How Do You Define Success

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How Do You Define Success?

By Barbra White, MBA

If you asked me several years ago what the word success meant,

I would have answered in a predictable way: Big paychecks.

Personal Achievement. Recognition. I had much of what I thought

success included at that point: a high-paying job, a nice house,

cool vacations. Somehow, though, I was still unfulfilled. Although

I did very well at my job, I wasn't enjoying it. I also knew I wasn't

living up to my full potential.

It was time to begin creating a new life for myself. This involved

getting much clearer about who I was, what my beliefs about

success and happiness were, and what I thought was important.

I began to redefine some of my ideas about success, and decided

that being joyful about what I do everyday is true success. But to be

joyful, I had to first learn what really brought me joy—not that rush

I got when I finished a goal at work, or bought something new – but

that deeper level of satisfaction that comes from expressing who I am,

and following what I'm naturally drawn to. It took becoming more aware

of the clues about what intrigues and attracts me, many of which were

already there, I just hadn't noticed. The next step was aligning parts of

my life around what I loved to do.

What I've learned from this journey, and through helping many others

who felt stuck on their own paths, is that we come alive when we tap

in to what brings us joy. And each one of us deserves to explore, and

to know what this looks like for ourselves. My work now is incredibly

fulfilling. I get tremendous satisfaction from helping my clients achieve

their goals and dreams. Now that is success to me.

If you're ready to start living the satisfying, joyful life you desire, start by

asking yourself two important questions, and answer them honestly

and openly. These questions seem quite simple, but if you take the time

to consider your responses fully, you will free up your inner wisdom and

unearth your joy. You'll begin to see that defining success on your own

terms is the key to your happiness…starting today.

1. WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY IN YOUR LIFE?

Sounds like a simple question, but it often stumps us. Why? Because

many of us find that are lives are seriously lacking in real joy. We get

swept up in the hectic, stressful, sleep-deprived pace of our lives,

disconnecting ourselves from any awareness of what we really feel—let

alone what brings us joy. One of my clients, Melissa, was surprised to find

out how long it had been since she experienced the things that really

ignite and inspire her. Remembering the fun she used to have with horse-

back riding, she started carving out some time each month to fit this in.

A great first step in rediscovering what brings her joy; now she's exploring

her long-held passion for poetry writing.

If you're thinking that a complete life-overhaul would be necessary

for you to start experiencing more joy and happiness, relax...you may

just need to create more space in your life for it.

So, what brings YOU joy? When was the last time you felt it? Take

30 minutes to yourself and write down at least three things for each

area of your life; family, health, work, friends. Be specific. Come back

to your list after a few days, and reread it; then ask yourself... what

beliefs do I have—about myself, or my life – that could be preventing

me from having more joy? Am I limiting myself in any way?

2. DO YOUR ACTIONS REFLECT WHAT BRINGS YOU HAPPINESS?

Determining to love what you do and have fun at it are the keys to

happiness. If you don't like what you are doing, get out. Look at

what your special gifts are, or ask several friends what they see in you.

Then go find someplace where you can be happy. Or, figure out a way

to modify how you see your present situation so that it becomes more

enjoyable.

The area in my life that needed the most realignment was work. As

a major account specialist for a technology company, I liked the

challenge and autonomy in my job, but very few parts of what I actually

did each day brought me joy –about 25%!

Since work takes up a big chunk of your life, it's essential to get

satisfaction and joy from it; at least 75%. In fact, 75% of the activities

involved in ANY area of your life ought to be aligned with what you find

satisfying. Ask yourself, how much of what I do actually brings me joy?

Be truthful to yourself, and determine if there are inconsistencies

between what you say brings you joy, and what you actually do. If they're

not in sync, decide how you can change this.

Tackle one area of your life…and notice how the others areas

begin to follow the lead!

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Creating Your Best Life Newsletter
Barbra White, MBA, Success Coach

www.bwcoaching.com

(505) 271-1037