From the moment I entered college, the idea of success was an overarching theme in many of my conversations. How you needed to get that internship this summer, and you have to go to the career fair, and if you want to concentrate in accounting you should aim to work for the "Big Four." I knew Cal Poly was known for its rigorous and competitive academic environment, but this was a huge shift for me, and almost overnight I felt a deep fear that I wouldn't be considered a successful person if I didn't comply with the standards.

After reflecting and talking to some very intelligent people, I want to say that this is not at all true. It can't be, simply because success is something that is different for all of us. I think the key to being content and feeling like you are successful is not basing your idea of success on how others view it, or what they tell you it should look like. Just because you feel like you aren't ready to get an internship does not mean that you will not be a successful person; only you can determine that (not your peers).

You might define success by what car you drive or if you become the CEO of your company by a certain age. Many people do, and there is nothing wrong with that if that is your own belief, but I would like to challenge you to think outside that box. To not base your "success" solely on what you do professionally, or outcome-based actions. We live in a society that urges us to enter the rat race as soon as possible and try to excel as quickly as possible. That we are successful when our actions produce something tangible.

This mentality can lead to variety of problems, including being overly critical of yourself and putting incredible amounts of pressure on yourself. When I traveled in Europe, it was a different thought process entirely. People are still immensely intelligent, talented, and hardworking, but realize that their life is multifaceted; that no one facet is more important that another.

I am in no way saying that you should not desire to have a successful professional career; I do suggest challenging yourself. Whatever your major is, or whatever you do, you want to be able to say you have achieved your goals in that field. Just realize that it is only one facet of your life. That you need to be fulfilled and that your profession most likely won't give you everything you need. Be excited, to nurture those other things that fulfill you and give you purpose.

The next time you feel overwhelmed by your commitments and involvements really take time to think about why you are doing what you are doing. Is this a fulfilling task, or are you completing it because of a societal pressure to succeed? We should aspire to use our time in ways that matter, whether the results are tangible or not. I believe that when you are doing activities that fulfill you, that is when you are truly successful.