Defining success is a very important component of the process of developing a strategic plan for life. Jim Rohn, an entrepreneur, author and speaker, says that success is something that is attracted to you. His premise is that it is not something you pursue. Many people pursue success for its own sake; they fail to take into account who they really are and why defining success for themselves matters. We get one chance at life, and it is very important that we are clear on what it means for us. The earlier we define success for ourselves, the greater the likelihood that life will be filled with a greater measure of joy and peace, and end with fewer regrets.
Potential Results of Defining Success
After defining success for yourself, you may experience some pretty dramatic changes in your life. You may find that you are more focused on what matters most to you. When I consciously went through the process of designing success for myself, I realized that for me, it is about becoming all God designed me to be and helping others achieve their potential. After defining success, it is important to become clear on your current state prior to moving towards it. Moving from oblivious to aware was part of the journey for me.
Defining Success Can be Key to Living a Strategic Life
Defining success sets the stage for building a strategic life plan. This step is important because it allows you to focus on the right thing for you. It helps to determine your why, which involves purpose. It also allows you to set goals in the important priority areas of life, which could be Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances, etc. You are then able to develop action steps related to each of those goals. Action steps are the steps you will take to achieve your goals while living out your mission in an effort to realize your purpose and potential. All this requires slowing down and focusing, which can be difficult in our instant-gratification and always-on society.
“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” —Jesse Owens, Professional Athlete
The Power of Goals in Achieving Success
There is nothing inherently wrong with achieving a great deal in life and with other people recognizing your contributions. The challenges present themselves when we think that it is all about us, and we begin to do things that may lead us to become self-absorbed.
Success is the progressive realization of predetermined, worthwhile, personal goals. – Paul J. Meyer, Founder of Leadership Management International
Meyer’s definition offers a good description of what we should all seek. We should set goals based on a vision of what we would like to see, and then begin taking action on those goals. As we do so, we can find excitement on the journey, and uncover ways to make a difference in the world and the lives of others. Success is achievable by anyone willing to make a sacrifice and take the appropriate steps.
Begin Today to Define Success in Your Own Way
If you have not taken the time to define success, begin today. By doing so, you will be able to look back at the end of your life and have a sense of satisfaction about the results. You can minimize regrets by taking responsibility now for your own life. Success is not easy to achieve—there is certainly a price to pay. When you set meaningful goals, they do not just happen. Success requires action and a lot of work. The wonderful thing is that you can experience meaningful growth while on the journey.
If you are unsure of where to begin, reach out to a coach or someone you trust to have a conversation and get support.
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