the externals as some of the Stoics call them. You can see great wealth, a big house, many cars, etc. but you can’t see what’s inside. You don’t know if they are happy or feel loved. So stop worrying about it and stop comparing. Always remember to “control the controllable” – work on what you can control. Work to attain your own personal happiness doing whatever it is that brings you joy. Who cares what your neighbor “appears” to have or be. Be true to yourself and you will be a success. Just follow the rule in this quote.