Unlocking the Multifaceted

Meaning of Success:

A Personal Journey

© 2023 KimAlyse Popkave, M.Ed., CMI, CPPC, LPDG

Positive Outcomes Professor

K.A. POPKAVE CONSULTING

Unlocking the Multifaceted Meaning of Success: A Personal Journey

Introduction

"Seventy percent of success in life is showing up."

— Woody Allen


Let‛s start with a definition of the word “success”. What does it really mean?


Merriam Webster lists these definitions of success:


success

noun suc·cess \sək-ˈses\

  • obsolete: outcome, result
  • degree or measure of succeeding
  • favorable or desired outcome; also: the attainment of wealth, favor, or
  • eminence
  • one that succeeds


Defining Success

But what is success, really? Success is something that needs to be defined on a personal level. How one person defines success does not always match another person‛s definition of success. Remember, success is a personal perception. This article will highlight nine dimensions of success to give you insight into your success journey.

Professional Success:

Beyond personal contentment, success often involves achieving career-related goals. This could include climbing the corporate ladder, starting and managing a successful business, or making a significant impact in your field. It's crucial to emphasize that professional success varies greatly from person to person. For some, it might mean achieving a high income, while for others, it could be about job satisfaction and work-life balance.

Financial Success:

While wealth is mentioned in the Merriam Webster definition, it's worth

exploring this aspect further. Financial success can be measured by the ability to meet your financial goals, such as saving for retirement, buying a home, or funding your children's education. However, it's essential to underscore that financial success should not be the sole metric of one's overall success, as it often comes at the cost of other life aspects.

Personal Growth:

Success can also be defined by personal growth and development. This includes acquiring new skills, gaining knowledge, and becoming a better version of yourself. Success in this context is about continuous improvement, self-awareness, and self-fulfillment.

Relationships and Social Success:

Healthy relationships and a thriving social life can be a significant component of success. Success in this realm can be seen in building meaningful connections, maintaining strong friendships, and nurturing family bonds.

Impact and Legacy:

Some individuals define success by the positive impact they have on others and the legacy they leave behind. This could involve contributing to charitable causes, mentoring others, or making a lasting mark in their community.

Health and Well-being:

Health is wealth, as the saying goes. Success can also be measured by the state of one's physical and mental well-being. Achieving and maintaining good health is a fundamental aspect of a successful life.

Balance:

Striking a balance between different aspects of life, such as work, family, personal interests, and leisure, is an essential element of success. Achieving harmony and avoiding burnout is a critical part of defining success.

Adaptability and Resilience:

Success is not a static state; it requires adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. How one copes with adversity and continues to pursue one‛s goals is an integral part of success.

Fulfillment and Happiness:

Ultimately, success often comes down to personal fulfillment and happiness. It's about living a life that aligns with your values, passions, and aspirations.

Defining Both Your Present Situation and Your Desired Situation

Considering that success is a very personal journey and can consist of one or more of the dimensions discussed above, take a good look at your own life. Define success for yourself. Take a few moments alone with a pen and your notebook. Look at your present situation.

Present Situation

Answer these questions:

  • Are you where you want to be?
  • Are you doing what you want?
  • Are you happy in what you are doing? Why? / Why not?

Considering these questions, define your Present Situation. If everything is as you want it, you have just defined success!

Desired Situation

If there are elements of your life that are not what you desire them to be, define how you want them to be – i.e., what are your goals? Don‛t be afraid to dream big. In defining your goals, be as clear as you can.


In your notebook, write five long-term goals.

Once you have those goals clearly in mind, you will have defined success for

yourself.

Now, ask yourself these questions:

  • What is your biggest dream?
  • If you could have, be, and do anything, what would that be?

Write it in your notebook.

Next, complete one of these sentence:

  • I feel successful because. . .
  • I will feel successful when. . .

Conclusion

Know that success is your perception. This perception can change as you learn and grow. So, revisit your definition of success regularly to allow yourself freedom of growth, freedom to explore Your Path to Success! Remember, success is not once and done. Rather, achieving success is a very dynamic personal journey!

To your SUCCESS!

Be BRILLIANT!