Value vs Success

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value." -Albert Einstein

I liked this quote so much that it found a place among my G.K. Chesterton slideshow. :) Because far too often I find myself trying to be successful. After all, what's wrong with success? Isn't it desirable? I don't think the problem lies in becoming successful, but in all the times that I fail. Because if life only has two options: win or lose, than all the times that I lose just add up to make me a failure.

But if life isn't about win or lose, than the equation changes. Suddenly my failures don't just constitute a lack of success, but life altering experiences that I can learn from. My experiences, my failures, my victories, and all the subtleties of my life suddenly become an intricately woven fabric. And I realize that every moment in my life can have value, while clearly not every moment can be "successful."

If I strive merely to be "successful" than I become a very different person: one who discards big chunks of her life. I can't fit into the mold of "successful." To be of value is much more eternal.