Are you successful?

I recently turned 40, the ?literal halftime of my life according to the latest life?expectancy?data for women in the US. This would be about when some go through a midlife crisis, but, personally, I could not be more excited. In fact, I've been telling people I am 40 for a while. As one enters a new decade, we may question what it means to be successful. So, how do we define success?

According to the media

The media often focuses on financial wealth, entrepreneurship, and job titles, leading us to believe that these are the most critical measures of societal success. We frequently come across headlines like "Top wealthiest people," "Best entrepreneurs," and "Best CEOs of..." which reinforce these beliefs. So, a billionaire CEO who started their company is our (capitalist) society's collective definition of success.?

According to Americans

A?Gallup?poll found that while 68% of Americans feel successful based on their own definition of success, only 31% feel successful based on societal expectations. The societal perception of success drivers are status, education, and finances, but personal perceptions of success are greatly influenced by education, relationships, and character.

According to my father

When I was in my early teens, my father asked me, "What do you think success means"? What he said next stuck with me. If a wealthy person focuses on making more money for himself, how is that different from a pauper planning the day for how to make money for himself as well? Maybe they woke up in very different locations and spend their money differently, but the objective and driver of their lives are the same. Only when you can wake up and say, "I have enough. How can I make someone else's life better?" can one argue you have reached a noteworthy level of success.

?According to many?

Ultimately, the definition of success depends on the individual. For many, it's the ability to spend time however you would like: freedom not to work a job you don't enjoy, funds to outsource tasks, and the ability to spend time with your loved ones. Waking up feeling like you can choose to spend time on ideas, activities, and people you enjoy is the ultimate success and wealth to many.?

?So, am I successful?

According to my father's definition, I am currently on the path to success. Over the past 10 years, I have put a greater focus on developing and improving the experience of my team, prioritizing their needs by regularly asking questions such as "What can I do for you?" rather than "What can you do for me?" Furthermore, I am now giving more serious thought and effort into how I can make a positive and lasting impact through my career. My ultimate goal is to reach a point where I can entirely devote myself to the well-being and progress of others, and every day that brings me closer to that fills me with excitement. (never too old to make your parents proud, right?)

Anyway, here are other reasons why I am excited to turn 40?that may also excite you, regardless of your age:

1. Switching careers is becoming common—if I were to feel stuck or disengaged, I would jump onto a new career in a heartbeat and start over, like many?successful?pivoters before me.?
2. Women's health is finally getting some?attention,?and I am optimistic that we will begin to see real progress in closing the care gap.
3. Neuroscience will begin to see real progress in treating degenerative diseases. My brain growing old (i.e., losing function) is one of my biggest fears.?
4. Gen Z is a?positive force?in making us prioritize mental health, wellness, and emotional well-being.?
5. Preventative medicine, healthspan, and quality of life progress mean we can look forward to healthier lives, potentially longer.

?ICYMI, More from me:

Career stuff (if you like this, you’ll love my Forbes page):

• You need great mentors, but finding them is difficult, especially as you move up. Here are?fresh places to look.
• You need to read these?three resources?regularly?if you are an aspiring leader.
• It turns out Dragon babies DO better!?Why??How to manifest your success.
• If you are a manager, you need the team's feedback, but please don't say, "Do you have feedback for me?"?try this instead.?
• Oldie but a goodie: why do halftime performers not get paid, and what can you apply to your career??Reap more than you sow
• If you love this, hit that follow on my Forbes page to receive regular updates

Life stuff (The Relationship Audit Log coming! Sign up now):?

• Life happens in unique cycles for everyone; mine is?seven years; what's yours?
• If you are overwhelmed by all the skincare options, I have a?capsule framework?for you!
• Quiet luxury, loud luxury. What is?a real luxury?

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• You shouldn't tell everyone your goals, BUT?there are three people?you need to share them with for success.?
• That?one thing you must do?to stand out at work.
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