What does success mean to you? It's a question that's been asked throughout history, but it's one that's worth revisiting – especially in today's fast-paced world. To help you develop your own definition of success, here are six questions to ask yourself. Answering them will help you understand what you value and what's important to you. So, take some time to reflect on them – and then go after it.
If you ask others what success means - you're likely to hear a variation of these answers: Fancy car or two - Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Nice house - Big, with a swimming pool, in a gated community, Respectable corporate job - something worthy of bragging about, Attractive spouseThose things are fine if they're of your own choosing.
But, if you take the time to think about it, your definition of success might be: Single, traveling the world, running my own business from a laptop, having adventures each day, and wearing flip-flops at least eight hours each day. A person with this definition of success would be miserable in the first scenario. You might find yourself accomplishing something that doesn't appeal to you in the end. Avoid disappointment by creating your own definition of success!
Ask Yourself These Questions:
1. What legacy do I want to leave for my children and the world?
At the end of your life, what do you want to look back upon? Is it wealth and a vast business empire? Do you want to leave a string of good works? Do you want to look back on a life full of adventures? How will you have wanted to spend your time? What financial resources do you want to leave behind? What do you want to be known for?
2. What are my values?
A lifetime spent living your values will be fulfilling. Most people have a vague notion of what's important to them, but few take the time to think about it carefully. Pull out a piece of paper and make a list of your values.
3. What do I want to do?
Make a list of all the things you want to see and do. Everything from skydiving to walking on the Great Wall of China. Write it down. Make sure you also add in the little milestones such as buying a home.
4. What type of life do I want to experience?
You might desire a conventional marriage and six children with a white picket fence in the suburbs. Or you might like to live in a Manhattan condo by yourself and take full advantage of the nightlife for the first 20 years of adulthood.
5. What it will take for me to feel successful?
Imagine various scenarios and determine what would make you feel successful. Is it living in a cabin in the woods with few responsibilities? Or living in a 15,000-square foot penthouse? Imagine various careers and lifestyles. Which one feels like success to you?
6. What if no one else would ever know?
The idea of owning a Ferrari might feel like a success, but what if no one else would ever know you owned it? Would you still feel successful? An ideal version of success wouldn't involve the opinions of others. Search for a version of success that's meaningful to you, even if others are unaware of your possessions and accomplishments. Defining success is a personal journey. It's important to find your own way of measuring it, based on what you value most. Don't let society dictate what success means for you – figure out what makes you happy and go for it.
Are you ready to start creating your own definition of career success? If so, we've got just the thing to help get you started. To get more information pertaining to our career coaching programs feel free to reach out!