Reflections on the Tao Te Ching Chapter 7

Heaven and Earth are everlasting
The reason Heaven and Earth can last forever
Is that they do not exist for themselves
Thus they can last forever
Therefore the sages:
Place themselves last but end up in front
Are outside of themselves and yet survive
Is it not due to their selflessness?
That is how they can achieve their own goals

Source: taoism.net/tao-te-ching-online-translation

​The common definition of success seems to be making it to be bigger, better, richer than everyone else. In other words it is very ego-driven. However this kind of success is shallow and cannot last. It is often driven by fear – fear of not having enough. Even wealthy people can have a scarcity mindset and many of them do.
Those who seek to become better people without expecting anything in return will often be rewarded in ways they didn’t expect. Inner peace is the greatest reward because no external trappings can shake it. Look how often people who may have no material goods – such as those following a spiritual path – have a calm, serene aura. You feel better just by being in their presence but you can’t explain why. Wouldn't you want more of that?
Modern success is not bad in itself – nothing is – that is just our notion of duality. However recognise that it won’t bring you lasting peace and happiness unless you cultivate those within. Could you still be happy if you lost everything? That is the true test. Non-attachment. It’s not easy but it’s simple. Dedicate yourself to the practice and see what happens. Notice how we are all attached to ephemeral things. How crazy is that? A new car will wear out, bright clothes fade over time and a house will eventually fall down.
Expecting things to last and trying to hold onto them will create unhappiness and suffering. We don’t expect flowers to last forever yet we enjoy them while they are blooming. It all comes back to being happy in the moment. Appreciate things for what they are now.
Stay safe and be happy.