What does success look like to you?

 “What does success look like to you?” It’s a question that many struggle to answer as they busily go about their lives, having no idea of where they want to be, and what they want to achieve.
 
Asking this question, I get so many different responses including things like - making lots of money, building a great company, achieving work-life balance, having a nice family, being able to afford a holiday each year, and so on…

​Success is something most of us strive for, and each of us has their own different version of what that looks like for them. Each person’s measure of success determines when and if they will achieve it.
 
But, when is the striving for more enough?
 
We often draw a line in the sand based on a whole raft of societal expectations which we deem as success, thinking that once we reach this point, we will be successful (in the eyes of society).
 
What many people find however, is that they either draw the line too far out in front of them, get overwhelmed and never achieve it, or they achieve this line in the sand, and then simply re-evaluate and the next line is even more ambitious and harder to achieve.
 
Measuring this thing we call “success” can be inspirational, but it can also be detrimental to your happiness. Success is a word, and doesn’t determine your worth as a person, business owner or in any other way for that matter.
 
Your definition of success should guide you in the things you do, but it should not define you.
 
Have you ever heard the phrase, “the grass is always greener on the other side”? Many people look at others and see success, but they can’t see it in themselves. Little do they know that the person or business they see as successful has their own set of issues and insecurities, and quite likely does not view itself (or themselves) as successful. And, often when we feel like we’re not successful, others look at us and see success.
 
I think the key to feeling successful is to have a goal in mind and to work towards that goal, but to celebrate the small wins along the way.
 
This might be signing another client for your business or buying that new car you’ve been saving up for, or it might be the ability to work from home or spend more time with your children. Ultimately, if you’re prepared to be mindful and realise that every day you have small wins which all form a part of becoming successful, you will also feel successful.  
 
Remember, success is a word and a feeling, not a defining action. So, don’t fall into the trap of measuring success by a line in the sand and thinking that you’ll be happy when you get there, as the ambition to get to that line will have it moving ever further away.
 
Celebrate your achievements, and be proud of what you do, each and every day.
 
Just my two cents.
 
KB