Truly authentic and successful people approach success differently: They don't embrace the status quo.

They're self-reflective, working on knowing who they are, and not worrying about others' positions.

They focus on possibilities ahead, all while listening to others and remaining team-oriented.

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In a society embroiled in bling, cash, ego, and status, we have lost our authenticity.

What does it mean to "be ourselves" anymore? So many are caught up in following the crowd they have gotten lost in it. How can any type of true success come from being a follower?

Followers are lost to their authenticity and are chasers of "status" and "wealth." Followers are competitive, insecure, and consistently positioning and provoking to one-up each other. The stand-out successes we all admire are not in the crowd, they aren't chasing cash, or being cool.

It doesn't mean they don't love nice things or indulge in them: It means they approach success from a different mindset.