The other day, I was going through some old documents on my computer, and I found a list of various definitions of success. I can’t remember exactly what this was for, but I suspect it had something to do with a coaching exercise I was doing at the time.
Success is a very subjective term, and it doesn’t mean exactly the same thing to two different people. Not knowing how you define success in your life can make the process of becoming successful even more challenging. It’s like fumbling around in the dark to find something when the light switch is right next to you, if only you would stop grasping in the dark and focus on the light switch.
So, I thought I’d share my list of what success means to me (at least what it meant to me when I created it last year) so we can take a look at the different meanings of success. Success in my life means (in no particular order):
- Being happy
- Doing what I love everyday
- Helping others do what they love
- Staying true to my values
- Being a good mom
- Having respectful relationships with those around me
- Being able to contribute financially to my household
- Reaching financial security
- Being recognized as knowledgeable by peers
- Having time to enjoy the little things in life
- Not feeling stressed and overwhelmed on a regular basis
- Being in control of my own future
- Following my dreams
- Setting and reaching meaningful goals
- Making genuine connections with others
What’s On Your List?
When is the last time you thought about success and what being successful means in your life? Does your definition of success match up with where you’re focusing your time and energy every day?
Not only does an exercise like this give you a chance to reevaluate your priorities and help clarify the direction you need to go in order to reach your goals, but it can also serve as an effective way to brainstorm things in your life and work that you may want to try doing differently.
Take some time to think about how you define success, make your own list and see how it relates to your day-to-day life. If you’d like, share your definition of success in the comments so we can create a broad list of meanings, and see how success can vary from person to person.
Image credit: svilen001
Frequently Asked Questions about Defining Success
How can I define success for myself?
Defining success is a personal journey. It starts with self-reflection and understanding what truly matters to you. This could be achieving a certain career goal, attaining financial stability, or finding happiness in personal relationships. It’s important to remember that success is subjective and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s about setting your own goals and working towards them at your own pace.
Does success always mean wealth and fame?
No, success does not always equate to wealth and fame. While these are often associated with success, they are not the only indicators. Success can also be about personal growth, achieving a work-life balance, or making a positive impact on others. It’s about what makes you feel fulfilled and content.
How can I measure my success?
Measuring success can be done in various ways depending on your personal definition of success. It could be through tangible results like promotions or salary increments, or intangible ones like personal satisfaction or happiness. It’s important to set clear, achievable goals and track your progress towards them.
Can success be achieved overnight?
Success is rarely achieved overnight. It often requires hard work, perseverance, and patience. It’s about setting realistic goals and consistently working towards them. Remember, every small step you take towards your goal is a success in itself.
How can I stay motivated on my path to success?
Staying motivated can be challenging, especially when faced with obstacles. It’s important to keep your end goal in mind and remind yourself of why you started. Celebrate small victories along the way and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go as planned. Surround yourself with positive influences and seek support when needed.
Is failure a part of success?
Yes, failure is often a part of the journey to success. It provides valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. It’s important to view failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback. Remember, every successful person has faced failures at some point in their journey.
Can success bring happiness?
While success can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, it does not guarantee happiness. Happiness is a state of mind that comes from within and is often independent of external achievements. It’s important to find joy in the journey and not just the destination.
How can I balance success and personal life?
Balancing success and personal life can be challenging but it’s crucial for overall well-being. It’s about setting boundaries, prioritizing, and making time for what truly matters. Remember, success is not just about professional achievements but also about personal fulfillment and happiness.
Can success change a person?
Success can bring about changes in a person’s life, both positive and negative. It can boost confidence, open up new opportunities, and bring about personal growth. However, it’s important to stay grounded and not let success change your core values and principles.
Is success the same for everyone?
No, success is not the same for everyone. It’s a personal definition that varies from person to person. What may be considered successful for one person may not hold the same value for another. It’s about finding what success means to you and working towards it.
Alyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.
