It is difficult to put “slave” and “success” in the same sentence.
Our brains have been imprinted that any expression of “slavery” will always be pejorative and equally etched that “success” is positive and laudatory.
But, have you seen this?
Someone in your organization was on the “fast track” and catapulted to the top.  This person had “Vice-Something” written on his/her forehead for months.  This is “the heavy-hitter,” “take-no-prisoners-executive,” and “the swing-for-the-fences sales guru.”
We have all watched the continuous loop of this career video tape.  After the congratulations and balloon arrangements arrived at his/her desk so did the blood-shot eyes, shaking hands, distant stares, uncharacteristic outbursts of anger and news that a marriage failed.
I am of the opinion that success can snap on manacles of slavery that none of us want to admit.  In quiet moments, normally in the middle of the night when we cannot find sleep stuffed between the “to do lists” that are not complete, we realize we are bound to serve our success…regardless of the cost.
If this all sounds hauntingly familiar, we all need to be reminded we can have it all.  That’s right, you can be wildly successful and not surrender your most important possession:  your freedom of choice.  The truly successful people I have met are those who can celebrate their achievements and also the integrity of saying “no” in order to say “yes” to himself/herself.
Here, then, is the protocol for success that never demands a slave.
First, when success comes calling, decide what you will not surrender in order for the two of you to live happily ever-after.
What are the ethics, relationships, principles that you will never, even with the enticements of mind-numbing success, compromise? 
This all seems so “clean” when you scan these words on a page but can get very messy when an extra $100,000.00 this year may permanently damage a parent-child relationship.  Will you follow the siren call of a promotion if the new position dictates you will have to terminate 5% of your workforce…because “5% just has to go”?
Second, what does the success add to the quality of your life?  Quality is the “ah ha” that seeps into every part of your existence.  You realize that life is finite and you are using up your minutes, hours, days and years…without regret.
Having a second or third home is of no value if, when you arrive for your four day mountain top reprieve, you are consumed with the maintenance of this lifestyle.  Jumping on and off your private jet is not “living your dream” if your cell phone is never turned off because you may lose the “next big one.”
Third, what are you giving away?

            This is not my St. Francis Moment, but what does your success do for anyone?  If your answer is “nothing, because it is my success,” I think you have missed the greatest turn-on in life.   People like Oprah, Mother Theresa, and Bill Gates parade for us the ultimate euphoria in life is not accumulation…but giving it away.
Finally, who are the people who helped you strut into the winner’s circle?
Nestled into the story of every successful person are the screaming “cold water fans.”  These are the folks who consistently yelled into your depression and disappointment, “You are made of good stuff, and you can do this!”  They then handed you a cup of cold, refreshing water (money, encouragement, hours cleaning your first storefront).  You know, in the trappings of your success, you are standing on their shoulders.
So, go for the gold! Swing for the fences! Become world-class!
Just make sure you can still find balance while perched on top.