“Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama
Take a moment to look at how different successful people define success. They all have varied definitions of what success looks like. What most of them do have in common is that their success is measured by the personal values that they live by.
When it comes to evaluating your success, it is important to be objective about it. I am talking about a business setting where you have to make reports and data analyses for the business. We need to establish standards and criteria and quantify them in a way that is actionable and measurable. It sounds cold, but it is necessary. Numbers don’t lie. And in business, numbers are the quickest way to be objective.
But in life, success needs to be measured by a different ruler. It takes diving deep into yourself and knowing your values, goals, and principles in life. As Hazel Breen says, “Success does not define you. You define success.”
So how can we evaluate overall success?
“Success is the progressive realization of predetermined, worthwhile, personal goals.” – Paul J. Meyer
The first thing is to identify the goal. Even in business, that is true. Before we can proceed with all the data analysis reports, the first thing we need to establish is the baseline. If nothing changes, this is the level you expect yourself and the people around you to operate at. The next step is to set a goal.
There are different ways to set goals, but all goals are rooted in what we deem as important. Even business goals that we set are personal—the things we value and feel are worthwhile set the standard for setting those goals. What are the things that matter to you? What are the things you want to achieve?
The next step is answering the question: how do you want to achieve them? Take time to lay down your action steps, and remember to make them SMART. You know - Simple, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Make them realistic. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals and plans.
However, being realistic doesn’t mean you set your bar low. The last piece to this is progressive realization. Once you’ve accomplished your goals, try and take them to the next level. Always strive to learn more and grow. When you’ve reached a certain level, look at what you can do next to get to the next one. But take it one step at a time.
Also, don’t be afraid to fail. I like this quote attributed to Thomas Edison: “I failed my way to success.” How you deal with failure and obstacles on your way up is knowledge and experience gained that will always stay with you. Think of failure as a stepping stone to greater heights.
“If you want to be successful, find out what the price is and then pay it.” – Scott Adam
Lastly, measure your success with your own ruler. Look to others for inspiration and motivation. Check your competitors in business to gauge and motivate yourself, maybe even learn or come up with new strategies. Just don’t fall into the trap of comparing your journey to others’ success. We all have different roads and values we take along the way. How we succeed depends on those things.
For me, success is identifying my priorities, showing up, and taking focused action on those priorities. Whether that’s family, self-care, or my business.
How about you? How would you evaluate your success?
Thank you for reading A Brilliant Tribe.
