If fame and fortune are accurate measures of a life well lived, why do many of those who have them appear so unhappy? 

Hollywood marriages are measured in days, and rehab clinics host a veritable who’s who of the folks who enjoy the highest degree of worldly success. 

We can all think of individuals who have been spoiled or, in some cases, outright destroyed by their own success.

It’s enough to give us a sense that simple material pursuits can leave us empty and unsatisfied, even when we’re surrounded by all the symbols of our supposed achievements. 

So what could inspire someone to make such a calculated shift in how they measure success? In a word: mission.

This comprehensive change of focus begins when we refine our thinking regarding what is of the greatest worth in life. Is it a bigger home, nicer car, more toys? Or is it making the highest and best use of our time, talents and passions to fulfill a sense of personal mission?

Mission is the difference between filling the void in our lives with possessions and finding lasting satisfaction in living up to our allegiance to God, or to a cause that is greater than ourselves.

When we apply a sense of mission to how we measure success we find that success is not just about career; it’s about improving the quality of life in ways where our happiness doesn’t depend upon what others think.