In modern society, success is often painted with broad strokes of career achievements, financial stability, and the accumulation of material wealth. This traditional view of success is frequently showcased through media portrayals, societal expectations, and even the benchmarks we set for ourselves and others.

However, this conventional perspective doesn’t fully encapsulate success’s diverse and subjective nature. What constitutes success for one individual can vastly differ for another, influenced by personal values, life experiences, and individual aspirations. The understanding that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept is gaining traction, prompting a shift towards a more inclusive and personalised definition.

Understanding Success

Understanding success requires a first look at its definition: a state or condition of meeting predefined criteria or achieving specific goals. Traditionally, this has been interpreted through societal norms and media representations, which glorify material wealth, social status, and professional achievements as the ultimate benchmarks of success. These external markers, while significant, present a somewhat limited view, heavily influenced by cultural expectations and societal pressures. They shape our understanding and pursuit of success, often sidelining the importance of internal measures of satisfaction and fulfilment. 

This dichotomy between external achievements and internal contentment highlights a crucial aspect of success: the need to balance societal accolades with personal wellbeing. True success, therefore, is more accurately reflected in how content we feel with our lives, encompassing not only our professional and financial status but also our personal growth, relationships, and a sense of purpose.

Dimensions of Personal Success

The dimensions of personal success extend far beyond conventional achievements, touching upon aspects of our lives that genuinely contribute to our sense of fulfilment and wellbeing.

Personal Growth and Development: At the heart of personal success lies the commitment to self-improvement. It’s about constantly learning new skills, challenging ourselves, and celebrating personal milestones that may not always be visible to the outside world. This dimension underscores the journey of becoming the best version of ourselves, not just professionally but in all facets of life. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, advancing in our careers, or simply becoming more mindful and aware, personal growth fuels a sense of achievement that is profoundly satisfying and uniquely our own.

Relationships and Social Connections: Humans are inherently social creatures, and the quality of our relationships plays a significant role in how we perceive our success. Strong, healthy relationships with family, friends, and colleagues provide a support network that enriches our lives, offering comfort, love, and understanding. Feeling connected and valued in our personal and professional relationships can significantly enhance our sense of success, grounding it in the shared joy and mutual respect we experience with others.

Health and Wellbeing: Integral to our sense of success is physical, mental, and emotional health. No amount of external achievements can compensate for poor health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and seeking fulfilment in activities that bring us joy are crucial. This dimension of success emphasises the importance of self-care, reminding us that nurturing our body and mind is foundational to achieving and enjoying success in other areas of our lives.

Purpose and Fulfilment: Finding meaning in our actions and aligning them with our values and goals most deeply defines our sense of success. It’s about knowing what we do matters to ourselves and the world. Whether through our careers, volunteer work, or creative pursuits, engaging in activities that resonate with our core beliefs and aspirations can bring a profound sense of fulfilment. This sense of purpose fuels our motivation and reinforces our commitment to our paths, making our achievements all the more rewarding.

These dimensions offer a holistic view of success that balances external accomplishments with internal satisfaction. By embracing these varied aspects of success, we open ourselves up to a more comprehensive, fulfilling, and personally relevant definition of what it means to succeed.

Determining Your Measures of Success

Reflecting on our measures of success is a vital step towards understanding what truly matters to us and how we can align our lives with our deepest values and aspirations. It’s about taking a step back from societal expectations and the hustle of daily life to ponder our definitions of success.

Personal Reflection: Take some time to reflect on what success means to you. This could involve considering moments of deep satisfaction and contentment and identifying the factors contributing to those feelings. Ask yourself, “What aspects of my life bring me the most joy and fulfilment?” and “What achievements am I genuinely proud of?” This reflective process is crucial in carving out a personal definition of success that is both meaningful and sustainable.

Identifying Personal Values and Goals: As a part of this process, it’s helpful to determine your core values and goals. This can be achieved by listing the values most important to you and considering how these can manifest in your daily life and long-term aspirations. Goals reflect ambitions and echo our values, ensuring that the pursuit of success is in harmony with our ethics and beliefs. This alignment is what gives our achievements a sense of purpose and authenticity.

Setting Realistic, Achievable Objectives: Once you have a clearer idea of your values and goals, setting realistic and achievable objectives becomes the next step. These objectives should be challenging but also attainable within your current circumstances and resources. It’s about breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks that can be approached step by step. Setting and achieving these objectives moves us closer to our vision of success, with each accomplishment reinforcing our confidence and sense of fulfilment.

Determining your measures of success in personal terms can be liberating and empowering and is an essential step to answering the question, “What does Success Mean to You?”.

Redefining Success for Wellbeing

The relentless pursuit of success, as defined by societal standards, can often lead to stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction. This underscores the urgent need to redefine success, prioritising personal wellbeing and happiness over traditional markers such as wealth, status, or career milestones. Embracing a definition of success that aligns with our values and aspirations allows us to lead more fulfilling lives, where achievements are not just celebrated for their external value but for their contribution to our overall sense of happiness and contentment.

Moving Away from Societal Pressures: It’s crucial to acknowledge societal pressures’ impact on our perception of success. Constant exposure to curated portrayals of success on social media and other platforms can skew our expectations, leading us to undervalue our accomplishments and wellbeing. We can redefine success on our terms by consciously shifting our focus from these external benchmarks to our happiness and fulfilment. This involves recognising the inherent worth of non-material achievements, such as personal growth, relationships, and the joy derived from pursuing our passions.

Strategies for Balancing Success and Wellbeing:

• Set Personal Goals: Identify what truly matters to you and set goals based on these values and aspirations rather than societal expectations. This ensures that your pursuits are aligned with what genuinely brings you happiness and satisfaction.
• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness to stay connected with your feelings and needs. This can help you recognise when pursuing particular goals detract from your wellbeing, allowing you to make necessary adjustments.
• Establish Boundaries: Learn to set healthy boundaries around work and social commitments to prevent over-commitment and burnout. Learning to say “no” to additional responsibilities that do not align with your definition of success is essential in preserving your mental health.
• Seek fulfilment in the Journey: Find joy and fulfilment in working towards your goals rather than fixating solely on the results. Celebrating small victories and learning from setbacks can make the journey towards success more rewarding and less stressful.
• Prioritise Self-care: Regularly engage in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Whether exercising, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones, self-care is critical in maintaining a healthy balance between ambition and wellbeing.

We can cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life by redefining success to include personal wellbeing and happiness. This approach enhances our sense of satisfaction and encourages a healthier, more sustainable relationship with our goals and achievements.

Conclusion

Embracing a holistic view of success that encompasses all aspects of life encourages us to lead more balanced, content, and ultimately, successful lives. By defining success on our terms, we can achieve greater satisfaction and wellbeing, making our journey through life not just about reaching a destination but about savouring the journey itself.