What is Your Type of Success?

Success means different things to different people. Some chase titles and salaries. Others prioritise freedom and flexibility. But what does success mean to you?

Richard Shell , in his Coursera course on success, offers a practical exercise to uncover your unique definition. It starts with asking yourself three straightforward questions:

1. What are the key achievements I’ve had so far?
2. What do I value most in my professional and personal life?
3. What would success look like for me five or ten years from now?

The Exercise: Mapping Your Success

Take out a sheet of paper or open a new document. Split it into three sections. For each question, write freely. Don’t overthink. You might be surprised by what comes up.

1. Key Achievements

Reflect on your proudest moments. Think beyond just career accomplishments. Include personal victories, community contributions, or even overcoming obstacles. These milestones shape your journey.

2. Values

List your top five values. These could be anything: creativity, autonomy, stability. Put down what drives you and what feels non-negotiable. Aligning success with your values ensures you're not pursuing a hollow victory.

3. Future Vision

Imagine your life five or ten years from now. Visualise what you’re doing, who’s around you, and what you’ve achieved. Don’t just think in terms of position or wealth. Think in terms of experiences and feelings.

Aligning Your Vision and Reality

Now compare your answers across the three sections. Is there alignment? If not, explore the gaps. Does the future vision match your values? Are you building on your key achievements? These questions help refine your path to a version of success that’s both fulfilling and sustainable.

Everyone’s version of success is different. Some want power and recognition. Others might seek peace and meaningful connections. The trick is to define it clearly, so you can aim for your type of success without getting lost in others’ expectations.

What’s your next step?