Significance is better than success

Rutendo Gwatidzo-Changing Perspectives

If you were to choose between success and significance, which one would you pick and why? The word success often sounds like the end result of what most people desire.

Personally, I spent a greater deal of my life chasing after success only to realise not so long ago that what I really need is significance. 

The significance knowledge came to me after attending one of the business leadership meetings that was hosted by pastors at our church where we had the privilege of having some of the American business leaders as speakers.

In a world that often equates success with wealth, power, and status, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Many people chase after accolades, promotions, and recognition, believing that these milestones will bring us fulfilment. 

However, the deeper truth is that significance—making a meaningful impact on the lives of others—holds far greater value than traditional notions of success. Embracing this perspective can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. 

Success is often defined by external metrics: a high-paying job, a prestigious title, or a rapidly growing bank account. While these achievements are commendable, they can be fleeting and ultimately fulfilling. 

On the other hand, significance is rooted in the impact we have on our communities, relationships, and the world at large.

Why Significance really?

True fulfilment comes from knowing that our actions resonate beyond ourselves. When we focus on significance, we invest our time and energy into causes and people that matter, leading to a deeper sense of purpose. 

Success may bring recognition, but significance creates lasting change. The impact we have on others can outlive us, shaping future generations and inspiring others to continue our work. 

Pursuing significance fosters deeper relationships. When we prioritise making a difference, we connect with others on a more profound level, building a network of support and collaboration.

How to find Significance?

Finding significance in our lives begins with identifying our purpose. Understanding what drives us and what we are passionate about can guide our actions and decisions. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. 

What issues ignite your passion? What causes resonate with your values? Understanding your purpose is the first step in channelling your efforts toward significance. 

Once you’ve identified your purpose, align your daily actions with your values. This can involve volunteering, mentoring, or advocating for causes that matter to you. 

When your actions reflect your beliefs, you create a life of integrity and meaning. Pursuing significance often involves facing challenges and stepping outside your comfort zone. Embrace these obstacles as opportunities for growth. Each challenge you overcome deepens your understanding of your purpose and strengthens your resolve.

Creating significance in your life is not limited to grand gestures; it can be found in everyday actions. Small, intentional acts of kindness can have a profound impact.

Whether it’s helping a neighbour, listening to a friend in need, or volunteering your time, these actions contribute to a culture of compassion and support. Share your knowledge and skills with those around you. Mentorship and support can empower others to reach their potential, creating a ripple effect of significance that extends far beyond your immediate influence. 

You can also use your voice to advocate for change. Whether in your community, workplace, or larger societal issues, standing up for what you believe in can inspire others to join your cause and create lasting change.

As you pursue a life of significance, take time to reflect on your journey. Celebrate wins by acknowledging the positive impact you make, even the small ones. 

Each step toward significance is worthy of celebration and can motivate you to continue your efforts.

Learn from Failure by understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Rather than viewing failure as a defeat, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. 

Stay open to new experiences and perspectives that can deepen your impact and guide your journey.

Organisational status

One of the challenges in many organisations is that of having employees who are not passionate about what they do. These days’ employees seek after high paying jobs and benefits more than anything hence they take jobs they probably are not passionate about at all. 

It is not easy to move from success to significance when you do what you are not passionate about. No wonder why in many organisations, a significant number of employees do whatever it takes to get to the top even if it involves hurting others in the process or putting the organisation at high risk. 

When you chase after success, you are most likely to possess a selfish mentality because it is an individualistic kind of thing but, when you pursue significance, you care for others, it promotes teamwork and collaboration because it focuses on others. 

I encourage management to focus more on rewarding, acknowledge or recognise significance more than success.

In conclusion, while success is often celebrated and pursued, it is significance that truly enriches our lives and the lives of others. As you navigate your path, remember that the pursuit of significance is a journey, not a destination.

Embrace the opportunities to uplift others that you come across. In doing so, you will find a fulfilment that far surpasses any conventional measure of success. 

Be challenged, encouraged and inspired to choose significance over success. Together, we can create a world where every individual’s contribution is valued, and every life touched is a testament to the power of making a difference. 

Together, we can build a future rich in meaning, connection, and purpose.

Rutendo Gwatidzo is the Managing Consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy – as a Culture and Change Management Specialist. She is a multi-award winning leader, Consultant, Speaker and Coach. She is also an Author of Born to Fight and Breaking the Silence books. 0714575805/ [email protected]/ Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official fb public page