What does success really mean to you?
I remember when I asked myself this question, it brought up a softball sized knot in the pit of my stomach. Before I began my work on achieving success on my terms, my definition of success was comprised of status and financial gain. However, this lead to an unbalanced and unfulfilling life.
Anna Quindlen stated that "if your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all." If you do not define success on your own terms, then society’s definition of success defines YOU and the busyness success narrative becomes a way of life. When you can envision your success, you’re giving yourself permission to change your life, attain your goals, and live in a way that authentic, sustainable, and meaningful.
Figuring out what success means to you is a personal and individual journey. Today I am sharing 5 powerful steps I used to get inspired, excited, and take control of my success on my terms. To begin, it's important to clarify what success means to you personally, rather than adopting someone else's definition of success.
5 powerful steps you can take today to set you on the path of achieving success on your terms.
1. REFLECT ON YOUR VALUES AND GOALS.
Start by understanding your personal values and goals. What motivates you? What do you value most in life? What are your long-term goals? Understanding your core values and goals will help you define success in a way that is meaningful to you.
2. DEFINE WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU.
Once you have a clear understanding of your values and goals, define what success looks like for you. Ask yourself what you want to achieve in life, and what would make you feel fulfilled and accomplished. Make sure your definition of success aligns with your values and goals.
3. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL.
Remember that success is not always within our control. Instead of focusing on external factors like money, fame, or status, focus on what you can control. This might mean focusing on personal growth, building strong relationships, or making a positive impact on others.
4. EMBRACE FAILURE.
Remember that failure is a natural part of the journey towards success. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than as a sign of defeat. Use failures as a chance to reflect on what you could have done differently, and how you can improve moving forward.
5. RE-EVALUATE REGULARLY.
Success is not a fixed goal, but a constantly evolving journey. Re-evaluate your definition of success regularly to ensure that it continues to align with your values and goals. As you grow and evolve, your definition of success may also change.
Ultimately, figuring out what success means to you is a personal journey that requires introspection, reflection, and self-awareness. It's important to define success in a way that is meaningful to you, rather than simply adopting societal norms or others' definitions of success. By focusing on your values, goals, and personal growth, you can define success in a way that is authentic and fulfilling.
I’m curious which of the five strategies above most resonate for you? What are you taking from today’s post? I love hearing from you in the comments below – or connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram.
PS. If, you're feeling stuck, burnt out, unfulfilled and working through life rather than living it, we need to connect. Schedule your free success strategy session with me today!