What Does Success Mean to YOU? (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)
Have you thought about what “success” means? What it truly means to you? Not just what society says. It’s a bit tricky, isn’t it? The truth is, success is a relative term. What seems like success to one person can be nothing special to another.
Let’s face it, “success means different things to each person.” It’s not universal by any means. Trying to define it as one thing won’t work. It’s like forcing everyone into the same jeans; someone will be uncomfortable and maybe upset.
What success means is subjective. It rests on your values, dreams, and priorities. Before chasing someone else’s ideal, take the time to define your own.
The Building Blocks of YOUR Success Story
So, success is individual. What ingredients create this bespoke recipe? First, “success means reaching your aim or purpose.” It’s about hitting your targets. Success often means setting goals and working toward them in various life areas.
But it’s more than just checking boxes. It’s about feeling something as you go and at the finish line. “Having a purpose” is key. That feeling that what you’re doing truly matters, even to just you and your pet.
Happiness is part of success too. “Success means engaging in activities that bring joy.” It’s that simple. This could mean “achieving financial stability or career goals.” Enough to avoid worrying about bills or splurging on nice coffee. It also involves “making a positive impact at work and in your community.”
Your success may involve “impacting the world positively.” It can be grand or simply brightening someone’s day. And don’t overlook “continual growth.” Success isn’t static; it evolves. “Success means moving beyond your comfort zone and embracing challenges that promote growth.”
Ultimately, “success is progress, learning from failures, and feeling pride in achievements.” It’s that nod to yourself in the mirror, knowing you gave it your best and may have surprised yourself a little. For tips, BetterUp offers 10 tips for cultivating success.
Success: It’s a Trek, Not a Sprint (and Definitely Not a Drive-Thru)
Success isn’t somewhere you reach with one big leap. It’s more of a scenic hike with tough climbs, wrong turns, and stunning views. “It involves setting clear directions and putting in effort.” Yes, “deciding on a direction for myself and working hard to reach there.” Know where you want to go and strive to get there.
“Success starts with effort and hard work.” Not shocking. However, here’s the twist: it’s also about “learning from mistakes.” Those oops moments aren’t failures; they are detours on the road to success. “Success involves consistent growth by setting challenges and diligently working to achieve them.”
“Success is a journey needing clear goals, dedication, and adaptability.” Life has surprises, markets shift, and sometimes plans must change. Flexibility is vital.
Canva features 50 inspiring success quotes to support your journey.
Gear Up for Greatness: Skills You’ll Need
Want greater chances of success? There are universal skills that can help. “Key skills for success are self-motivation, resilience, creativity, emotional intelligence, and persuasive communication.”
Self-motivation: Because no one will push you harder than yourself (family nagging doesn’t count). Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks is crucial. Creativity: Thinking outside your box is essential. Emotional intelligence: Understanding yourself and others helps navigate life. Persuasive communication: Sharing ideas and inspiring others matters.
Also, don’t underestimate “a positive attitude.” It isn’t just fluff; it can change the game when times get tough.
Digging Deeper: The Soul of Success
Sometimes, success goes beyond achievements. It aligns with something deeper in you. “True success means following a sense of purpose, despite social norms.” It is about aligning actions with your inner self, even if that means being different.
This often includes “finding joy in struggle.” Maybe it sounds odd, but overcoming hardship leads to growth. “It also means having the courage to follow your path amid fear.” Your unique success path isn’t always smooth. It takes courage to enter the unknown and trust your intuition.
For deeper thoughts on this, Steve Rose, PhD, explores the true meaning of success in a thought-provoking way.
Beyond the Bling: Internal vs. External Scorecards
Lastly, let’s discuss what success *isn’t*. “While material success can be part of some definitions, true success often goes beyond wealth.” Chasing shiny items can be fun but often lacks depth.
“Wealth or honors may comprise part of someone’s view of success.” But if that’s all there is, it may feel empty. True success relies on an internal scorecard. It’s about who you become and the impact you make, big or small, plus that quiet contentment that says,”You did well.”
So, what does success mean to you? Take time to reflect on this. Your answer might surprise you and become the most authentic definition ever.
