Measures

Every culture has primary measures of success.  It is unfair to assign a cultural norm to any one individual or group, yet it is useful to reflect on the differences cultures, traditions, and family norms bring to present.  In Singapore, success is measured by being first, winning (it does not really matter what the competition is), and above all making money!  In the US, success varies by the time and place you are in.  One key difference in New York is the components of power and status.  Success includes power and status within one's peer group.  England adds a different spin, where standing and perception often takes precedence over financial reward or results.
The differences of how one measures success often spills out in our lives quite differently.  We assume we understand what motivates each other because we think we share similar cultural values.  As I look at myself, I find my measures of success are quite personal.  While a portion is universal, others are uniquely reflective of my experience, priorities, and values.  I am sure your measures are equally uniquely different.  Against each backdrop, I find we carry embedded views of what is means to be successful with God and our relationships. 
I often walk blissfully forward, unable, unwilling, or simply not caring to examine my measures of success.  In this context, life and an old prophet remind me that God takes a contrary view to many of my measures.  The feedback is quite candid; “This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts.”  (Isaiah 58.6)
Today is a fresh start of the present and future.  You and I have a window in which we can establish fresh success measures.  In contrast to yesterday, we can take a holistic, community, and love centric view of the moment at hand.  We can adjust our sights and reset the criteria of our lives.  Each has the power within their soul.  It is part of what truly makes us free.