“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.”
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— Maya Angelou
This powerful statement from the celebrated poet and author Maya Angelou offers a profound redefinition of success. In a world that often measures achievement by wealth, status, or public recognition, Angelou presents a more personal and sustainable alternative. Her definition shifts the focus from external validation to internal satisfaction. Consequently, it provides a timeless framework for building a truly fulfilling life. True success, she suggests, is not a destination you arrive at. Instead, it is a state of being you cultivate daily through self-acceptance, passion, and integrity.
The Foundation: Liking Yourself
The first pillar of Angelou’s philosophy is “liking yourself.” This concept goes far beyond simple confidence or vanity. It speaks to a deep and unconditional self-acceptance. Liking yourself means embracing your strengths, acknowledging your flaws, and treating yourself with compassion. It is the bedrock upon which all other forms of success are built. Without self-worth, external achievements can feel hollow and meaningless. You might gain the world’s approval, but you will still feel an internal void.
Furthermore, this principle encourages you to stop seeking validation from others. Society often pressures us to conform to specific standards of beauty, intelligence, and success. Angelou challenges us to define our own worth. This internal validation is far more stable and empowering than fleeting external praise. When you genuinely like yourself, you become less dependent on others’ opinions. This freedom allows you to make choices that align with your true values. Indeed, psychological research consistently links high self-esteem to greater life satisfaction and resilience. . Source
The Motivation: Liking What You Do
Next, Angelou highlights the importance of “liking what you do.” This refers to finding joy, purpose, and engagement in your daily activities, particularly your work. Many people spend their lives in careers they tolerate merely for a paycheck. This approach often leads to burnout, stress, and a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction. Angelou’s wisdom encourages us to pursue work that energizes and inspires us. This does not mean every single moment will be blissful. However, it does mean that your work should, on the whole, feel meaningful to you.
This part of the quote is about aligning your actions with your passions. It involves discovering what truly interests you and finding ways to incorporate that into your life. For some, this might mean a specific career path. For others, it could involve a hobby, volunteer work, or creative pursuits outside of a traditional job. The key is to engage in activities that provide a sense of purpose. Unfortunately, many people feel disconnected from their work. Global workforce studies often reveal low levels of employee engagement, suggesting a widespread lack of connection to what people do every day.
Finding Your Passion
Discovering what you like to do is a journey of self-exploration. It requires curiosity and a willingness to try new things. Start by paying attention to what captures your interest. What topics do you read about in your free time? What activities make you lose track of time? Answering these questions can provide clues to your passions. Moreover, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Taking a class, attending a workshop, or volunteering can open up new possibilities and help you find activities that you genuinely enjoy.
The Method: Liking How You Do It
The final component of Angelou’s definition is “liking how you do it.” This dimension speaks to integrity, pride, and the manner in which you conduct yourself. It is about more than just the outcome; it is about the process. This principle asks us to perform our tasks with care, ethics, and a sense of excellence. Whether you are leading a major project or completing a simple daily chore, the goal is to act in a way that makes you proud. It is about bringing mindfulness and intention to your actions.
Liking how you do things means operating with a strong moral compass. It involves treating others with respect, being honest, and taking responsibility for your actions. When your actions align with your values, you build self-respect. This alignment creates a powerful synergy with the first principle of liking yourself. Conversely, cutting corners or acting unethically can erode your self-worth, even if it leads to a seemingly successful outcome. Ultimately, this part of the quote reminds us that the ends do not justify the means. True success is found in a journey marked by dignity and pride in one’s conduct.
A Holistic Vision of Success
Together, these three elements form a holistic and interconnected vision of a successful life. They are not separate goals but rather intertwined aspects of a single state of being. Liking yourself provides the confidence to pursue what you love. Liking what you do gives you a sense of purpose that enhances your self-worth. Finally, liking how you do it ensures that your actions are in harmony with your values, reinforcing both your self-respect and your passion.
This framework offers a powerful antidote to the modern obsession with external metrics. It teaches that success is not something you chase, but something you are. It is an internal state of contentment and alignment that radiates outward. By focusing on these three principles, you can build a life that is not only accomplished on the outside but also deeply fulfilling on the inside. It is a continuous practice of self-awareness, intentional action, and personal integrity.