When the word ‘success’ comes up in conversation, who do you think of?

Perhaps it’s that friend who has just been promoted, living in Knightsbridge, driving their dream car, and jet-setting to exotic destinations multiple times a year.

Maybe it’s the classmate from your school days who’s now a renowned actress, constantly in the spotlight and receiving awards.

Or could it be your neighbour, the one who manages her own business while being a dedicated parent?

Or could it be your neighbour, the one who manages her own business while being a dedicated parent?

Many of us instinctively associate success with the first two examples because society often conditions us to measure success in extrinsic terms – by how much someone earns and what their job title or profession suggests about their status or fame. However, it’s crucial to recognise that your neighbour is also successful, but in a different and personally meaningful way.

Redefining how we perceive success and determining what truly matters to us can be the pivotal shift in mindset needed to achieve genuine success.

Redefining how we perceive success and determining what truly matters to us can be the pivotal shift in mindset needed to achieve genuine success.

Consider the case of my client, Jackie. She was fixated on status as her primary definition of success. She yearned to impress others with her career when asked about it. This fixation led her to stay in a media job she no longer enjoyed, primarily out of concern for what people might think of her. Little did she realise that people might have been more impressed talking to someone who genuinely loved their job and was passionate about their career.

If we shift our focus toward the intrinsic aspects of success and reflect on how we want to feel when we achieve it, we can experience greater freedom and fulfilment in our professional lives. Letting go of the need for external validation is equally important. After all, if others value you solely for your net worth, they may not be the kind of people you want in your life.

So, how can you determine your own definition of success? Start by asking yourself these questions, and see what insights emerge (not all questions will resonate, but the ones that matter most to you will):

1. What is my life’s purpose or legacy? How do I want to make a difference, and is it important to me?

2. What are my life goals? Which milestones will truly fulfil me?

3. What opportunities do I wish to pursue?

4. What do I want to learn? Are academic achievements significant to me? What skills do I aim to acquire?

5. What kind of freedom and challenges do I crave, and how can I finance them?

6. How important is money to me?

7. Who are the people I want to impact or be a role model for?

8. In which areas of my life do I need to create harmony?

9. What activities do I enjoy and want to engage in more often?

Based on your answers, you’ll start to see the foundations of your personal definition of success taking shape. For instance, here’s my ongoing version:

1. To work with inspiring and motivated clients, where I believe I can make a difference.

2. To maintain a balance between work and life, prioritising my family and well-being.

3. To embrace opportunities that push me beyond my comfort zone, fostering growth as a coach and business owner.

4. To earn enough for a modest and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Having this definition provides me with incredible freedom and serves as a guiding light. It reminds me that success involves paying attention to all these aspects. When work threatens to overshadow everything else, I’m reminded to restore balance. When contemplating pricing strategies, I can refer back to my definition to ensure alignment with my goals.

Mae West wisely said, “You only have one life, but live it right, and once is enough.” Reflect on what ‘living it right’ means for you, and don’t wait too long to make the changes that will boost your sense of fulfilment and career happiness.

I’d love to hear your version of success. Share it in the comments below and let’s continue the conversation.

If you’re looking to boost your career success – please get in touch to see how I can help.