Counsels on Mental Health

Counsel #2 — Redefine Success

Picture: Counsel #2 — Redefine Success CMH 36.1

Reject the societal cookie-cutter mold and figure out what success actually looks like for you. Is it landing your dream job, getting accepted into an elite grad school, traveling the world, or simply having enough time for Netflix and friends? Is it mission service in an underserved country? Is it serving as a legislator or developing a hydroponics farm? CMH 36.2

Whatever your definition of success, be sure it’s a definition based on God’s terms, not your own terms, your friends’ terms, or your parents’ terms. Value the input of your network, of course, but value most God’s calling on your life (see Galatians 5:16).^[34] CMH 36.3

“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV CMH 36.4

“True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary attainments, but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual achievements, character. The world does not so much need persons of great intellect as of great character. The world needs young men and young women whose talents are controlled by consistent principles.” Ellen White in A Call to Stand Apart, p.100^[35] CMH 36.5

Reflect: List your current goals and aspirations. Which ones stem from internal desires and spiritual values, and which stem from external pressures? CMH 36.6