Success defined by society is not necessarily what success really is to each of us individually. For example, wealth, fame, and societal contributions may not be what we as individuals think of when we think of being successful. Being able to create and follow your own path in life should be the definition of success. You know what makes you happy and what will satisfy your need to succeed. Read more about how to be successful on your terms.
Define Success
The first step in being successful is to define what that means to you. Success is very personal, as it should be. No one else should be able to gauge success for you. Moreover, wealth may be a sign of success for some, but it may not be important to you. Money may not have anything to do with how you, yourself, measure success. It could be as simple as raising independent, responsible children. Or buying your own home. Or getting that degree you’ve been working so hard to get. Accordingly, sit down and contemplate what makes you happy, content and at peace. In addition, what goals would you like to accomplish in life?
Create Your Vision
In order to reach your potential, in order to be successful, you need to have a vision. I’m not talking about daydreaming, though I do my share. However, I’m talking about putting together a plan to enable you to get to where you want to be. This is success to me. Being able to accomplish your goals, and taking steps forward in life to be happy and content. There are different ways that you can create your vision.
- Create a Vision Board – I like doing things old school. Grab a poster board, some glue and scissors! Print off pictures that align with your goals, your definition of success and create a visual of what that looks like. Not only is this a tangible item but it will be a daily reminder to keep moving forward toward what you want to accomplish. For online vision boards, visit sites like https://www.canva.com/create/vision-boards/. Have fun with it.
- Write it Down – Write a list, similar to a to-do list or a bucket list, is enough to keep your goals and hopes for the future in front of you. And, as is the case, you will grow and change in life, and so will what you perceive as success. It also gives you a way to celebrate those items you realize!
- Create Both a Vision and Mission Statement – Every successful business has not only a mission statement but only a vision statement. A vision statement will allow you to grasp where you want to see yourself, what you want to accomplish, and what is important to you in your life. A mission statement will help you focus on how to get what you want out of life and what will allow you to start moving toward checking them off your “done it” list.
Take a Step Forward
It’s easy to make a list, craft a vision board, or write down your goals for the future. However, taking that first step toward turning those aspirations into reality is an entirely different challenge. You cannot do something great, if you never put in the effort to start. With this in mind, your journey may require that you step outside your comfort zone and take some risk.
So, make it happen! Enroll in college. Volunteer at a charity that speaks to you. Spend quality time with your kids, off the electronics, to experience life with them as they grow. Try for that new position at work, or network with others in the field you want to enter into in order to gain insight. Download that app to help you learn a second language. The sky is the limit!
Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all achievement; it’s deeply personal and shaped by your own values, passions, and aspirations. In this post, we explored how to define success on your own terms, craft a clear vision, and take meaningful steps toward turning goals into reality. If you’re ready to break free from traditional measures and create a path that truly aligns with who you are, this is the moment to start. Don’t look back!
