Success is defined in the dictionary as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. Seems straightforward, doesn’t it? We all want it. However, it can be such a tricky word and so hard to reach.
If you ask several people what success means to them, you would get completely different answers. And that’s OK. Some define it as receiving a particular job title or a salary threshold. Others define it as spending as much quality time with their significant other or children. All of those are great definitions of success.
A problem lies, however, when someone cannot define success for themselves or they reach success but cannot decide what to do after it. They aimlessly float, hoping to stumble across something great. Maybe they try too hard to define it in one word or perhaps they feel that it is extra pressure to strive for success. Sometimes they are too worried about how others have defined success for them.
Method to Define Success
I have seen that much too often. When I work with a client on career coaching or consult with a business owner, I help the client get specific on their definition of success. I have a method on developing the definition of success with my clients. We explore what gives them joy, what gives them balance, and what they feel is currently missing. We discuss how to balance their definition of their career with their personal life. We then set goals and draw up plans to reach those goals. When goals are set up in subsets or chunks, it’s much easier to reach.
My Definition
I define success as supporting others on their career journey, helping them achieve their goals in their business and career. My definition of success has changed over the years. For me, success is not stagnant. I need to continuously push myself further and reach for new goals.
I once thought that if I had a certain job title by the age of 30, I would feel I “made it” and was successful. When I received that job title at the age of 28, I felt successful, but I didn’t stop there. I redefined success for myself several times after that. I look at success as a journey instead of a one stop destination.
What is your definition of success? I would like to hear your definition in the comments below.
