Redefining Success: What Does It Mean for You
What is your definition of success?
Many of us were taught a version of success that doesn’t fit with our lives and desires. We were taught money, status, being busy was being successful. Working all hours to earn as much as possible, to buy a bigger house, have the newest car, wear the latest fashion.
The thing is, that is not for everyone. It may not even be what makes you happy.
We are told all the time on media and social media that to be successful we have to look like super models, drive fast expensive cars, holiday on yachts wearing the latest named brands. We need to earn millions to fund this life - or we are boring and failures.
I have seen so many people try to fulfil this life, burning themselves out to fulfil someone else's idea of success.
But what if success could look like peace, purpose, or presence?
What if it meant happiness, fulfilment and a life filled with love?
For some people it may be running their own business, earning the amount that allows them to live comfortable, not burning them selves out.
For others it might be feeling confident enough to share their message with the world.
Others may want to change the world, setting up successful businesses to fund charity projects that help others less lucky than themselves.
It might be breaking free of your old beliefs that have held you back for decades.
Or, a beautiful life raising your children, then grandchildren to be happy healthy humans.
Having a house full of happy, heathy pets!
All of these are valid definitions of success.
But, what if you don't have a definition of success?
Here are 3 ways to figure out what your definition of success is?
1- What would be your perfect day? - Imagine you wake up tomorrow living a truly happy and successful life, your version of it. What does your perfect day look like? From morning to night, where are you? Who are you with? What are you doing (or not doing)? How do you feel? This will give you some good indications of your version of success.
2- What really matters to you? - Take a blank page and draw a line down the middle.
On one side, list all the things you were taught or told success should look like.
On the other side, write what actually matters to you now. Then weave these things into your version.
3- What do you want your legacy to be? - Imagine someone giving a short speech about your life at your 90th birthday. What do you want them to say you stood for? What do you want to have created, contributed, or experienced? These are the things to fill your life with for success.
But what if you know what your version of success is, but you are not fulfilling what you would truly desire to?
Signs your version of success isn’t working:
Constant self-comparison
Feeling behind, stuck, or unsure of what you actually want
Feeling like you’re always doing but never arriving
Being burned out.
Feeling empty at the end of the day, like every day is a grind, the same - like Groundhog Day.
Listen to these messages, from your body, your mind and even your soul. Then take a look at what your version of success is, and look at were you are being successful, and where you are not. It can be so easy to go of course in life and business. Do what we think we should, or maybe have to do. But if we keep remembering what it is we would love to achieve, we can use it like a North Star. Constantly guiding us towards our goals and dreams.
Life is a journey, it needs constant checking in and course correcting to make sure we don't end up where we do not want to be.
If you are off course.
First take stock. Where are you in relation to where you want to be?
Then start to look at what you need to do to get to where you want to be. Don't worry if it is a huge way away. You will be amazed what can happen when you set your mind to things.
Next, see what you have around you that can help you get there, what knowledge do you have, what skills can you use. Who do you know? What free or paid resources are available to you.
Now create a plan of action. A road map, breaking down each step you need to take to get you towards your version of success.
Reward yourself for each step you take. It can be something small or something big. Just remember to acknowledge and celebrate your effort and wins. Experience joy in the little things.
Remember - you will get there. And, even if you don't. You tried, and it is likely your life was more successful and aligned than it would have been if you had not tried.
If you still need a hand, don't forget I do a free 30 min discovery session. Let's see where you need some help. Book here.
