Success: What is it?
Ask five people how they define success and you’ll get five different answers. Just what is this elusive goal that each person seeks?
Some would agree that completion of a challenge is the pinnacle of success. The plan is established, implemented, re-evaluated, and altered. The focus can be intense. The bigger the challenge, the bigger the high is for victory over it. Life can get a little unbalanced. Sometimes the journey is more fun than the completion.
Others need to count success and deposit it in the bank to be satisfied. The world tends to define success in this manner. We tend to want houses bigger than we can afford, drive vehicles that will impress, and join organizations that will be admired by others. The ‘success’ perceived by others may actually keep you awake at night.
A few dear souls realize that challenges and financial attainment do not define their success. They seek happiness, pure and simple. Bucking the system, they find success in the moment.
What is your definition of success? Perhaps your definition should allow for flexibility and the multiple phases of your life. After all, most words have multiple definitions whether you look in Webster, Heritage, or any other reputable dictionary.
To get the most benefit from your success, remember to balance the various successes in your life. There is nothing wrong with wanting a promotion at work, if that is also a measure of success for you, as long as it does not prevent you from spending time with your family. Conflicting successes bring stress, and that can erode the pleasure from the success.
Define what is important to you. Continually work to accomplish those things that make life worthwhile for you. Judge yourself by your definitions of success. When you can do that, you are indeed successful.
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