What is Success

What is success? This is something I've redefined for myself as I've redefined myself. Your definition of success should evolve as you do. However, it would have been really helpful if someone had guided me through this version of success 20 years ago.

We wait too long to learn how to craft a true definition of success. We typically do it when we've reached a point of burnout. From a young age, we are taught to focus on what what we want to do rather than who we want to be. I love this definition of success from Maya Angelou:

Take a moment and look at where you are. Right now. Are you successful? Do you like who you are, what you do, how you do it and who you do it with? If not..... why not? What's missing? Are you feeling like you haven't achieved success yet?

My question to you, is what are you waiting for? Maybe you aren't "successful" because you need to shift your mindset around what success really means. Here’s my (possibly unpopular) opinion: Success without fulfilment is not success. It’s failure.

If you are materially successful but emotionally bankrupt, that’s failure.

If you attained a “fancy title” but at a detriment to your health and relationships, that’s failure.

If you have a ton of followers and "likes" but are plagued with self-loathing, that’s failure.

Success is simply being able to say in 10 years: I didn't settle for this life, I created it. My life choices, have been my choices.

Answer the questions below to start designing your definition of success and use those answers as a roadmap moving forward:

• What does success look like for you in terms of health, wellness, family and social life?
• Where do you spend your time day-to-day, week-to-week, and how do you spend it?
• What does meaningful work feel like for you professionally?
• What kind of people do you work for and with?
• Do you get to switch off and step back from work without everything crashing down around you?
• What does financial success look like in order to be able to afford the lifestyle you want?
• What’s your “more-than-enough number” that leaves you with plenty to save for the future and give back?
• What do you really need vs. what you really want?

Use your answers to weave together what success means for you. Return to it regularly. Revise it constantly.

Cheers to your success.