Back when I was only a “blog lurker” I came across someone’s personal definition of success in which it read, Success is the ability to monetize your passion. Now I liked what he had to say, and many business owners and entrepreneurs would definitely agree, but I couldn’t help but feel this definition needed more substance. Success, as I envision it now, (and this could change in the future) involves a little more than just making money.
My personal definition of success is about finding fulfillment in my life’s ventures, overcoming fears and obstacles, and managing to come out on the other side of this deep dark valley having gained invaluable wisdom and insight. Don’t get me wrong, because we live in a world or, rather, society driven by money and power I understand and accept that success includes being able to pay my bills on time. However, I don’t want to feel as if I’m a complete failure, rather than a success, if circumstances hit me hard and I’m left without the steady flow of income many jobs usually provide (which at the time of this writing I am technically unemployed).
I just feel that success has to be a mindset of not giving up, pressing on, rolling with the punches, picking up the pieces, taking your losses as lessons, and a constant pursuit of unshakable joy. You can’t make money off of your passions if you haven’t a clue what your passions truly are. And you won’t know what your passions truly are until you have an intimate relationship with yourself. I’m learning that I have many passions, and I won’t make money off all of them, mainly because I specifically want to enjoy my life and not look at everything as if it has a dollar sign on it. Spending time with my loved ones and enjoying their company, for me, is priceless. At the end of the day, my vision of success involves seeing myself grow through changes, realistically measuring my progression; hopefully inspire others to seek their own truth for themselves and getting a fist pump and a nod of approval from God when I pass on. (I know I was being a little goofy there but I’m sure you get the picture).
So that is how I define success, what about you? How do you define success?
There are many forms of success. Some are financial, some are spiritual, some are personal. However, defining success differs in each persons personal belief of what success entails. Although, we may need money to survive, to eat, to pay our bills and to have some money left over for a rainy day, that is not success. Today, it seems that financial wealth or security defines our success. Our positions at work defines our pay, which defines power. Money=Power=Success. This is a misconception of success. Unfortunately, success is not what you see on television or read in the news, or any form of media. Success is something you can share with family, with friends, with strangers, with people in need of help. If money defines our success, than I guess only 1% of the United States population is successful. Success may include financial gains, but it should not be the bar of measurement. There is not a universal equation for success. It is a combination of work, knowledge, spirituality, family, friends, love and relationships. How about this? My Success is defined by appreciating what you already have and building on those foundations, strengthening them so that they may open new opportunities. For example, if your a business owner and you have your regular customers, the question is not, “How do I gain more customers?” The question should be, “How do I maintain these loyal customers?” By strengthening your base, your tower of success will rise.
I agree, the definition of success will vary from person to person and there is probably no “right” answer to this question I’ve posed. I’m not sure if business owners ask how to “maintain loyal customers” though, for some business owners, customers are disposable if they feel they can invest in changes that will be more profitable at the expense of a few old faithfuls. I think when it comes to business especially cut throat business, CEOs worry about profit and success is measured on that principle alone. Truly, that’s why I like to promote small business on this site. Thanks for your take on things, always appreciated and welcomed here.
You make a great point Lynn. Having at one time been unemployed due to a layoff, I really began to understand what success was. Success, I feel, is learning to press on in spite of the circumstances. When Paul writes about forgetting what is behind, and pressing towards the high calling in Jesus Christ, this reminds me that it’s okay to be where you are. It’s only a season. He later writes that he knows what it means to be abased (that is, to be degraded or less than) and what it is to abound, but no matter what he is content. Success is managing your expectations, being content, and pressing on no matter what!
Thanks for stopping by Diera! “Pressing towards the high calling in Jesus Christ” is an excellent example of motivation and inspiration for many who feel stuck in their circumstances. Knowing when we fall down or stumble that He is with us and cheering for our victory, makes success feel more attainable.
The way I define success is by realizing that I was a sinner & knowing that my Salvation could only come when I accepted the Lord as my personal Saviour, believing in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, & confessing my sins to Him(at that moment I was saved & was successful in defeating the enemy)………………….by using stumbling blocks as my stepping stones to get to that ultimate prize that God promised me….by smiling in the face of adversity knowing that God has already planned my way of escape…..by looking at where I used to be in life & where I am now, knowing that my circumstances did not define who I am or control my destiny but through the Grace of my Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ I controlled my circumstances & now I’m becoming the woman that God would have me to be……That is success to me
I love it! Success in knowing Salvation comes from The Lord is truly on our part priceless.