Redefining Success

Redefining Success – I was Inspired to write on Redefining success based on my insights and understanding after listening to Swami Dayananda on Success.

Success is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond mere external achievements. While Cambridge Dictionary defines it as the “achieving of desired goals or results,” Swami Dayananda Saraswati emphasizes that success should not be solely determined by external validation—such as wealth, fame, or social status. While these markers have their place, true success lies in our inner contentment, integrity, and self-awareness. When we chase external validation, we often compromise our authenticity and lose sight of our inner compass.

The definition of the dictionary, Swami Dayananda’s talks, The Gita Verse 47 from chapter 2, my own life experiences and the variety of goals my clients bring for coaching set me thinking that there should be more to success than just the outcomes.

Success—a word laden with expectations, dreams, and sometimes disappointments. What if success isn’t solely about the results we get? What if it’s about how we navigate the actual outcomes?

The Conventional View

For many of us, success is often measured by tangible outcomes:???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

·?????? Completing education and securing a well-paying job

·?????? Achieving financial goals within a specified timeframe

·?????? Attaining desired promotions

·?????? Marrying the person of our choice

·?????? Meeting fitness targets

·?????? Running marathons

·?????? Owning a house, car, or traveling the world

·?????? Gaining visibility on social media with a specific follower count

The Inner Landscape

Personal Contentment:

True success lies in our inner contentment. It’s the peace we feel when our actions align with our values and purpose.

External validation, such as wealth or fame, can’t replace the joy of inner fulfilment.

Integrity and Self-Awareness:

Success involves maintaining integrity—being true to ourselves even when external pressures tempt us to compromise.

Self-awareness allows us to navigate our journey authentically.

Bhagavad Gita’s Wisdom:

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 47,

??????????????????? ?? ????? ?????? ?? ?????????????????? ?? ?????????????????? ?-??

Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani

Roughly translated as

You have the right to work only but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.

reminds us that we have control on our efforts but not on the outcomes

Letting go of attachment to outcomes liberates us from the anxiety of success or failure.

As an Executive Coach and also based on my own life experiences I have always wondered how to live or experience the Bhagavad Gita’s verse in its’s true spirit.

The Journey, Not the Destination

·?????? Success is a journey, not a fixed destination.

·?????? When results don’t match our expectations, it doesn’t necessarily mean failure.

·?????? Focus on the quality of our efforts rather than fixating on outcomes.

Every effort we make can lead to one of four outcomes:

The Four Types of Outcomes

1.?????? Desired Success: Getting what we expected

·?????? We secure the job we interviewed for.

·?????? We gain admission to the university of our choice.

·?????? Our relationship culminates in marriage.

·?????? Our business turns around, and funding flows in.

?2.?????? Unwanted Failure: Not getting what we expected

·?????? We don’t get the job we wanted.

·?????? Our university application is rejected.

·?????? The relationship doesn’t lead to marriage.

·?????? Our business struggles despite our best efforts.

?3.?????? Surprising Success: Getting more than what we expected

·?????? We land on a new job and the salary is more than expectation.

·?????? A different university accepts us, and it turns out to be a great fit.

·?????? A new relationship blossoms unexpectedly.

·?????? Our business takes an unforeseen positive turn.

?4.?????? Unanticipated Consequences: Getting the opposite of what we expected

·?????? Our current employer discovers our job search, leading to a meeting.

·?????? Unable to continue higher education due to family challenges.

·?????? We want to get rid of the relationship and have grown over it.

·?????? Our Business had to shut down.

·?????? Life throws curveballs we didn’t foresee.

Redefining Success

Should success be solely about getting what we expect? I invite you to consider a broader perspective:

Emotional Awareness:

Success involves being aware of our emotions during efforts and after results.

How do we feel during an interview, and how do we react afterward?

Meaning Making:

Success lies in understanding the meanings we attach to outcomes.

Do we interpret rejection as failure or as an opportunity for growth?

Acceptance and Responsibility:

True success is accepting what’s beyond our control.

It’s also taking responsibility for what we can influence.

Choosing Our Response:

Success is choosing how we respond to the outcomes we receive.

Can we learn from setbacks and adapt?

Reflection and Learning:

Success involves reflecting on what we could have done differently.

It’s a journey of continuous learning and improvement.

My Conclusion

Success isn’t a fixed destination; it’s a dynamic process. It’s about managing our emotions, interpreting results, and adapting to life’s surprises. Let’s redefine success beyond the visible outcomes and embrace the richness of our inner landscape.

Remember, success isn’t just about what we get—it’s about how we handle what we receive.