Did You Know About the Four Levels of?Success?

Introduction

Success is often perceived as a singular destination you arrive at, but it is a multi-faceted journey encompassing several stages. Whether you realize it or not you are at one of these stages at any point in your life, career, or business. Understanding these stages can help individuals navigate their paths more effectively. The four levels of success?—?survival, stability, success, and significance?—?provide a framework to assess where you are and what steps to take next.

1. Survival

This is the most basic level, where the primary focus is on meeting immediate needs. Individuals in this stage often deal with financial instability and uncertainty about the future. At this stage, you are concerned about day-to-day survival with your mind fixed on food and shelter. Consider, for example, a single parent working multiple jobs just to put food on the table and keep a roof over their head. Their primary concern is getting through each day. At this stage, there is no contemplation of personal development or any other long-term interests. Tomorrow is another day is the mantra that keeps one going.

To move from survival to stability, focus on creating a budget, seeking stable employment, and building a small emergency fund. Professional development and skill-building can also help improve job prospects. Because you are in survival mode, consider free courses, resources, and communities where you can get the knowledge you need without paying for it.

Self-Introspection Questions

What immediate steps can I take to ensure my basic needs are met consistently?

Are there free resources or community support that I can leverage to improve my situation?

2. Stability

At this level stage, individuals can now meet their basic needs consistently and start planning for the future. There is less day-to-day financial stress, allowing for some long-term thinking. There is a reprieve and there’s less worry at this stage. When you are in survival mode the first thing that goes is the ability to think critically. At least once one is stable they can consider their options for forward progress.?

For example, a man with a steady job can pay bills on time and has some savings. This represents stability. The hygiene factors according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are taken care of. This gentleman might still be cautious with spending and fearful about the future but he isn’t living from paycheck to paycheck.

However, this should not become a comfort zone. There is a need to transition from stability to success. What does this transition look like? First, it starts with a mind shift. Where one is shifting gears to possibility thinking. This encompasses setting clear financial goals, investing in personal growth, and building a network. The focus should be on consolidating the gains of the survival stage, developing a side hustle, or creating additional income streams to increase financial security. They say if you are not growing you are dying. Now you can begin your growth journey.

Self-Introspection Questions:

What are my long-term financial and personal goals?

How can I leverage my current stability to create additional income streams?

3. Success

Whilst we may all have different definitions of success, here is a general definition for our discussion. Success is marked by achieving financial security and the ability to pursue personal and professional goals without significant financial worry. It involves thriving rather than just surviving. Imagine, a small business owner who has seen their company grow steadily, providing a comfortable lifestyle and the ability to invest in future ventures and enjoy a few creature comforts. They have disposable income to eat at restaurants, take their family on holiday, or maybe even upgrade their accommodation or acquire a better car. You are not yet where you want to be, but you are not where you used to be. You have a steady plan to get out of debt and you can now see the end in sight in terms of debt freedom

It is very easy to become comfortable at this stage. Here’s a bit of advice. Moving from success to significance involves shifting focus from personal gains to broader impacts. At this stage, you need to remove the primary focus from yourself and begin to dream again. Think about the desires you had to contribute to developing and growing others. Start by mentoring others, investing in community projects, or expanding your business in ways that create jobs and opportunities for others. This is not a time to be selfish m, but rather to expand your impact.

Self-Introspection Questions:

What broader impact do I want to make in my community or industry?

How can I use my success to help others achieve their goals?

4. Significance

Significance is the pinnacle of the success journey, where one’s focus is on creating a lasting impact and contributing to the greater good. It’s about leaving a legacy. As you achieve significance you are now asking yourself legacy and destiny questions. How do you want to be remembered long after you are gone? What are those big, impactful goals you have been saying, if only I succeed I would do this and that? It is people who are at this stage that begin to contribute immensely to the well-being and development of others through significant work that may or may not benefit them at a personal level. Consider Strive Masiyiwa who through his foundation Capernaum Trust, provides scholarships to 26,000 orphans in Africa. Philanthropists like Warren Buffet, who, after achieving immense personal success, dedicated their resources to solving global issues through his Giving Pledge initiative.

To live a life of significance, align your actions with your values and passions. Identify causes you care deeply about and find ways to contribute. This could be through philanthropy, advocacy, or creating initiatives that address social issues.

Self-Introspection Questions:

What legacy do I want to leave behind?

Which causes or issues am I passionate about that I can support?

Conclusion

Understanding these levels helps individuals map their journey and identify the steps needed to advance. Whether you’re in survival mode or seeking significance, each stage offers unique opportunities for growth and contribution. By taking deliberate actions and seeking continuous improvement, you can progress through these stages and achieve a meaningful and impactful life.

For more insights and coaching on personal and business success, contact MasterCoach Fitzgerald Mujuru on email: [email protected] .