You certainly know you have reached a new stage in life when you find yourself pondering questions you never thought relevant a few years ago – “what is the meaning of life”, “what legacy, if any, should I leave behind” and my current favorite “how does one define success”.

For some people defining success can be very quick and simple – lots of money, a top perch on the corporate ladder, a big house, fancy cars, etc, etc etc. This is typical for people who have embraced a materialistic lifestyle. In my opinion, these are also the people who are less happy because they measure themselves against the material possessions of others. After all, no matter how big a fish you are, there is always one bigger than you.

On the other side of the spectrum I find people who take joy in the simpler and most basic things in life to define success as – good health, a happy family, a roof above one’s head and food on the table. These are people who prefer contentment over material greed.

I find the first – success defined by material possessions – to generate a sense of hollowness and short-term happiness at best. It is the same feeling I get when I watch Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and see the folks who live in their 20 bedroom McMansions.