What It Means to Be Successful
Wednesday, 22 October 2008 11:45
Let's talk a bit about our total success in our life and business. Let's talk about what we define as our total, overall success. At what point do you feel you have succeeded in life and what defines that for you?
I believe that success can only be defined on an individual basis. It means different things to different people.
And it’s not enough for anyone to just weigh success based on the money that they make; although some will, but I don’t think money by itself is what fulfills us. It’s more about the reason we have that money… what that money does for us, solves and provides.
The world is full of unhappy rich people.
All of us, all of you reading this, have different lifestyles we desire or have. We all have different expectations or feelings when it comes to feeling successful in our lives and businesses.
There are people that make a TON of money, but they’re maxed out every month because they are paying big mortgages and huge car payments…
..maybe they might define success as just being able to scrape up enough money to pay those things, own that beautiful home and that fast car. They don’t define success by how much money they have left after they pay everything every month; they don't define their success by how much money is in the bank. Their success is defined by what they can live in and drive to work every day.
But still is it really how much money we have in the bank or what our income levels are? Is it really what we possess or what is parked in our driveway?
What is success?
Is it reaching a certain income level and it doesn’t matter what you do with that money? Or is it really about money at all? Again, I believe it’s different for everyone.
My wife and I have a very comfortable lifestyle. We’re not struggling… we have money in the bank. We have investments. We go out to eat whenever we want to go out to eat.
Because of the business I own (my online business) I can come and go as I please; I have freedom and flexibility.
My worth is growing each month.. my business is growing each year. My assets are growing.
I’m totally comfortable with where I am and I definitely feel successful!
When I set out several years ago to make a living online full-time, I realized that. I realized that over three years ago! I was able to close other businesses I didn’t want to be involved with anymore off-line and pursue my Internet Business full-time. I’m doing what I love now and I’m passionate about; I feel successful.
But the most important thing that defines my success for me is just being able to take care of my family and build something for our future. My health and my well-being is what really defines it for me. It’s not all about money for me; it’s about my relationships and being able to support my family and give back.
What we define as success can change too over our lives. Our definitions of success and our goals change over time. What is important to us changes naturally over time or as a result of life experiences.
My main point with this article is that no matter what others say success is, you have to define your own success. For some people that’s just paying the bills… others like me it’s a bit more than that and it goes past just having money.. it’s my lifestyle that I define my success around and being able to take care of my family.
How do you define success?
Please comment below…
– Matt Levenhagen
Comments (3)
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I haven't quite figured out how I'll define success in my life. And as soon as I do, I'm sure it will change. For instance, I have no real desire to own a fancy car, a gigantic house, a jet waiting, etc. It definitely isn't just money, that's for sure. As Johnny said:
Quote:Success is having to worry about every damn thing in the world, except money.
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In "The Strangest Secret" Earl Nightengale says that success is the "progressive realization of a worthy ideal".
I tend to agree with him - most of the time. I often feel confident and successful when I have a clear goal and when I know I am making progress towards it.
However, there are times when not yet reaching the goal doesn't feel all that successful - but then I remind myself that the more I become the person I need to be and do the requisite actions that bring success the result should take care of itself... in small successful steps... and I start to feel successful again.
Sabrina