Redefining Success: Your Internal Journey to Purposeful Achievement ??

Hello!? Moving along to our second week of a Life Worth Living Success Group, we are getting into the meat of the topic. This week, we are building a framework for the group to be successful and will continue to look at key aspects throughout the following 8 weeks.? This week, the foundation of success is covered- defining and building a vision for it.? We will also dive into the second pillar of success, building goals.? Goals are the pathway toward success and help us to stay intentional and purpose-driven.? Let’s look more at success, what leads us to it, what holds us back, goal setting beyond the SMART, and defining success.

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Pathway to Success: The Open Door to Success: Navigating Your Path with Purpose and Vision

Imagine success and wisdom as a bright, inviting room, visible through an open door. The journey to this door isn't a simple straight line, but rather a staircase with distinct, crucial steps. Each step represents a vital element in your personal growth and development. As we explore this metaphor, we'll discover how purpose, intention, goals, vision, and values/beliefs form the pathway to unlock your full potential and step through that open door to success.

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The Open Door: Success and Wisdom

The open door represents the accessible nature of success and wisdom. It's not locked or hidden; it's there, waiting for you to approach and step through. This openness signifies that success is attainable for anyone willing to make the journey. The light streaming through symbolizes the clarity and enlightenment that come with true success and wisdom.?

But what does it take to reach this door? Let's examine each step of the staircase leading up to it:

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Step 1: Values and Beliefs - The Foundation

At the base of our staircase are our values and beliefs. These form the foundation of who we are and guide our decisions and actions. They are the bedrock upon which we build our journey to success.

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To solidify this step:

• Reflect on what truly matters to you
• Identify your core values and examine how they influence your choices
• Ensure your beliefs are empowering and aligned with your aspirations

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Step 2: Purpose - The Driving Force

The second step is purpose - your reason for being, your 'why.' Purpose infuses your journey with meaning and provides the motivation to keep climbing, even when the path gets steep.

To strengthen your purpose:

• Explore what gives your life meaning
• Consider how you want to contribute to the world
• Align your actions with your greater purpose

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Step 3: Vision - The Guiding Star

Vision is your ability to see beyond the present, to imagine a better future. It's the clear mental picture of what success looks like for you, guiding your steps forward.

To sharpen your vision:

• Visualize your ideal future in vivid detail
• Write down your vision to make it more tangible
• Regularly revisit and refine your vision as you grow

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Step 4: Intention - The Focused Energy

Intention is the conscious decision to act in alignment with your purpose and vision. It's about bringing mindfulness and deliberate choice to your journey.

To set clear intentions:

• Start each day by setting positive intentions
• Make conscious choices that support your larger goals
• Practice mindfulness to stay present and intentional in your actions

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Step 5: Goals - The Practical Milestones

Goals are the concrete, actionable steps that move you closer to your vision. They transform your intentions into reality and provide measurable progress on your journey.

To set effective goals:

• Break down your vision into smaller, achievable objectives
• Ensure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
• Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed
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Approaching the Open Door

?As you ascend these steps - grounding yourself in your values, driven by purpose, guided by vision, focused with intention, and progressing through goals - you find yourself at the threshold of the open door. Success and wisdom are now within reach.

But remember, reaching the door is not the end of the journey. It's an invitation to step into a new realm of growth and achievement. As you cross this threshold, you'll find new staircases, new challenges, and new opportunities for growth.

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The journey to success is ongoing, with each achievement opening doors to new possibilities. By continually reinforcing and revisiting each step of your path - your values, purpose, vision, intentions, and goals - you ensure that your journey remains aligned with your true self and aspirations.

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Conclusion

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Success and wisdom are not distant, unattainable concepts. They are accessible, waiting behind an open door. The path to reach them is clear, built upon the steps of your values, purpose, vision, intentions, and goals. By consciously developing each of these elements, you create a robust and meaningful journey towards your own definition of success.

Remember, the door is open, and the path is laid out before you. Each step you take brings you closer to realizing your full potential. Embrace the journey, trust in your path, and keep moving forward. Your success story is waiting to be written, one purposeful step at a time.

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?? What Holds Us Back from Success: A Pathway to Overcoming Obstacles ??

Achieving success is not just about effort—sometimes the things holding us back are subtle, rooted in our thoughts and actions. Here’s a closer look at some key barriers and how we can overcome them:

1. Lack of Objectivity & Concrete Productivity We often fall into the trap of busyness instead of productivity. Being more objective about how we spend our time is crucial. Set clear, concrete goals, and break down tasks into achievable steps. This allows for tangible progress instead of spinning our wheels.
2. Relying on External Validation Success is often slowed when we rely on others’ approval to feel accomplished. When we base our worth on external validation, we lose sight of what truly matters. Shift the focus to internal satisfaction—define success by your own standards and celebrate your progress, not just the recognition of others.
3. Isolating & Avoiding Vulnerability The fear of showing weakness or failure can lead to isolation. We close ourselves off from connections that can help us grow. Success thrives on collaboration and authenticity. Embrace vulnerability, ask for help, and allow yourself to learn from others.
4. Building & Reinforcing Negative Narratives We often get trapped in negative stories we tell ourselves: “I’m not good enough,” “I always fail,” “I don’t deserve success.” These limiting beliefs hold us back from reaching our potential. Start by challenging these narratives and reinforcing positive, empowering thoughts.
5. Moving Away from Our Values & Beliefs When we stray from what we truly value, success becomes hollow and unsustainable. It’s important to stay connected to your core beliefs and make sure your actions align with your values. Success built on a foundation of authenticity and purpose is more fulfilling and lasting.

The key to overcoming these barriers is awareness and intentional action. By being more objective, prioritizing self-validation, embracing vulnerability, challenging negative narratives, and staying true to our values, we can remove the obstacles in our path and move closer to true success.

#PathToSuccess #OvercomingBarriers #ObjectiveProductivity #InternalValidation #Vulnerability #PositiveMindset #StayTrueToYourValues #AuthenticLiving #SuccessJourney

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Revolutionize Your Goal Setting: Beyond SMART Goals ??

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Goals are indeed crucial for success, and while the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) criteria provide a solid foundation, there are many other aspects of goal-setting that contribute to success. Let's explore these additional dimensions:

1. Alignment with Core Values

• Goals that resonate with your personal values create a deeper sense of purpose and motivation.
• This alignment ensures that achieving your goals leads to genuine fulfillment and not just external success.

1. Flexibility and Adaptability

• While having concrete goals is important, the ability to adjust them as circumstances change is equally crucial.
• Flexible goals allow for pivoting strategies without losing sight of the overall vision.

1. Stretch Goals

• Setting ambitious, slightly out-of-reach goals can push you beyond your perceived limitations.
• These goals foster innovation and personal growth, even if not fully achieved.

1. Holistic Approach

• Consider goals that span various life domains (career, health, relationships, personal growth) for balanced success.
• Integrating goals across different areas can create synergies and a more fulfilling life overall.

1. Visualization and Emotional Connection

• Vividly imagining the achievement of your goals creates a more robust emotional investment.
• This emotional connection can motivate during challenging times.

1. Process-Oriented Goals

• Focusing on the process (e.g., "write for 30 minutes daily") rather than just outcomes ("publish a book") can lead to more consistent progress.
• These goals build habits and systems that support long-term success.

1. Learning Goals

• Setting goals focused on acquiring new skills or knowledge, not just achieving outcomes, promotes continuous growth.
• This approach values the journey of personal development as much as the destination.

1. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

• Goals driven by internal desires (personal growth, passion) often lead to more sustainable success than those motivated purely by external rewards.

1. Cascading Goals

• Creating a hierarchy of goals, from long-term visions to short-term actionable steps, provides a clear roadmap to success.
• This approach helps maintain daily focus while working towards larger aspirations.

1. Collaborative Goals

• Setting goals that involve or benefit others can increase accountability and motivation.
• These goals can also lead to stronger relationships and networking opportunities.

1. Reflection and Revision

• Regular review and adjustment of goals ensure they remain relevant and motivating.
• This practice promotes self-awareness and adaptability.

1. Celebration of Milestones

• Acknowledging and celebrating progress, not just final achievements, maintains motivation and positive momentum.

1. Challenging Limiting Beliefs

• Goals that push you to overcome self-imposed limitations can lead to significant personal breakthroughs.

1. Quantitative and Qualitative Balance

• Combining measurable targets with qualitative aspirations (e.g., improved work-life balance) provides a more comprehensive approach to success.

1. Legacy Goals

• Setting goals that contribute to a larger purpose or leave a positive impact can provide deep motivation and a sense of meaning.

1. Risk and Reward Assessment

• Understanding and accepting the risks associated with your goals can lead to more informed decision-making and resilience in the face of setbacks.

1. Personal Growth Focus

• Goals prioritizing personal development often lead to more sustainable and fulfilling success than those focused solely on external achievements.

1. Mindfulness and Present-Moment Awareness

• Balancing future-oriented goals with present-moment awareness can lead to more enjoyment of the journey and reduced stress.

1. Feedback Integration

• Being open to and actively seeking feedback on your goals and progress can provide valuable insights and course corrections.

1. Cultural and Contextual Consideration

• Understanding how your goals fit within your cultural and social context can lead to more meaningful and impactful achievements.

In conclusion, while the SMART criteria provide a valuable framework, truly effective goal-setting goes beyond these parameters. It involves a deeper understanding of oneself, a connection to broader life purposes, and an approach that values both the destination and the journey. By considering these additional aspects, you can create a goal-setting practice that leads to success and, personal growth, fulfillment, and a more balanced life overall.

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Defining Success: An Internal Connection to Your Values, Not External Validation

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Success is often seen as an outward manifestation of achievements—a high-paying job, a prestigious title, a large social following, or material wealth. We’re conditioned to believe that success is external, validated by others through accolades, promotions, or societal recognition. However, true success is far more personal and internal. It’s deeply connected to our values and beliefs, not something that the expectations or validation of others can define.

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In a world where external markers of success are constantly highlighted, it can be challenging to realize when we’ve fallen into the trap of chasing others' perceptions. Understanding the internal nature of success requires us to pause, reflect, and redefine what success means to us individually.

The Trap of External Validation

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External validation can be a powerful motivator but can also lead us away from our authentic selves. We live in a world where social media “likes,” career promotions and material acquisitions are often equated with success. This external validation feels good at the moment, but it’s fleeting and can quickly become a trap. Here’s why:

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??? Living Up to Others’ Expectations: When we base our success on what others think, we start living according to their expectations. This may involve choosing careers, relationships, or lifestyles that are misaligned with our values simply because they appear successful on the surface.

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??? The Never-Ending Pursuit: External validation is temporary. You may achieve one goal but quickly feel pressured to move on to the next milestone to maintain a sense of worth or accomplishment. This can create a cycle of constant pursuit without ever feeling fulfilled.

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??? Losing Sight of Your Core Self: Over time, chasing external validation causes us to lose sight of our true selves—what we want and believe in. We begin making choices based on external pressures rather than our own desires, and this misalignment leads to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

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??? Fear of Failure: The fear of not meeting others’ expectations or failing in the eyes of society can also prevent us from taking risks or trying new things. This stifles creativity and growth, keeping us stuck in a place where we’re afraid to veer from the status quo.

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Breaking Free: Connecting with Your Values and Beliefs

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To redefine success as an internal connection to your values, you must first understand them. This requires deep self-reflection and a commitment to living in alignment with your true beliefs.

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Values are the principles and ideals that guide your life. They are profoundly personal and serve as a compass for decision-making. Success, when defined internally, is about living in accordance with these values, even when it doesn’t align with societal definitions of success.

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Here’s how you can break free from the external validation trap and reconnect with your internal definition of success:

1. Mind Mapping Around Success

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Mind mapping is a powerful exercise to help clarify your values and beliefs around success. A mind map is a visual representation of your thoughts, allowing you to explore different ideas and how they connect. Here's how to use mind mapping to redefine your success:

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??? Start with "Success" in the Center: Write "Success" in the middle of a blank page.

??? Branch Out with Personal Values: Around "Success," adds branches representing your values. These might include "Growth," "Family," "Creativity," "Freedom," "Helping Others," or any value that resonates with you.

??? Expand with Goals: From each value, create additional branches that outline goals or actions that align with that value. For example, if one of your values is "Creativity," you might add goals like "Start a personal blog," "Create art weekly," or "Attend creative workshops."

??? Analyze External Influences: Create a separate section of the mind map for external influences. List pressures from work, society, family, or social media that have shaped your understanding of success. Recognize how these external factors have influenced your decisions.

??? Compare and Reflect: Step back and look at the map. Are the goals that you’re currently pursuing aligned with your core values, or are they more influenced by external validation? This exercise helps reveal the disconnect between who you are and the goals you’ve been chasing.

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2. Checking In: Continuous Self-Reflection

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Mind mapping is just the first step. After identifying your core values and aligning your goals, you must continuously check in with yourself to ensure that you’re staying true to those values. Life changes, and so do we. Regular self-reflection is critical to staying connected to your internal definition of success.

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??? Monthly Reflection: Set aside time each month to review your goals. Ask yourself, “Does this goal still reflect my values?” “Am I pursuing this goal for me or external validation?” “Do I feel fulfilled and motivated in this process?”

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??? Adapt and Evolve: Be bold and change course if specific goals no longer align with your values. Success is fluid, and what mattered to you last year may not be relevant today.

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??? Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness or journaling practices to stay connected to your inner self. Mindfulness helps you live in the present and avoid the distractions of societal pressures, keeping your focus on what truly matters.

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3. Set Value-Aligned Goals

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Once you’ve identified your values and reflected on them, it’s time to set goals that align with your internal beliefs. These goals will feel more authentic and fulfilling because they come from a place of personal meaning rather than external pressure.

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When setting value-aligned goals, consider the following:

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??? What impact do I want to have on my own life and the lives of others?

??? How does this goal reflect who I am and what I stand for?

??? Am I pursuing this goal for the joy of the process or just for the result?

??? Is this goal helping me grow in alignment with my values?

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The Freedom of Internal Success

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When we redefine success based on our internal values and beliefs, we free ourselves from the never-ending chase for external approval. Success becomes a profoundly personal, fulfilling journey rather than a destination defined by others.

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Here’s what happens when you shift to an internal definition of success:

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??? Less Pressure, More Fulfillment: Living in alignment with your values will relieve your pressure to meet societal expectations and increase your fulfillment.

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??? Authentic Growth: You’ll experience authentic growth, free from the limitations imposed by external validation. Your personal and professional decisions will be guided by what truly matters to you.

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??? Resilience: Focusing on values rather than outcomes can help you become more resilient to setbacks. Success is no longer just about reaching a goal—it’s about living according to your values, even in the face of challenges.

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??? Freedom from Comparison: When your values guide you, you become less concerned with comparing yourself to others. You define success on your terms, making you more confident and content.

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Conclusion: Success is an Inside Job

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Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s an internal connection to your values and beliefs, not a reflection of external validators. Breaking free from the pressure of external validation and the expectations of others allows you to pursue goals that are meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with who you are at your core.

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By engaging in exercises like mind mapping and regularly checking in with your values, you can redefine success in a way that brings you joy, growth, and authenticity. Ultimately, success is about living in alignment with your beliefs—being true to yourself and embracing the journey that unfolds as you do.

Key Takeaways:

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??? Success is an internal reflection of your values, not an external validation.

??? External validation can trap you in a cycle of constant pursuit, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction.

??? Use mind mapping to connect your goals with your core values.

??? Regularly check in with your goals to ensure they align with your beliefs.

??? Redefine success as a personal, fulfilling journey reflecting your identity.

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Final Thoughts

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Success is a powerful tool that holds us accountable and helps us achieve great things. It is also an opportunity to feel overwhelmed and loop us into a negative cycle of suffering and despair when we compare to others.? The more we stay truthful to ourselves, the more we will find happiness and linkages to the things that fill our cups. It was an enlightening week in the success groups delving into this topic.? I learned a lot about myself and others and where they are in their journey.? For me, I still tend to these trauma ideals, ingrained about wealth, housing, and security.? Although not necessarily external, I do realize it is a fine line that can be one step into a trauma cycle.? Performance trauma is a tricky and slippery slope.? In one instance, it almost forces you to find success; in other cases, it pulls you into a negative cycle of compounded cognitive distortions that delude us from our reality and connection to our values.? Stay focused, my friends.? We GOT THIS!!!!

Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or simply looking to improve your life, these cutting-edge ideas about how to redefine your value, will help you achieve more than you ever thought possible.

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