You Decide What Success Means To You
- Tina
- Jan 25, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 15, 2023
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer
Success - it's a word used by many to show off their own achievements and accomplishments.
There's a whole industry created on this vague idea of success. Society creates these guidelines as to what is deemed successful and what's not.
In this blog post, I want to encourage you to stop giving in to those ideas and define your own success. YOU decide what works and what doesn't in your life!
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
What is success?
Who decides what or who is deemed successful or not?
Success is a highly subjective and personal concept, varying greatly from person to person. It's often defined by individual values, goals, and perceptions rather than a universal standard. This variability is precisely why it's essential for each individual to define their own success.
Personal Values and Goals: What constitutes success for one person might be entirely different for another. For instance, some might view success in terms of career achievements, such as promotions or recognition in their field. Others might define success in more personal terms, like achieving a balanced life, nurturing strong relationships, or engaging in meaningful hobbies.
Cultural and Societal Influence: Cultural and societal norms can heavily influence our perception of success. However, adhering strictly to these external standards without considering personal happiness and fulfillment can lead to dissatisfaction. It's crucial for individuals to introspect and decide what genuinely matters to them.
Changing Over Time: Definitions of success can change over a person's lifetime. Early in life, success might be measured in academic achievements or starting a career. Later, it might shift towards personal growth, family, or giving back to the community.
Beyond Material Achievement: While societal standards often equate success with material wealth or status, many find that true success lies in personal development, relationships, or contributions to society. This broader view of success encompasses not just what one achieves, but also who they become in the process.
Subjective Satisfaction and Happiness: Ultimately, the feeling of success is deeply tied to personal satisfaction and happiness. Achievements that align with one's values and goals are more likely to bring a sense of fulfillment and contentment.
Why we struggle with the concept of success
Why bother trying to be successful when you know the critics are just around the corner waiting to put you down?
We often fall into the trap of constantly comparing ourselves and our success to others. Unfortunately, we risk feeling unsatisfied with our lives by doing this.
Especially if we spend a lot of time at home or work from home, we are judged by others who feel we are just lazy or wasting time at home and you know that's just not true!
Increase productivity through habit.
Most of us feel like we failed at some point in our lives due to society's pressures and constraints. When you're in your teens, you're expected to have all these goals and aspirations.
Then in your twenties, you're expected to land that awesome job, become financially independent, find a "good" partner, and move into your first home.
In your thirties, everyone asks you about children or why you're not trying to climb the corporate ladder. Luckily, more and more people are beginning to realize that you don't have to do all those things and it's okay if you can't.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links - As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
It seems there is a societal awakening because more and more people are beginning to do their own thing. Whether it's being a full-time creative, a freelancer, working for a start-up, or doing side gigs to make extra cash, new work opportunities are changing the economy.
Even today, if you tell someone you work from home or freelance/run an online business, people tend to tell you to get a 'real' job. These people fail to realize that now, more than ever, you can be successful without working the 9-5 office job.
Success doesn't necessarily mean a six-figure salary. Not everyone measures success in financial terms. Success can be measured/defined in terms of career satisfaction, life-work balance, or social value and impact.
If you are happy with what you are doing, whatever that may be, you should consider yourself a successful person, and please stop caring about what anyone thinks or says about you.
The best way to gain confidence is to be content with what you have so that you can develop, grow, and improve constantly. Success is what you want it to be and you should NOT let others define success for you.
There are so many free and affordable resources to make learning on your own possible and many e-courses and e-books will teach you how to create your own online business or further your freelancing career.
For example, you can now buy e-books to learn affiliate marketing, blogging, and even how to create a successful Etsy store!
Helpful resources to inspire you:
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
This book has helped me realize I worry about nonsense way too much. It helped me become even less concerned about what people think of me & my achievements.
In the past year, I've become a BIT more successful with my blogging aspirations and my freelance writing career on Upwork. A
Although I am nowhere near my full potential, I am content and loving my lifestyle. There are days where I don't feel like working, and so I don't. What I've come to learn is that the people critiquing me aren't going to help me anyway, so who cares? Not me, not anymore!
Comments