Defining Success
suc·cess
/səkˈses/
noun
1. the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. “there is a thin line between success and failure”
That’s the dictionary definition of success.
But what comes to your mind when you hear the word “success”?
Money.
Climbing the corporate ladder.
A nice home.
Those are certainly a few of the things that people associate with success.
But I want you to do me a favor and think: Are there other ways to define success?
Often, we get caught up in the day-to-day hustle of making more money, being offered a promotion, or getting a bonus.
Heck, I get caught up in those things…until I take a few moments and reframe my thoughts about other ways to define success.
Because success comes in many shapes and sizes!
It’s not all about money or status.
And we need to remember that.
Do you want to know some of my favorite ways to define success? (Well, whether you want to know or not – I’m going to share!)
Here goes!
Knowing You’ve Done Your Very Best
How do you feel when you complete a project or task and know that you’ve done your very best? Satisfied? Proud? Fulfilled? Successful? YES!! And every time you put your heart and soul into something and you give 110% – you should feel success – because you know that there’s nothing more that you could do to make it any better.
Achieving Goals - Both Big and Small - That You Set for Yourself
Anytime you accomplish a goal – no matter the size of that goal – you should know that you are successful. Set a goal of getting to the gym three days this week and got it done? SUCCESS! Cooked a healthy meal for the family? SUCCESS! Finished a project before the deadline? SUCCESS!
Believing You Can Do Anything You Set Your Mind To
I don’t know where I’d be without having this mindset! You have to believe you can do anything you set your mind to – and when you have this mindset, you’ve achieved success already! And soon, all of the other things you want to have happen in your life…WILL! A successful mindset breeds success in all things.
Creating a Work-Life Balance That Works for You
As women, we all have “Wonder Woman Syndrome” – that need to do it all – and the need to do it well. But “Wonder Woman Syndrome” can put our work-life balance out of whack! If you spend all of your time focused on your career, your home life can suffer. And, if you spend your time focused solely on home – work can suffer. But when you find that sweet spot where the two are working for you…recognize it – because that’s a big step for success.
Indulging In Your Passions
We all have things we’re passionate about – yet, it’s all too common for those things to get put aside as we focus on careers and family. BUT when you make the time to indulge in your passions – then you are most definitely experiencing success!
Having the Ability to Say “No”
Too often, we feel we have to say “Yes” to things in order to get ahead. Yes, to extra work. Yes, to time spent away from family. Yes, to all of the “extras” – even though we don’t want to. When you have the ability to say “No,” – consider it another sign of success. (Want help with this one? Check out my blog on it!)
Overcoming Your Fears
Are your fears holding you back from becoming the person you want to be or doing the things you want to do? Then it’s time to overcome them and live the life you want – and think about how amazing you’ll feel when you do! Such a sign of success!
Constantly Striving to Do Better
I’m always upfront with you and tell you that I’m far from perfect. (Aren’t we all?) But a huge sign of success for me is that I’m constantly striving to do better – in all things! Whether it be related to work or with my relationships, or with myself. When you can recognize this in yourself – put a checkmark in the success column!
Albert Einstein said, “Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” – and isn’t that what these additional definitions of success are? They’re ways we bring value – to ourselves and to others – and that’s what life should be about.