TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – My sons, Julian and Jaren (or “the boys” as I lovingly refer to them), often ask questions about what I do in the Air Force and if I enjoy going to work every day. Without hesitation, I begin my obligatory 10-minute lecture on how serving in the Air Force serves the greater good of our country and that I feel lucky to do what I do. Of course, within a matter of 30 seconds their minds wander and they miss most of the message.
In response, and to regain their attention, I always ask what they envision for themselves in the future. At times they mention wanting to become firemen, astronauts or even artists. Other times they talk about owning a business or - my personal favorite - a donut shop. Along with our little discussions of their futures and potential occupations come questions of how to live a fulfilling and successful life. Recently, my oldest son Julian asked about success, what it is and how, or by whom, it’s determined.
The difficulty in answering my son’s question lies in the complex relationship between the external environment we live in and its influence on our internal cognition and motivations. Our world is filled with enumerable interpretations of success. Social media, news, television, movies, friends, family and many other sources contribute to what our culture and society deem a successful person, career or life is. The holistically worldview of success may consist of a person’s wealth, material items like cars and clothes, professional standing and socioeconomic status. The world, and the cultural influences within it, attempt to tell each one of us what true success is and how to attain it. That is to say, external sources shape our definition of success and we, in turn, measure our success based on those standards.
We, as Airmen, have also formed defining characteristics of success in the Air Force. Many of our characteristics of success are honorable, such as earning a promotion or award, but are largely determined by our Air Force society, not necessarily by the individuals operating within it. Though external sources, such as mentors, can help each of us achieve our version of success, I offer to balance external influences with self-reflection. By not getting caught up in the whirlwind of everyone else’s view of success, we free our minds to develop individual thought. The willingness to exercise introspection can help each of us better understand our values and purpose, and discover our definition of success.
In response to my son’s question on success I made a brief (under 30 seconds, so as not to lose him) statement: “Reflect on what you value in life and base your definition of success off those values.” I offer the same perspective to every Airman, teammate or friend. Whether your definition of success is to raise children, make chief, or retire on a beach, seek and achieve your version of success. My definition of success has been molded over the years by deep reflection and sound advice from those who understand me best. I’m truly blessed to have a wonderful family and serve as a first sergeant in our great Air Force. My family and my craft are more fulfilling than I ever imagined; I’ve found my version of success. Remember, there are over 7 billion people in the world, countless cultures and societies and many interpretations of success. Turn your attention inward, discover your definition of success, apply your unlimited willpower and achieve it.