Re-Defining Success
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word “success?”
Oftentimes, people will quickly identify and express responses that range from outcome-focused to process-focused. Some examples are:
Making a certain amount of money ($100K)
Obtaining a specific role or level of responsibility (Director or VP-level position)
Obtaining 50 clients in your own business
Financial freedom
Showing up authentically
Giving 100% effort every day
Your initial response may or may not be similar to one of the examples above, but there are clear benefits in defining what success looks like and feels like to you individually.
Benefits of Defining Success:
A clear definition allows you to create intentional goals and be successful in achieving them.
Increased focus and productivity result from acting in alignment with what matters most to you.
Clarity on what success means to you helps you navigate the decision-making process.
If you are in a situation where you are uncertain about what direction to go, ask yourself “is this decision in line with my definition of success?'“
If you are continually reflecting on your definition and then consistently acting in line with your evolved definition of success, you will notice stronger fulfillment and alignment in your life.
Success is…
Let’s now reflect on where your current definition of success comes from…
Oftentimes we are subtly or overtly told about what success means or looks like (i.e., needing to hit certain metrics or milestones by a certain point in time). Think about the important people in your life - How have they shaped you and your definition? Have they guided you toward specific metrics or focuses? It is normal and understandable as we are inundated with opinions and conceptions of what success entails (from loved ones to societal messaging). Let’s pause and take a moment to reflect on these messages and their influence on our current thinking and behavior.
I know that for me personally, I was operating off of other people’s definitions and it took me a while to identify that I was falling short or not meeting expectations because I was simply not operating on my own.
You have the power to make it your own -
Pause and ask yourself:
Where did this definition of success come from? In what ways is it being reinforced?
How is my current definition benefiting me or serving me?
What is this definition costing me? How is it holding me back in life?
Is your definition aligned with your values?
Re-Defining Success
What’s a new definition of success that feels more meaningful? That is aligned with your current chapter of life?
As we evolve, our priorities and sources of motivation shift. We also continue to identify what matters the most to us, therefore it is essential to live by a present definition.
Using inspiration from the questions above, take time to redefine success.
Where can you start acting in line with this definition?
