Before writing this article I did a did a quick Google search on ‘definition of success‘ to find some formal definitions.
They basically fell into two categories which I’ll summarise for you before I continue:
1. The attainment of wealth and fame
2. A favourable outcome from something attempted
From these common definitions, which one do you think I’m going to be talking about here?
Although I often write about wealth, I don’t think I’ve ever written about fame as a definition of success. While attaining fame is many peoples idea of success it’s not something I aspire to I’m not going to be talking about here.
Believe it or not, I’m not even going to talk specifically about wealth either.
As you might have guessed by now, it’s the second, more flexible definition of success I’m most interested in and this is why…
Everyone’s Definition of Success is Different
This is the key, everyone’s definition of success is different. Mine may not involve fame but someone elses may do and if they attain it after intentionally trying to attain it then that’s true success.
It’s a little unfortunate that many peoples definition of success is still just wealth and fame though. I think this is mostly because they’ve never really given much though to what wealth and fame brings and whether that’s what they really want.
How many celebrities turn to drugs and alcohol and end up destroying themselves? If that’s fame I don’t want to go there.
How many wealthy people are still lonely and miserable? Many are and they’re probably really confused as to why.
Don’t get me wrong here, fame and wealth can bring great happiness for many. But it’s not the fame and wealth itself that brings happiness, it’s the power and influence that the fame brings and it’s the freedom that the wealth brings. Fame and wealth can destroy you if you don’t know how to handle and utilise them.
So where does that leave you? It leaves you with the challenge of creating your very own personal definition of success, so that you can start work on achieving it.
Create Your Own Definition of Success
I published my own definition of success on my website over a year ago to share it with the world and make myself accountable. It’s in the form of my Definite Major Purpose. Feel free to take a look because it will help you write your own, which is what you need to do next.
Writing down a list of what you want your life to look like (just as I did) is the best way to create your own definition of success. If wealth and fame make the list then that’s fine.
However, don’t forget to consider things like freedom, family and health in your definition of success. Most importantly though it should include anything that you think will make you truly happy.
With your own personal definition now in front of you all that’s left is to refer to it often (to keep you on track) and to take daily action to attain it.
How do you go about attain success? Everything I write on my website isn’t just about business mindset, it’s ultimately about reaching your own goals and achieving your own success. Have a browse around until you find something that really fits with where you are right now, then read it and take action.
I hope you found this useful and interesting. Feel free to leave a comment and share your personal definition of success with everyone.
