Make Your Own Success Happen!
Many of us are held captive by our own success. Perhaps we began our careers with the intention of climbing the corporate ladder, earning $100,000 per year, or reaching some other milestone.
Then we achieve "success," are respected by our peers, have a nice big house full of great stuff, go on nice vacations..... And yet, we frequently wonder, "Is this all there is? We have an internal sense of emptiness.
I believe that many of us are experiencing a "mid-life crisis" because we have adopted society's definition of success rather than developing our own definition of personal success.
Write down the Definition of Success that has guided your decisions and actions up to this point. You don't have to agree with it, but write down what's been on your mind.
What does success mean to you today? Is this your definition, or that of your parents, teacher, or spouse?
Do you have a heartfelt agreement with your current definition of success? Does it make you feel motivated and inspired? Or are you shackled by a definition of success with which you disagree?
It's time to develop your own personal definition of success.
Consider the following alternative definitions of success and reflect on them:
"All too often, people are only concerned with the end result. However, getting results without learning something or having fun is insufficient. Having fun without getting results, or having fun without learning something new that will help and empower you in the future, is also fun. Accomplishment consists of all three: the outcome, personal growth, and enjoyment.
- Mr. Peter L. Hirsch
"Success has many facets; material wealth is only one of them....
However, good health, energy and zest for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional and psychological stability are all important. stability, a sense of well-being, and peace of mind all contribute to success.
- Dr. Deepak Chopra
"He has achieved success by living well, laughing often, and loving much; by gaining the respect of intelligent men and the love of small children; by filling his niche and completing his task; by leaving the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; by never lacking appreciation of earth's or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; who has always looked
Bessie Stanley, as reported in the Lincoln Sentinel on November 30, 1905. Mrs. Stanley won $250 in an essay contest sponsored by the Boston-based George Livingston Richards Co.
What does personal success mean to YOU?
What would you like to be remembered for if you died at the end of this life? Would your current job, career, and achievements make you feel successful? What would you be sorry for having done or not done?
Remember that you can change your definition of success on a daily, weekly, or annual basis. Have a good time. Put pen to paper and create a rough draft.
SUCCESS, IN MY OPINION:
Make several copies of your Definition of Success and place them in prominent locations such as your bathroom mirror, computer, car dashboard, refrigerator, and so on.
Do you find your definition inspiring? Provide you with energy? Does it motivate you to work, play, and have fun? If not, make changes until it is.
Now, based on your definition, where do you rank on a scale of 1-10? What are the gaps in your life? What do you wish to alter?
This is not a process in which you beat yourself up or dwell on the past. You are developing a definition that will propel you forward and inspire your tomorrows.
Are you inspired to stay in your current job after learning your new definition of success, or are you looking for something more to your liking and better suited to your natural talents? If you decide to make a career change, consider hiring an unconventional career coach who can guide you through the process while making it easy and enjoyable!