Success on Your Terms

It’s a question we ask all of our top women: “How do you define success?”

You can’t hit the bull’s-eye if you can’t see the target. Realizing this, many women are reassessing what it means to be a success.

Americans still tend to define “success” as having plenty of power, pay and an important position. Not bad as a starter, but women want more – like happiness, purpose and balance.

And why wouldn’t they?! Plus, we know the “money equals happiness” adage is a myth.

Success has “broadened to include contributing something to the world and living 

and working on ones own terms,” writes Toms Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie in his book Start Something That Matters.

Thought leader and philosopher Viktor Frankel wrote success cannot be pursued. Instead, it is the “unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself.”

Some experts say there are five world definitions of success: money and supporting your family, making things happen, joy, balance and making a difference. How you define success is up to you.

Others report success is all about peace of mind, financial freedom, health and energy, loving relationships, worthy goals and personal fulfillment.

If you don’t define success for yourself, someone else will (think – your boss, coworker, significant other or your mom). That’s giving up power. But it’s not their life – it’s yours!

Bonus PINK Link: Is fear holding you back from success? Find out here. 

By Cynthia Good

“The measure of my success is my joy.” Esther Hicks