5 Unusual Metrics for Measuring Success!

We have been trained to look at Failure and Success as Black and White, as two extremities across the spectrum. The definition of success is different for different people but for most people success is a tangible entity and often something that is achieved towards the end of the journey or as some may say, a struggle. Through this journey there are highs and lows & one may often feel lost, helpless and that their efforts are not paying off. However, when we consider a diverse metrics for measuring success, our perspective becomes more inclusive, we begin to look at the same instance in a different light, we are able to enjoy the smaller wins and are encouraged to stay consistent. For a while now I have been pondering over what success could mean at every point in our lives, and here I put together 5 unique indicators to measure success.

1. Lessons Learnt: This is often spoken about when it comes to pacifying someone who hasn't had a positive experience about something. However, whether one is doing better or worse than ones expectations, they are constantly discovering something new. Speak to anyone who has done well in life and you will notice that they have tried and experimented and learnt a great deal over the years and those lessons, however small or big have been instrumental in making them what are today. Developing this perspective is very important to live a fulfilling life not just when things are going according to the plan but also when there may be deviations from the original plan. Thus, lessons learnt is the one way to identify and measure success. Pro tip: You could actually maintain a dedicated section of your journal every month to note down lessons you have learnt over that particular month (skills, life lessons, do's and dont's, tips and so on). Every time you feel like you haven't progressed, have a look at this section and you will realize that the fact you have evolved is a metric of success.
2. Improvement in the understanding and relationship with oneself: Another parameter we often overlook because we are too busy trying to evaluate material wins. Any process that provides for a condition conducive for self reflection and inner work leaves you in harmony with yourself. It allows for a better understanding of what you truly want, what your strengths and weaknesses are and immensely improves your most important relationship, the one with yourself.
3. Skills deployed: We tend to live our lives in silos & similarly tend to use what we learn in silos, completely undermining how interconnected everything in our life is. I repeat what I have mentioned multiple times before, nothing you have invested in learning ever goes to waste. This is a unique way to look at how far you have come. How many skill sets that you have learnt over the years have been deployed and mastered in the process of reaching where you have today.
4. Day to Day Growth: Self-awareness and the ability to sit with oneself to take stock of where one stands each day is a powerful trait. If we pay very close attention to ourselves, we realise that each day of investing ourself in the process changes us as a person. This growth may seem minuscule and insignificant at first, however the attitude of looking at this delta improvement snowball into something significant is rewarding.
5. 'Feel Good' Factor: How good does a particular task make you feel? No matter what the tangible results are (believe me, there will be tangible results over time if one is consistent and progressive in their efforts). However, don't we all do something because it makes us feel better? This is exactly why 'the feel good' factor is an important metric to measure success. Does your job or hobby or activity make you really happy? Do you feel like going for it even after a really busy, hectic day? Do you want to remain consistent and committed to it even in the most challenging circumstances? If yes, you are successful at the task you undertook.

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