Success looks very different for many different people. Sometimes it can be hard to explain that to people who feel pressure to be perfect. In this blog I will write about my own definitions of success. Success can be defined as the achievement of one's goals or objectives. However, the definition of success may vary depending on a person's values, beliefs, and life experiences.
For some people, success may be defined by achieving financial prosperity or material possessions. Some people won’t feel successful if they don’t have the renumeration to show for it. They’ll think that they haven’t been successful because their bank account isn’t full of cash. They won’t feel successful because they don’t have a shiny new car, or a massive house. Maybe because they’ve only had one luxury vacation this year they’ll fell they’ve not been successful.
For others, success may be defined by personal growth, inner peace, or fulfilling relationships. Perhaps they’ve achieved their goal and enjoyed every moment. Maybe they put on a show and the audience loved it and left with massive smiles on their faces. Maybe they overcame their fear of flying. It could be that they have managed to go a whole day without losing their temper. Then there’s the person who has struggled to lose any weight at all and managed to finally lose two pounds this week. Personal accomplishments, such as completing a difficult task or achieving a personal milestone are all successes.
Success can also be defined in terms of one's professional achievements, such as obtaining a prestigious job or receiving recognition for one's work. If you get a commendation for a job well done that’s success. If you get taken out for dinner by your boss as a thank you for your help. If a client or customer takes the time to thank you personally, or send you a card, for all your help - that’s success.
Ultimately, the definition of success is subjective and can vary from person to person. It is important to identify what success means to you and set goals that align with your personal definition of success. However it is important to also keep in mind how you will feel about your success. For example, if your definition of success is to make lots of money and you succeed in doing so by dubious means then your success is going to be hollow. You may feel a prick in your conscience. But if you obtained your success by working hard then you would probably feel great about it.
Personally I’ve never had any financial success and whilst I dream of it and know it’ll come eventually, the successes I have had have been measurable. Evidence has shown me that I have had a positive impact on many people’s lives. I have in some cases inspired people. I have made a difference. So whilst I may not be able to flash the cash at the moment I feel that I have something equally good…a warm fuzzy feeling that comes when you know you’ve done the right thing.