How do we define success?
A question that might seem either vague or obvious to many. My perception in the past was an answer which I thought was obvious to that question.
However, I have now realized it is much more complicated. This is because the definition of success should mean something different to each individual person.
It is a definition that should not be influenced by others or society. It should coincide with your values and interests that you hold in high regard as you navigate through life in the pursuit of happiness.
I discovered my definition of success strayed drastically from my belief of what I thought society perceived success should be. I did not question that the definition should be what I perceive success to be.
My new definition of success is;
Being intrinsically motivated each day, learning, growing, maintaining a high importance for a healthy lifestyle, living free with comfort of monetary funds which would be used for exploring life, creating greater opportunities to help society, while building and maintaining deep family connections with consistent involvement in their lives.
I may add or refine my definition in time, but when I read it, I am ignited with purpose and excitement. I would like to think that is what the meaning of success is suppose to feel like.
What I have learned is that the broad definition of success is happiness. Expanding on that is to ask yourself, “what is it that makes you happy”
Shedding the expectations of success is the first key milestone of determining what your personal definition of success is to you. It aligns with your life values and interests.
Other aspects of success to consider are learning, growing and helping others and our service to others. Without striving for these other aspects of success you are left with money, wealth and power which will not fulfill the ultimate goal of happiness.
One exercise that may give a better understanding to what your definition of success is;
Pretend it is your funeral, what would you want others to say about you?
What would you have wanted to accomplish?
In the end, it is happiness we all wish to achieve. How we get there is the path that leads to our success.