Redefining success: Internal and external assessment

In a world where success is often measured by external metrics, it's easy to lose sight of our understanding of achievement. Warren Buffett, known for his wisdom and insight, once asked a provocative question that forces us to rethink our perception of success: “Which would you rather have: to be the best lover in the world but have everyone think you're the worst, or to be the worst lover but have everyone think you're the best?”

This question goes far beyond a simple thought experiment. It is a powerful tool for self-examination, forcing us to think about what we value in life and career. Is it more important for us to have internal satisfaction from our own achievements or external recognition and approval? The answer to this question can dramatically change your approach to work, relationships, and personal development.

Internal and external evaluation systems

In our quest for success, we are constantly confronted with the confrontation of two powerful forces: an internal evaluation system that reflects our values and beliefs and an external evaluation system that represents society's expectations and standards. Understanding these two systems and balancing them is key to achieving true, lasting success and satisfaction.

Internal evaluation system

Your internal rating system is your compass for success, based on your deepest values, beliefs, and life goals. It includes several important aspects:

1. The impact of your work and empowering others
2. Team development and the integrity of our corporate culture
3. Sustainable and ethical business practices
4. Personal growth and continuous learning
5. Work-life balance and overall well-being

External assessment system

An external evaluation system is a set of criteria by which society often judges our success. While these metrics can be important, focusing too much on them can lead to losing the internal compass. Here are some of the key elements of an external assessment system:

1. Financial performance and valuation: In the business world, this is often expressed through funding rounds, company valuations, or personal wealth. While financial success is important, it does not always correlate with internal satisfaction or long-term sustainability.
2. Media recognition and industry awards: Public recognition can be gratifying, but it is often short-lived and does not always reflect the true value of our work.
3. Growth metrics: Rapid growth in users, customers, or revenue is often perceived as a sign of success. However, rapid growth without a solid foundation can lead to problems in the future.
4. External symbols of success: Luxury cars, expensive offices, or luxury housing are often associated with success. However, these material symbols do not always reflect true satisfaction or achievement.

Strategies for balancing internal and external evaluation

Finding the right balance between internal and external evaluation systems is key to achieving true success and satisfaction. Here are some strategies that can help with this:

1. Identify and clarify your values: Use them as a compass for decision-making.
2. Set meaningful internal benchmarks: Align metrics with your long-term vision.
3. Celebrate private victories: Recognize the invisible accomplishments that matter to your team and mission.
4. Create a “board of advisors” for your internal assessment: Seek honest feedback that aligns with your core values.
5. Practice mindful self-reflection: Check in regularly to see if you are staying true to your vision.
6. Embrace the power of the word “no”: Say no to opportunities that compromise your core values.

Conclusion

In a world where external measures of success often dominate, it's important to remember the power of an internal evaluation system. Real, lasting success and satisfaction come from being true to your values and goals, not from chasing external recognition.

The most successful people are not necessarily those with the most trophies or the highest titles. They are the ones who can look back on their journey with pride, knowing that they stayed true to themselves and created something meaningful that lives up to their internal standards.

So ask yourself: Are you building a life and career that looks successful from the outside, or one that is truly successful by your standards? The choice is yours, and this choice can determine not only your professional success but also your overall happiness and life satisfaction.

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