Success
Success means different things to different people.
For some, monetary reward is the measure of success. Others have numerous
definitions of success; they measure it across several areas: career, health,
spiritual, emotional, time, or financial. As an example, one can be successful
in their career but not emotionally.
To uncover your own definition of success, you have to dig deep within yourself
and reflect your values in life.
Can you identify your strengths and
weaknesses? What are the ones that are important to you? By answering these
questions you may then come closer to your definition of success. Know that
this can be an extended process. It's possible you'll not get the answers so
quickly, but that’s alright. Define your measure of success, 1 element at a
time.
Let’s take your career as an example. What would your definition of success be
for your career? If you are an insurance agent, is it achieving the next level
of promotion? As an SGA, is it financial prosperity and security? What’s
success to a Public Relations Specialist? Dig deep inside yourself to work out
your strengths and weaknesses. Which would help you achieve success? Which of
your weaknesses is the barrier, and does it go against your values?
For me, I value time with my family, however, my work requires me to work many
nights and weekends. I must adjust my very own definition success and choose
which should take priority.
When defining your success, remember this main thing: success is a journey. It
has multiple peaks and never 1 ultimate pinnacle. One success builds on
another. Setbacks and mistakes will assist you to build success. At different
periods of your life, success is defined differently. In your career, your
success can be defined by exceeding your job requirements or receiving a
promotion or a specific income level.
One of my definitions of success in my career at this time often is the number
of people on my team that I mentor to higher levels within the Company. Once
they achieve a specific amount of skill and knowledge and are respected by you,
I’ve achieved a major amount of success so far as my own career is concerned.
It is sort of intense, but study how Ralph Waldo Emerson defines success:
“The definition of success - To laugh much, to win respect of intelligent persons
and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and
endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in
others; to give one’s self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a
healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have played
and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life
has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded.”
Now I have to admit that I have heard of Ralph Waldo Emerson. But I do not know
much about him, and of course haven’t read a large amount of his stuff. But
Ralph’s definition... I could not believe more. Good job, Ralph!
In any event, you can see success is really in the eye of the beholder. Success
takes on both short-term and long-term achievements and may be significant or
even insignificant. But it’s what you make it to be. Set a goal, achieve a
goal... and be successful!
By: Mark Ting
Article Source:
To uncover your own definition of success, you have to dig deep within yourself and reflect your values in life.