“Something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example”

That is the definition of standards as explained by Merriam-Webster Dictionary. I comprehend the concept, but why I don’t get is why we set standards for everything.

In my head, a cup of coffee must meet certain standards in order to be perfect. A book must meet standards in order to be my favorite and a car must meet standards to be considered good.

As human beings — and because we grew up in this time and age — we are used to complicate things. We don’t like certain things, or would rather get some brands just because they have characteristics others don’t. I get it and I’d be lying if I said I’ve never done it. But what I can’t wrap my head around is the fact that we have standards for success.

Go to college after high school

Get a job after college

Get married in your 20s

Have kids while you are still young

Get a good job, with a good salary and different benefits

Get a good car

Live in a nice house, at an even nicer neighborhood, with your perfect little family

Why is it that we must live our lives by following steps? When where these rules created? And why didn’t we have a saying when it happened?

I refuse to consider myself successful or not based on false ideals. Some people may be fulfilled by having five different degrees, four kids, and a sports car. Some others may want to travel the world and adopt puppies along the way.

They teach us that every brain works differently and that no one thinks the exact same way, but they want us all to do the same thing in order to be considered successful. I refuse to follow these standards.

At this moment in time — a junior in college — I consider myself successful, simply because I’m happy. I don’t need kids, a “great” salary or possessions in order to rate my level of success.

Happiness is the way to go and I know — that as long as I keep it as my main goal in life — I’ll be successful in every step of the way.