As 2019 comes to an end, it is common for us to ruminate over the past year to identify, and laud our accomplishments. However, in most cases, this exercise also leads us to become preoccupied with, not the accomplishments, but, all of the ways that we fall short of our intentions.

Our tendency is to focus on notable accomplishments, that we deem to be successful. Yet, what about the seemingly insignificant acts that we overlook. For instance, what about the kind words offered to a stranger in need, the “What can I do for you?” to a friend who is grieving a loss, the handwritten letter to surprise a long lost friend, the donation of time or money to an organization that provides support to worthy causes, the offer to feed the hungry over the holidays, the invitation to someone without a family to celebrate the holidays with you, the humanitarian acts that serve to better the world, and countless others.

One can tell more about a person by their small acts of kindness that may go unnoticed. Such seemingly innocuous acts go to the core of our basic nature, and say more about us than the societal signs of success. Success is measured by our inner qualities and values, and not by the fleeting signs of subjective achievement.