Who Would You Trade Places With? by Frank Sonnenberg

If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be — a celebrity, a world-class athlete, a successful businessperson, or a powerful world leader? Why did you make that choice? Do you admire them for their wealth, fame, and power, or for who they truly are?

Despite their luxurious lifestyles, lavish parties, and notoriety, how well do you think they really have it? Do they have trusting relationships, peace of mind, and well-adjusted children? Do they go out of their way to impress others, or do they pursue what brings them joy? Do they spend quality time with their families, or are they always on the go? Can they avoid living under a microscope, or are they constantly in the public eye?

When you made your selection, how much weight did you give to their moral character? Do they truly care about others’ needs, or are they primarily focused on self-enrichment? Do they use their fame to make a difference, or just for self-promotion? Are they positive role models, or would you be disappointed if your kids followed in their footsteps?

Is it the journey to success that matters, or the achievement itself? Did they do what was right or whatever it took to get ahead? Did they foster win-win relationships, or adopt a winner-takes-all mentality? Did they uphold strong values, or did they let their conscience give them the silent treatment?

Choose to Be You!

It’s easy to judge people from a distance, but you’ll never truly understand their circumstances — or the efforts that led to their success — until you walk a mile in their shoes. Success demands hard work, sacrifice, and commitment, but it doesn’t always guarantee happiness. In fact, the pursuit can become an obsession, leaving them feeling that nothing is ever enough. And before they realize it, they forfeit what they value most — the very things you have — which is why you wouldn’t trade places with anyone.

Unfortunately, many people compare themselves to others instead of counting their own blessings. Identify what matters most to you and make it a priority. While this may sound simplistic, it’s easy to be seduced by wealth, power, and fame. Though these may have their advantages, some of life’s greatest treasures can’t be measured by conventional standards of success.

When you reflect on your life one day, will you define success by the power, fame, and wealth you accumulated? Or will you measure it by how rich your life was in character and purpose? Will you define success by what you achieved or how you achieved it? Will you gauge success by the number of your acquaintances or the depth of your relationships? Will it matter that you lived honorably, made a difference in others’ lives, and left the world a better place for the next generation? You have the ability to set your priorities and make them a reality. As Glinda the Good Witch told Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, “You had the power all along, my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.” So ask yourself again — who would you trade places with, if you already hold the power to create a life worth envying?

Check out Frank’s latest book, BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose