Success! It’s something we all want. But what is it really?

The answer is “it depends!”

It is and should be different for each individual. However, more often than not, we are striving for someone else’s definition of success not our own. Maybe it’s our parents view of success, our friends or society’s view. More often than not it is a combination of all those things and more besides. In order to be seen as successful we focus on what is widely accepted as success and strive for that. However, here is the problem with that - you are living someone elses idea of a successful business and life, not your’s.

Let me give you an example.

I spent 14 years in the corporate world “striving” to be successful. I was paid well, had a nice car, fancy holidays, could buy what I wanted – I was successful!

Or was I?

Everyone told me I had done well for myself (I hate that phrase!). Well, if that was the case why was I so miserable, unfulfilled and not enjoying life? Because I was chasing other peoples’ definition of success. To have all those things other people judged as successful I had to sell my soul as well as my life.

So, if you want real success, here is my suggestion…..STOP!  Before you go any further, just take the time to consider this:

Whose definition of success are you living by?

If it isn’t one you have carved out for yourself you are living someone else’s life, someone else’s business and someone else’s family life.

You have got to create your own definiton of success.

Here’s a way to get started. Imagine you are at your 100th birthday party. What do you want to be able to say about your life, business, family, being a parent? Next, think about what you want the important people in your life - your kids, your spouse/partner, friends, colleagues – to stand up and say about you?
Build this into your definition of success for all areas of your business and life. Write it down and put it somewhere you will see it every day.

Measure yourself only by your definition of success. Once you start this you will never go back because you will be on the path to having your business, your life, your family on your terms, not someone else’s.

A word of warning. Beware the “success stealers”. They are everywhere. They want you to live their definition of success. Keep focussed on your own definition of success.

The rewards are high.

Let me know how you get on with your success definitions.