I never bought into the idea that success equals a title and a salary and that if I don’t move up the corporate ladder, I’ve failed.
My definition of professional success was more about the work itself.
That probably made me look naive to some people and I’m okay with it.
An article I read recently made me reflect on the question:
What does success actually mean to me?
Here’s what I came up with.
- Meaningful work. I feel successful when I help people grow personally and professionally. When someone navigates a hard transition more clearly, or makes a decision that’s right for them, or develops their growth mindset.
- A mindset that’s on my side. I’ve spent enough time in my own head to know the difference between a mind that works for you and one that works against you. Thinking in a constructive way is part of success in my book.
- Solid connections. People I can have deep conversations with, laugh with, collaborate with and learn from.
- Experiences: from travelling, to enjoying good food – yes, I like to eat, to enjoying music, movies, quality teas, books and learning new things.
- Money that works for me. On the one hand, money that I invest in my growth and on the other hand, money that grows through investing in financial instruments.
Now I want to ask you something.
Imagine you’re 80 years old, you’re sitting somewhere comfortable, and you’re looking back at your life.
Imagine you’re 80 years old and you’re looking back at your life.
You can keep 3 metrics of success from your current definition.
Which 3 really matter?
