The definition of success has grown from accomplishment to accomplishment lined with monetary value, and we can attribute that to the values our western society has.
The Australian dream, much like the American dream and other western societies, is that of owning land and having wealth to ensure security, stability and education. Unfortunately, the precursor for having this dream is money, and as we watch our current economic climate with weariness, we’re realising that for us younger generations, this dream is becoming harder to obtain.
When we’re instilled with societal values, it influences our life’s journey and what we deem is an acceptable future. I believe that due to the limited jobs in the dance industry and the pay and environmental disparities within them, more and more dancers are deterred from maintaining employment in the industry. Because our society deems money more important than art, and when the majority follow something, we tend to trail behind them.
However, if we refer back to the original definition of success - “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose” - money doesn’t have a feature. In fact, it’s broadness is open to interpretation, which makes sense because we as humans are all unique individuals. What we define as success is unique to us, and doesn’t rely on societal norms or values.
I grew up in a family that values financial security and wealth, and I am grateful for my childhood and my wonderful family. But I’ve come to realise that that isn’t what success means to me. My definition of success is:
Being happy, and finding joy in my life;
Pursuing what I’m passionate about;
Spreading love and joy to myself and others, and having that reciprocated;
Being adventurous and discovering new and beautiful things;
Being innovative and creative; and
Having fun!
Money doesn’t feature. I know I will make money and get by if I pursue my version of success, and I will be happier in doing so. In this instance, I realise that what I deem as markers of success are not endpoints; they’re continuing values that determine how I live and approach my life. In turn, they contribute to my mindset.
If we take this notion into the dance industry, we can stop chasing jobs that pay well and don’t fulfil us and go back to what dance is all about; to connect and communicate. We can create jobs and opportunities that reflect our markers of success and in turn shape the way that we approach working in the industry.
We no longer need to tolerate less than ideal working environments or change who we are to get whatever jobs are out there; we can create the industry that we want to work in, that fills our souls with purpose and positivity. We just need to be us: uniquely, wonderfully us, and seek the things that make us successful - whatever that means to you!
Your markers of success will differ from mine, and that’s wonderful! I implore you to discover what you think makes you successful, and I assure you that it will contribute to a more fulfilling and joyous life, and in turn will shape how our society thinks about success in the future.
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