In the fast-paced world of finance, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success, constantly chasing after the next promotion, the next deal, the next big achievement. As employees in this high-pressure industry, it’s natural to measure success by the amount of wealth we amass, the titles we hold, and the deals we close. However, it’s important to take a step back every once in a while and gain perspective—not only on your career but also on the quality of life you enjoy today compared to those who came before you, as well as to the legends of history. Sometimes, reflecting on the lives of others, both past and present, can help remind us that career success is not just about what we have, but also about appreciating what we’ve already achieved and the comforts we often take for granted.

Reflecting on the Past: Wealth and Comfort in History

Let’s start by thinking about the wealthiest individuals in history—people who, by all standards, would be considered incredibly successful. Take Mansa Musa, the 14th-century emperor of the Mali Empire, who is often regarded as the wealthiest person to have ever lived. His wealth was so immense that his lavish pilgrimage to Mecca reportedly caused inflation in several regions! Yet, despite his riches, he didn’t have things we consider essential today—like electricity, indoor plumbing, or the ease of global communication. John D. Rockefeller, the American oil magnate who became one of the wealthiest people in modern history, lived in an era without modern medicine, the internet, or even the convenience of air travel. Similarly, Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company and the man behind mass automobile production, lived in an age without smartphones, online banking, or wireless communication.

Let’s not forget that even famous figures like Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S. presidents known for their leadership during some of the nation’s most trying times, lived without basic technologies that we now consider part of our everyday existence. Lincoln didn’t have a computer or even a telephone to communicate with his cabinet or constituents, and FDR led the country during the Great Depression without the aid of modern technologies like the internet or 24-hour news cycles.

The Changing Quality of Life: A Comparison to Our Parents and Grandparents

Looking beyond historical figures, consider the lives of your parents and grandparents. For many finance professionals today, the luxuries and conveniences that we take for granted—hot water, the internet, instant communication—were not available to previous generations. Ask yourself: how different is your life today from that of your grandparents? In many cases, the answer is stark. Many of our grandparents lived through hardships that we can hardly imagine: World War II, the Great Depression, and times when even basic household conveniences were far more scarce.

You have access to a wealth of resources, and your daily life is filled with conveniences that previous generations could only dream of. The ability to communicate instantly with colleagues and clients, the convenience of banking from your phone, and the luxury of traveling across the world in a matter of hours—these are all modern-day realities. Your current standard of living is far superior in many ways to that of your parents or grandparents, and yet it’s easy to forget how much progress has been made in a relatively short time.

Embracing Gratitude and Perspective in Career Success

Now, as finance professionals, it’s natural to look around and compare your progress to others. You may see colleagues or industry giants who seem to have it all, pushing you to achieve even more. It’s true that comparing yourself to others can be a powerful motivator—pushing you to stay focused, sharpen your skills, and continue striving for excellence. However, it’s important to remember that this kind of comparison should be tempered with gratitude and perspective.

While it’s great to aspire to higher goals, take a moment to reflect on the tremendous advancements that have shaped your life. You are part of a generation that enjoys more comfort and opportunity than even the wealthiest people of history could have imagined. Your financial success, though relative and still evolving, is tied to a world of conveniences and possibilities that previous generations only dreamed of.

Instead of solely measuring your success by how much more you can accomplish or the wealth you can accumulate, consider the life you are living today. Recognize how far you’ve come, not just in terms of career achievements, but also in terms of the comfort and opportunities you have. Even if you’re not yet where you want to be professionally or financially, it’s crucial to appreciate the quality of life you’ve already achieved.

Taking Time to Smell the Roses

In the hustle and bustle of the finance world, it’s easy to forget to pause and appreciate the present. The drive for success can sometimes cloud our ability to appreciate the life we’re living today. But if you’re always looking ahead to the next milestone, you might miss the beauty and satisfaction of the journey itself.

So, take some time for yourself—whether it’s stepping outside for a walk, disconnecting from work to enjoy time with loved ones, or simply reflecting on how far you’ve come. Practice gratitude for the opportunities and comforts you have today. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and remember that the very fact that you have access to things like the internet, healthcare, and a standard of living that would have been unimaginable to your ancestors is something worth being thankful for.

In the world of finance, it’s easy to get caught up in the race for success. But it’s equally important to take a step back and gain perspective on how much we already have. By reflecting on the lives of historical figures, comparing our current lives to those of our parents and grandparents, and practicing gratitude, we can appreciate the tremendous progress we’ve made. Remember, success isn’t just about chasing the next goal—it’s about recognizing and appreciating the life you’re living right now. So, take a moment to smell the roses and be thankful for the quality of life you already have. After all, perspective is one of the most powerful tools for success, both in your career and in life.