Grab a piece of paper and a pen, and write down the first thing that pops into your head when you think of the word… success, and how it applies to you? What does success mean to you?
Is a definition that was determined for you by someone else? If what you wrote was only in reference to money or financial status, it’s not surprising – most people do.
Money is often quickly and automatically (without thought) equated with success, but using as a measuring stick to measure your sense of self worth can be detrimental. Let’s face it, money is important, but success (like most things in life) is rarely comprised of one singular thing – it’s a recipe of several things that is unique to you. But what if you’re not currently experiencing the level of financial abundance that you equate with success?
Do you then judge yourself as a failure?
How can you produce your most creative, awe-inspiring works, or come up with your million dollar idea when you feel like crap about yourself? You can’t. If you don’t believe how much that mindset affects your work, next time you feel that way listen to the tone of your voice, or take a look in the mirror. A low, monotone, ‘life sucks right now’ voice and slouched shoulders say it all.
What might surprise you is that there are many people who have been very financially successful and yet they still do not feel like a success.
There are so many stories of people who have walked away from illustrious and high paying careers because it wasn’t fulfilling them. People need more than money to have a deeply rewarding life. A long time ago, I chose to not let a number dictate my level of success, whether it’s the one in my bank account or the one on the bathroom scale. I believe that if I do what makes makes me feel fulfilled (my success), then the money will come.
Success is something that is felt inside of you, and it’s a very personal recipe. You can’t master it, until you know what it looks like!
Take a Step into your Brilliance:
Before you use the word success again with regards to your life, define exactly what it means to you. Take that piece of paper and create your own personal definition of success as it applies to your life. Once you do that, you can begin to plan to achieve it!
You’re absolutely right when you say that success can only be measured by you. When I think of success I instantly think of freedom. The ability to get up on any particular day and say “today I’ll spend time with my family” rather than going to work.
Sadly, the more I work, the greater the “publically perceived” success I acquire yet the further I get from my intended goal. Additional hours of work, increased responsibility and more tasks all take away from what I see as a successful life.
You identified a very good point. Once in a while we all need to stop and check our headings. It’s easy to get sidetracked while searching for success.