How Do You Define Success?
Let’s have a little career chat. Specifically around success. We always hear about why it’s important to have a one year plan, five year plan, ten year plan. It’s great to be goal oriented – but keep in mind that goals change. My definition of success today is different than what it was five years ago. I’m sure if I was married with kids, it would be even more different. The way you define success is also probably very different from me. Point being: no two people share the exact same definition of success.
How do you define success?
You guys, the quarter life crisis is real. Talking to my college friends and other people in their mid to late twenties, I quickly realized we are all kind of in the same boat. While it was comforting learning I’m not alone in not knowing what I want to do for the rest of my life, it still didn’t answer any of my own internal questions.
Lately I’ve been thinking about my career and the path I’m on. We recently took a “personality test” at work (similar to Myers Briggs) and I learned that my personality shows strong preferences for several different working styles and traits. While you shouldn’t take the results of these tests as gospel, it did do a lot in helping explain why I’m always so damn indecisive.
Especially when it comes to my career.
I work a corporate job and I’ve always loved working. I know the 9-to-5 life isn’t for everyone, but in my early to mid twenties, the stability and routine was right for me. Getting solid work experience and learning a lot was very important to me. Now, I find myself asking “what’s next?” constantly and not knowing the answer. At the same time, I love blogging and would love to invest more time and energy into it. There are SO many posts I want to work on but I’ve felt restricted because of my schedule and time.
With that said – I’ve never felt even close to being ready to pull the trigger and go all in on the blog. It’s not the right move for me. So in the meantime, I told myself I’d do it all and figure it out along the way. It’s been quite the journey filled with its own ups and downs.
If you’re going through something similar, I highly recommend this reading. It’s a little lengthy but I really enjoyed the framework presented for thinking about success. I know it might sound silly to have a framework for success, but hear me out! By filling out your own personal “kaleidoscope,” you may find that you’re putting too much or too little emphasis on one area of your life, which may be why you are feeling unbalanced or stressed.
The authors write:
“…many people assume success requires a winner-takes-all approach. They believe that success depends on putting all your energy into achieving one goal, be it a single-minded focus on your job or a commitment to being the best soccer mom in your community. But no matter how noble, one goal can’t satisfy all of a person’s complex needs and desires, as the examples at the beginning of the article demonstrate. The same holds true for the goals of a business.”
We all have different definitions of success, because we all have different goals. We’re never driving towards just one goal. We have goals in all aspects of our life, be it personal, professional, financial.
What the article gets into is the idea of enduring success.
“We were interested in real, enduring success—where getting what you want has rewards that are sustainable for you and those you care about. This type of attainment delivers a sense of legitimacy and importance; its satisfactions endure far beyond the momentary rewards of a bonus or a new position. Lasting success is emotionally renewing, not anxiety provoking.”
The key is lasting success.
What is lasting success made of?
+ Happiness – feeling pleasure or contentment about your life
+ Achievement – accomplishments that measure up against goals you have strived for
+ Significance – feeling like you’ve made a positive impact on the people you care about
+ Legacy – a way to establish your values or accomplishments so as to help others find future success
While I can’t say I’ve figured it all out, I will say sitting down and thinking long and hard about my own goals and how I define success has been helpful in guiding me towards the right next step. By thinking about these components of lasting success – happiness, achievement, significance, and legacy – and defining them in my own terms – I find myself much more comfortable with the path that I’m currently on (and know what areas I may need some work in!)
SO. Please share – how do you define success?
Have a wonderful weekend!! I’ll be shooting some new recipes (including some summer cocktails!) that I can’t wait to share with you guys soon. xx
These pictures are so cute! I absolutely love the dress.
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
Awwe this is such a lovely post, I feel like I am in that exact same boat of having no idea what to do. It’s frustrating but I guess everyone goes through it ! Thanks for sharing the read I am excited to get to reading it. Lovely photos by the way, they are just dreamy <3
XOXO
Jess
http://jessprainstyle.com
Stunning photos!!! I really like the dress.
Success to me is prob trying to be a good role model for my child now! How life has changed!
Hi Amy, I must admit that your article made me think a lot. I can’t wait to read the article Success That Lasts that you recommended. Thank you for sharing!
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
This post was written as if it was just for me! I actually have been thinking about my long term goals lately and I totally took this post to heart. I will read the article you linked when I have a little more time to full concentrate on it, but I see how I am an all or nothing kind of girl and if I want to do something I do my best and put forth 110%. As a mom, I want to make sure I am always there for my kids, volunteering, be the best wife, etc. but I also realize that leaves little room to do anything else. To be being successful at something is that you tried your best, you’re making progress and that you are happy with what you are doing. Thank you for this inspirational post and these photos are too gorgeous. Seriously so dreamy and beautiful! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Goals definitely do change! And quarter life crises are so real! Happiness is definitely my success!
Briana
http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/
This post was really interesting. I hope you’ll find what you want to do and don’t worry you have so much time ahead of you 🙂
Love,
https://zimmylifestyle.com
Really loved the concept of ‘lasting success’ ! It goes in tune with my actions 🙂
Fingers crosses that all works well for you girl !!
http://www.desiringsme.com/spring-outfits-camel-coat/
These photos are SO dreamy! I’m in love with every single aspect of your look!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
I used to have a full time job, working 9-6 pm but it didn’t make me feel happy. That’s why I have decided to take another part as a freelancer, as well as, work for my blog. I don’t really know what or how I should define the success. But from what I know for now is that what I have built from the ground is blooming and growing. This makes me happy 🙂
http://www.thequinoxfashion.com/
enjoyed reading this and great photos!!
The Fashion Matters– Travel & Fashion Blog
Simply and nice outfit. Compliments!!!
Great post Dear! <3 Beautiful photos 🙂
http://www.meriwild.com
Thank you so much for sharing this inspirational post Amy! 🙂 Just like you, I’m currently working a corporate job as well, and I’m juggling my blog on the side. I’ve been feeling this way for awhile now too, the indecisiveness of what to do next… Really looking forward to checking out the recommended reading! Thank you again, and hope you have a wonderful weekend!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
The photography in this post is so dreamy, and completely matches the tone of the subject – beautiful! Speaking of which, you’re quite right, it can be comforting to remember how no two people will share the ‘exact’ same concept of what success means. Wonderful, thought-provoking post!
aglassofice.com
x
Thank you for sharing, this write up did make me think, I can relate to your dilemma on so many levels. I too am very indecisive career wise. I am loving your sun dress and the whole outfit, so cute. Beautiful pictures 🙂
xx
https://simpliannie.wordpress.com/
Very interesting read Amy, once again food for thought on your blog ♥ I agree the definition of success is very personal and varies as we change and grow up, but I think it’s very important not to measure our success comparing it with others’ success, but focus on our own goals and find out what really makes us happy and fulfilled – not an easy task on today’s oversharing/overcomparing society 😉 The light on your pics is amazing btw!
Happy Sunday, gorgeous gal!
☼
Saida | She talks Glam
Ah, actually this question is so hard to answer. I never thought about it lol 🙂 I guess being sucessful means to do sth other people highly appreciate and what you personally love doing
Nati xx
http://www.simplyartdicted.com
Amy! This post really hit home for me! I’m in the midst of figuring out what success means to me. It was refreshing to read this post and the article.
Great Job!
xo Jamie
http://jamieonthings.com/
you’re killing it with your blog + a nine to five. you go girl
http://www.thelalalookbook.com
You are so right babe, success if defined differently by different people. For me, success is being happy and content in your home and work-life while still aspiring to reach more life and work goals. I know that’s super vague but that’s how I think I’ll definite it for now. If I hit a more successful milestone, I’m sure my definition will change =p
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Graet and inspiring post! I agree everyone should have a framewor for success. Thanks for sharing babe xx
http://lagoscitychic.blogspot.com.ng/2017/04/spring-fashion-trend-gingham.html
These pictures are breathtakingly beautiful. I love your dress! But I totally agree with your definition of success, I think happiness is the most important factor that people often overlook.
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
This is such an important question to ask ourselves. Thanks for sharing. <3
xx Sara
http://stylemba.com/
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