It is impossible to achieve success in your own mind if you do not have a clear definition of what success means to you. There are many potential definitions of success. Becoming a successful person is more than making enough money, as most successful people will explain when talking about success. The following are a few possible definitions of success to think about and make your own.
Defining Success
Success is about doing the best you can
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden defined success as the “peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you’re capable.”
Success is loving and being loved back
Many people define success through the love they have for their family. Warren Buffett once stated, “I measure success by how many people love me.” Bill Gates further explained the point, saying, “Warren Buffett has always said the measure [of success] is whether the people close to you are happy and love you.”
Success is about making a difference
Bill Gates also mentioned the value of impacting others, saying, “It is also nice to feel like you made a difference.” Former First Lady Michelle Obama once told an audience that, “For Barack, success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
Success is not giving up
Many successful people will mention the importance of hard work day in and day out to achieve success. Edison spoke about work ethic often, saying, “success is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.”
Success can have many definitions. The most important thing to remember is what success means to you. Stephen Covey explained success as being deeply personal, writing, “if you carefully consider what you want to be said of you in the funeral experience, you will find your definition of success.” So, what does success mean to you? If you are looking for a new way to define success owning a business you love, talk to Alan with AdvancingWithUs.
