We need to redefine success - here’s why | Peter Holmes à Court | TEDxPerth | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The traditional definition of success, based on accumulation and external validation, is failing us, leading to increasing global challenges and unhappiness. We have the opportunity to redefine success based on individual values and the well-being of our communities and planet.

Key Insights

• ⚾ Traditional definitions of success, based on wealth accumulation and external validation, are failing to bring happiness and fulfillment.
• 🌐 Global happiness has been decreasing despite increasing wealth, indicating a need for reevaluating our understanding of success.
• 🥺 Redefining success based on individual values and the well-being of communities and the planet can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable future.
• 🪡 The current economic and political system's focus on growth at all costs needs to be replaced with a more holistic and balanced approach.

Transcript

foreign [Applause] success live more fulfilling lives and perhaps address some of the global challenges that require coordinated action I believe we can and there's never been a better time I was born here in Perth Western Australia I was six the first time I was hit in the head for being rich I had a noticeable name before I knew why it was being ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the speaker feel the need to rethink the definition of success?

The speaker witnessed his father's success, but realized that it didn't lead to true happiness or fulfillment. He also noticed global trends of increasing unhappiness despite rising wealth, prompting him to question the effectiveness of traditional definitions of success.

Q: How does the speaker suggest redefining success?

The speaker believes that success should be defined based on individual values and contributions to the well-being of communities and the planet. It should not solely focus on accumulation of wealth or external validation.

Q: What role does the current economic and political system play in defining success?

The current system is dependent on constant growth, which often prioritizes economic indicators without considering the impact on society or the planet. The speaker argues that this narrow focus on growth needs to be replaced with a more holistic and sustainable understanding of success.

Q: How can individuals influence the change in the definition of success?

The speaker encourages individuals to reflect on their own values and priorities, and make choices that align with a broader definition of success. By embodying this new understanding and advocating for change, individuals can influence society and its leaders to rethink their definition of success.

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the traditional definitions of success and their impact on our well-being and society. He shares stories from his own life and highlights the need for a broader and more meaningful definition of success that takes into account our individual values and the well-being of our communities. He emphasizes the opportunity for change presented by the global challenges we face, but also acknowledges the resistance from our economic and political systems. The speaker concludes with a call for each individual to redefine success for themselves and work towards creating a consensus around a new definition of success that prioritizes what truly makes life worthwhile.

Questions & Answers

Q: What experiences shaped the speaker's understanding of success?

The speaker talks about growing up with a successful father and witnessing his rise to become a well-known investor. However, his father's sudden passing at a young age made him question the conventional definition of success and the importance of enjoying one's accomplishments. This personal experience led him to explore different definitions of success and write a book about it.

Q: How does the speaker criticize the traditional definitions of success?

The speaker argues that the traditional definitions of success, which are often based on accumulation and external judgments, do not consider the impact on our societies or the planet. He cites research showing that despite significant wealth growth, there has been a decline in global happiness, along with an increase in issues such as loneliness, teen suicide, and depression. He suggests that a narrow focus on accumulation and consumerism is not sustainable and does not lead to true fulfillment.

Q: What opportunities for change does the speaker see?

The speaker believes that the global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, present an opportunity for change. However, he emphasizes that change will only occur if individuals collectively alter the direction in which they are heading. He acknowledges that the pandemic was difficult, but many people also found surprising gifts in terms of what truly mattered to them and what they could let go of. He highlights the need to redefine success on both an individual and societal level.

Q: How does the speaker's personal journey shape his perspective on success?

The speaker shares his own experiences of conforming to the traditional definition of success by pursuing a career in economics and law. However, he realized that this path did not align with his true desires and values. He took a bold step to move to rural France to care for his twin girls and redefine his own version of success. Through observing artisans and their dedication to their craft, he discovered more meaningful definitions of success and learned to prioritize what truly mattered to him and his family.

Q: What is the speaker's view on economic growth?

The speaker questions the emphasis on economic growth and its impact on our well-being and the planet. He critiques the narrow definition of growth based on year-on-year increases in gross domestic product (GDP) that include harmful elements such as air pollution, violence-promoting TV shows, and even nuclear warheads. He points out that comparing the rate of growth between nations is a flawed approach. He argues that our economic and political system's addiction to growth has prevented us from addressing pressing issues such as climate change.

Q: What changes does the speaker propose in redefining success?

The speaker suggests the need for a consensus on a new definition of success that goes beyond material accumulation and external measures. He proposes focusing on measures that make life worthwhile, such as the increase in shared meals by three generations, the ability of young girls to change a bike tire, and the time spent with friends watching the sunset. He calls for individuals to take control and redefine success for themselves, which will ultimately influence societal change.

Q: How does the speaker challenge individuals to create change?

The speaker encourages individuals to challenge the existing systems and values that constrain us. He believes that societal change will only happen if individuals take the initiative to redefine success for themselves and advocate for a consensus around a new definition. He emphasizes that leaders need the support of the people and that change starts with each individual making a conscious shift in their own lives.

Takeaways

The traditional definitions of success based on accumulation and external judgments have failed us, leading to a decline in global well-being. To create a more fulfilling society, we need to redefine success on an individual and collective level. This requires a consensus on measures that truly make life worthwhile, beyond economic growth. Each person has the power to change themselves and influence societal change by reevaluating their own values and priorities. By doing so, we can shape a future that aligns with what truly matters and bring about a more harmonious and sustainable world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares his personal story of growing up in a wealthy family and witnessing his father's success, only to realize that traditional definitions of success don't guarantee fulfillment.

• He highlights the Gallup research study, which shows that despite increasing wealth, global happiness has been falling, indicating that current definitions of success are not working.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of reevaluating our definition of success and creating a broader, more sustainable criteria that aligns with individual values and supports the well-being of society and the planet.