What does the word success mean to you?

I often ask my coaching clients this question.

Success is a very personal thing. What drives one person can be very different from another.

For a long time, success was defined as power, money and status. This definition never really resonated with me. There is nothing wrong with wanting to create wealth or feeling recognised for our contributions, but is this the only way to define success?

Success cannot be defined in one sentence.

What does success mean to you?

• Happiness
• Freedom
• Impact
• Health
• Wealth
• Family
• Status
• Meaningful work

I’ve worked with clients who have unintentionally taken on other people’s definitions of success. Their parents, partners, managers, colleagues, societal pressures etc. It’s not unusual.

They end up striving to achieve something just to impress others and end up feeling unfulfilled and like something is still missing. We’ve all done it. Seeking the approval of our parents, teachers or someone we respect.

I’ve witnessed people take on huge mortgages and loans, chase bigger titles, and become obsessed with earning more and more money, all because they want to be seen as “successful”. If those things are their personal definition of success, then great! However, this isn’t always the case and at a deeper level, there is often a need for validation.

Living your life in accordance with someone else’s definition of success can be exhausting.

Understanding how you define and measure success (for you) will help determine your actions and keep you focused on your own lane.

What is your personal definition of success?

For me, success has many definitions:

Freedom to live this life on my terms and know I am the creator of my destiny.

Staying curious and always learning, growing and evolving.

Being the best version of myself by speaking my truth and showing up authentically.

Operating from a place of love, compassion and acceptance for myself and others.

Delivering fulfilling work that positively impacts the lives of others and creates wealth.

Guiding my clients to step into their power and own their pleasure.

Operating from my own internal compass and trusting myself.

Leaving a legacy I am proud of.

Success is an inside job.

What does success mean to you? I’d love to hear your definitions.